Things you didn't realise would happen when you became a runner...

[mooning]

I've really caught the running bug and am thoroughly enjoy going out for runs. When I'm not running I find myself thinking about my next run. Before the bug took me, I was the person who thought running boring, how things change.

Other things I didn't anticipate happening when I became a runner:

- Just how many socks I would end up washing (or how much washing I would do generally)

- How much attention I pay to other runner's shoes (their make, wear, style, etc.)

- How much I would begin to fetishise equipment (much of it unnecessary), for instance running lights, cold weather gear, etc.

- How much time on the walk to work I would spend thinking about different routes I might run

- How odd some of my family thing me for doing all this 'running lark'

- I've needed to become aware that I can make my friends' eyes glaze over with all the running talk (must not be evangelical about it)

Is there anything you've noticed (from the mundane to the more ridiculous) that has happened since becoming a runner, that you hadn't anticipated?

[Skywatcher Graduate]

I'm totally with you on this...weird isn't it.

It quite often takes me ages to get to sleep these days, possibly it's due to the fact that I just don't seem to get so tired since starting running, I generally seem to have loads more energy all the time. As I lay in bed trying to sleep, all I'm thinking about is running and my next run, makes a difference from fretting about work and money I guess😁

[mfamilias Graduate]

Oh, I identify with all the above, apart from dreaming whilst walking to work (I work from home and dream at my desk instead), and the socks. I only have two pairs of running socks. But that is of course provisional as I am now incapable of walking past Décathlon without going in (I only ever went there before to get swimwear, plimsoles and beach games for the kids).

I'd add "running jealousy" to the list when I'm in the car and see someone running. And yelling "look, he's wearing (Mizunos/Nikes/Asics...)" when we're watching the French survival series 'Koh Lanta".

[mooning Graduate in reply to mfamilias]

Ah yes the jealousy, I certainly get that.

Decathlon has become a bit of a go-to shop really, that and Go Outdoors for camping equipment. Now just to combine the two.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

- how many drawers become dedicated to running clothing

- how I'd develop a fondness for collecting racing bibs

-how much I'd covet the tightest Lycra in the brightest colours and boldest prints (and wear them anywhere)

-how running has positively affected my self confidence, that I can accomplish great things if I work at it and break it into manageable chunks

[SlowWorm2016 Graduate]

All the above plus eying up lovely woodland paths with total green envy

[OldPossum]

I'm with everyone else on this except I dream on my drive to work and as I listen to the radio, every song is analysed to determine if it would be good to run to 😀

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to OldPossum]

Oh yes, I do this too! Always listening out for songs to add to my playlists☺

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

..my family tell me I talk about running 'all the time'.😮 Now, although for me this is a 'good thing' and it makes me happy - I realise for others it can be a 'not so good thing' and make them feel very bored.😕 This forum is saving my family from a lot of running talk!

I am also always saying ''Oo! I'd love to run here!' anytime I go anywhere new where this might be remotely possible! ☺