We runners are a different breed. We put ourselves in physical distress on the regular, we push ourselves to be better, faster stronger all while trying to maintain our sanity. In order to do such things we put up with a lot of gross stuff. This blog post and our podcast focuses on the gross things we runners do and put up with all to get our daily run in. We may be able to help with a few of these things so you’ll see some pointers throughout this article as well!

Feet

So lets be honest runners feet are not so hot. There are so many things to contend with, blisters, blood blisters, bruised toenails, chafing and soooo much more. Here are a few pointers to deal with a few of those issues. If you’re someone who gets blisters try to invest in some good high quality socks that will keep your feet dry. Moisture = blisters and the polyesters in high quality socks will move that moisture and keep those feet of yours dry and blister free! Toenails are another things you’ll want to pay attention to when you’re running out there, if you don’t have enough room in the front of your shoes, they can get all bruised up and maybe even fall off! To make sure that doesn’t happen you’ll want to have half a thumbs width of space between your toe and the front of the shoe.

Noses

We’ve all been there on a run in the winter or the fall and you’ve got to blow your nose. Did you bring a tissue? Probably not. You’re more than likely going to partake in an act known as the “snot rocket” familiar to most runners its the simply act of closing one side of your nose and blowing out the other side. Rocketing your “snots” from your nose and into the air. Our suggestion move to the back of the pack please, especially in this day and age. Also some apparel and garments have specific spots for you to wipe your nose on them, our favorite pair of Zensah gloves has a soft spot made for just that!

Darkness

Now this one isn’t gross in the traditional sense, but it’s gross nonetheless. It’s Fall and that means in the morning it’s dark and in the evening it’s dark and running in the dark is gross. Sometimes runners complain about winter because of the cold and snow, we complain because of the darkness. It’s so tough to get motivated when the sun goes away and you have to strap on a headlamp just to see where you’re going! GROSS.

Anyway, we know there are a hundred different gross things we could cover as runners and we cover a few more in Our Run Club the podcast. Check it out if you’re so inclined!

Coach E