November 7, 2010 
I like lists. I even like funny, silly, not-meant-to-be-taken-seriously lists. Like this one: Top 5 things to HATE about Marathon Runners . While I certainly didn’t HATE runners before training for a marathon myself, I did kinda feel that they were a little self-important. Some especially that I encountered wouldn’t shut up about their training, their “hydration” (just call it drinking water), and fueling (again, just call it eating). But then I started training and I became one of them; I found myself not being able to talk about much else because so much of my life had now become focused on this one thing. So, I can actually relate a little to people who want to slap the person that gloats about their training and goes on and on, but I can’t say much. I’ve been there myself!
Top 5 Things to HATE About Marathon Runners:
Newsflash Marathon Runners, ANYBODY can run a marathon. All you need is a desire for a hobby so badly you are willing to train for the sole purpose of running 26.2 miles and coming in 958th place at the Chicago Marathon… and $90. Look, if you want to run a marathon or, if you are a puss, a half marathon, that’s awesome. Go for it. Just don’t tell me about it with an aura of smugness like you just graduated Med School. Without further ado, here are the top 5 things I hate about marathonites.
5. Runner’s Goo
Maybe I am crazy, but if I was making the turn from mile 14 to 15, I would assume I’d rather reach out and grab a cup of water instead of squeezing liquid chocolate flavored goo into my mouth. How can that not make you vomit? And how much can it possibly work? Because marathonites treat this stuff like Popeye treats spinach. I’m not buying it. I just think it is some stunt by the running companies to see how willing marathonites are to buy stuff to prove they are the ultimate runner.
(I actually agree with this. I hate the gels. However, I LOVE Chomps, so I’m just as crazy about those little jellies that others are about goo).
4. Fat Runners
How can people who fully train for a marathon still be fat? Oh yeah, because if you are running 15 minute miles, you aren’t exactly ripping through calories. And fat marathonites constantly make you put your foot in your mouth. The fatty approaches you and says “I am training for the marathon,” to which you reply, based off their physique, “oh yeah? When do you start?” And then fatty hits you with the bomb, “I am trained, the marathon is next week.” I have to imagine it is a lot like accidently asking a married lady who recently put on weight when the baby is due.
(There are actually a number of rather overweight people in our large running group. And I definitely don’t have the body of a runner myself. AND I run 17 minute miles; when I ran 26 miles, I burned over 3,000 calories. That’s crazy. But this one is mean spirited; you can’t complain that overweight people never do any exercise and then chide them for not having the “right” physique to be a runner.)
3. Short Male Runner Shorts
You know the guy. He is going through a mid-life crisis and instead of getting a divorce or a sports car, he decides to pick up distance running. Cool. Of course, he can’t just throw on New Balances, mesh shorts and a t-shirt. No, he has to get the full outfit: dry-fit tank-top, weird looking mesh hat, and, of course, shorts that show 80% of their thigh. God forbid we only have to see 50% of your disgusting middle-aged thigh. It would totally mess up your “pace.” Because if you wore mid-thigh shorts instead you would totally run that marathon in 4:24.50 instead of 4:24.20. (Sidenote: Another douche phrase marathonites use: “pace.” Just tell me how fast you run your average mile.)
(This one is true. There are a LOT of male runners in our group that run with these little shorts. Some without a shirt. Hey, they are usually the runners that are doing 7 minute miles; they’ll be finished with the marathon when I’ve hit the half-way mark so I really ain’t got room to talk.)
2. Still Going to the Bar Runners
You and the rest of your slob friends are at the bar, getting drunk (because that is what you do at bars) when a young lady or gentleman walks in and you notice they are not drinking. Someone inevitably asks them the logical question, “Dude, why aren’t you drinking?” The question the marathonite has been jonesing to be asked all night; the entire reason they went to the bar. So, the douche runner responds, “because I am training for the marathon and I have a 16-miler tomorrow.” Really? You do? So why aren’t you home watching a movie? Or hanging out with your douche runner-group? Oh yeah. Because you want all of us to know how awesome your self-discipline is. I think I am going to drive my car 6mph alongside one of those runner groups and blast club music as I drink just so they can know how it feels.
(We never changed our diet and still drank as we normally would. The only thing I can relate to on this one is that we never did anything on Fridays because of our early morning Saturday runs. So our friends have given us a hard time all summer for being boring and staying in on Fridays.)
1. “26.2” Bumper Sticker
Once the marathon is completed, how can the marathonites keep reminding us of their greatness? By buying these annoying bumper stickers that just say “26.2.” Smug bumper stickers for smug people. They might piss me off more than the Darwin Fish bumper stickers. I can just imagine passing a Subaru on the highway armed with a bike rack and one of those dumbass stickers plastered on the back. Seriously, have you ever seen one of the “26.2” bumper stickers on a car that was not a Prius or a Subaru.
(Dude, I’ve already purchased mine. It’ll be on my car within HOURS of finishing the race.)
So any other “haters” out there? Anyone have another dislike for some popular exercise? I personally am not a fan of people that are super into yoga. And speed walkers just look funny.
Well I don’t know about the marathon portions. But I will tell you I take offense to the Prius comment! Haha!
Yeah, that’s just silly because I’ve seen every kind of car with a 26.2 sticker. If there was one car that I saw with more, it would maybe be Subarus.
I know these types. When I was doing a lot of running, I considered getting gels to see if they actually worked or not. I decided against it since I wasn’t that hard core about it.
We volunteered at the City of Oaks (Raleigh, NC) Marathon this past weekend and even at mile 24, I saw lots of runners using the gels. A lot of marathons give those out during the race course. I’ll just bring my chomps along with me.
A girl in my running group did the Marine Corp Marathon a couple of weeks ago and tried goo/gel for the first time during the Marathon and got sick. They always say, DON’T try anything new during the race, but she didn’t bring anything with her (we were spoiled because we had food put out for us during our training runs) and needed to eat something.
Yeah I have to agree about the Goo. I’ve tried it… It always left a grainy weird after taste in my mouth. I just take some chomps, and a couple tylenols before I run. As far as the FAT runners. I was and probably still am on the “thick” side , I’ve done 4 half marathons, and 1 full, and still run longer and farther than most people who claim to be “athletic” so I wouldn’t “hate” on those who are trying and dont have that particular physic. At least they’re doing something healthy. And trust me, the bumper stickers are annoying. which reminds me of a friend of mine who ran one 5k, and POOF, He’s calling himself a “Runner” lol. and is now sportin a “5K” bumper sticker. so there you have it…
Oh, I was a “bigger” girl when I ran my marathon – it certainly didn’t help me lose weight! And I’m one of those annoying people – I only ran one marathon and put a 26.2 sticker on my car!
5. Yeah gels don’t really taste good. The first time I had them I actually did puke later in the race. Now I stay to sports drink.
4. Uhh kinda hurtful to the fat people who run. I’m not really sure how they can stay fat though because I’ve never been above 125 pounds since I began running
3. I kinda have to agree. Those shorts make me cringe. They don’t really benefit you so I say why wear them. Also I hear people make fun of them in secret a lot so yeah, we just stick to regular knee length shorts.
2. Umm… I’m 12.
1. Umm… I’m 12.