What Not to Say to Runners

Once you've been running long enough, you'll inevitably encounter some naysayers who don't like, can't appreciate, or just don't understand your running habit (or obsession). Some of them will make comments that are ignorant, silly, just plain clueless, mean, and – yes -- sometimes very entertaining. To help non-runners avoid offending their running friends, here's a list of comments that runners just don't want to hear:

• "Why are you so slow?"


• "Why do you run? It's SO boring!"


• "You run so much -- why haven't you lost weight?"


• "Why didn't you beat your time from last year?"


• "You're running another marathon? Why would you do that?"


• "So when do you think you'll qualify for Boston?


• "I get tired driving that far!"


• "So how far is this marathon?"


• "Running will ruin your knees!"


• "Don't you know people die running marathons?"


• "Why would you pay that much just to run a race?"


• "You're almost there!" (when the finish line is nowhere in sight)


• "So what if you're injured? I'd be happy if a doctor told me I couldn't run a race!"


• "Oh, so everyone gets a medal at the end?"


• "I thought runners were supposed to be skinny!"


• "So did you win?"


• "I tried running once –- I hated it!"


• "I would run but I don't like to sweat that much."


• "I didn't think old people could run that far!"


• "I did a marathon once -- it was one of the 5K ones."


• (to a pregnant runner) "Are you trying to have the baby while you're running or something?"


• "Who cares if you have a race tomorrow? Just have a beer!"

Also see:
10 Things Not to Say to Marathon Runners
You Know You're a Runner When...
Tips for Marathon Spectators