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22 Funny Running Memes to Keep You Going

Last updated on Dec 17, 2020 By Mia Kercher

Everyone needs some funny running memes here and there to lighten up their workouts.

Memes are a solid reminder that no matter how tough training gets, countless people are going through the same thing. After all, they wouldn’t be so funny if they weren’t so relatable. 

Pushing your limits can be brutal. It can leave you frustrated, anxious, and burned out. You might feel like you just can’t make it another half a mile, even to get you home. 

For those times, save this article and pull it out when you need it. Your suffering is our suffering. We have all been there. And hey, you always feel on top of the world when you’ve mastered your goal. 

You have to keep your spirits up as you train, and sometimes that means laughing at your own struggle. Sure, they might make you waste even more breath from laughing than you’ve spent on training, but it will be worth it…we promise. 

Whether you are training for a marathon or simply trying to build up your speed, there’s something in here for everyone. 

So, let’s get to it!

22 Funny Running Memes to Keep You Going 1

Funny Running Memes Category 1: My Legs No Longer Work

funny running meme

What if I just stayed here for a while? No one will notice, right?

funny running meme

The dreaded “bonk,” or the moment you “hit the wall” and run out of gas, is such a challenge. Sometimes you can push through these and fight on. Make sure you don’t push too much though!

funny running meme monty python

We really do not recommend being this far in denial. While working through discomfort can be helpful, always be aware when it’s time to ease up. You may have to use that arm later. 

Even the most seasoned runners still endure shin splints and other annoying injuries from time to time. You could consider them a rite of passage. Still, to avoid them as much as possible, here are some tips for treating the most common running injuries to get you healed up and back on the road.

funny running meme singing

Everyone knows one of the best ways to deal with pain is to sing through it.

Let it all out. 

If this looks like you just starting out, congratulations! That burn means progress. Here’s some help if you’re looking to get marathon-ready from scratch.

funny running meme tired runner

See? This is your chance to be social. Look at all the possibilities ahead of you. Those are lifelong friends you could be making right there. Nothing says bonding time like being hooked up to an EKG monitor. 

Running Memes Category 2: Is That What I Really Look Like?

Funny running memes are sometimes at their best when they’re honest.

Posture is everything.

Is your spine straight?

Is your core engaged?

Are your shoulders down and back? 

funny running meme expectation vs reality

You don’t want to find out halfway through a run that your legs are out of position and hurting your run time. 

Even worse, you might get injured right as you are settling into your stride.

If you find yourself a bit lost on running form, here’s a quick guide on running form that will smooth over any potential problems. You’ll get into Picture 1 form in no time.

funny running meme spit while running

Really? I couldn’t have waited for a good stopping point? Why do I always do this?

funny running meme race photos

Candid exercise rarely leads to the Instagram-worthy shot. Even Drake knows this.

You know the classics before you even see them on the screen – runny nose, flushed cheeks, hair a wild mess. All are up for capture when you see that photographer at the finish line. 

Some might call that the picture of success. Others might duck and run for cover until the camera focuses on its next victim. 

funny running meme looking good while running

Sure, there are many things worse than catching your reflection in a store window and finding out your hair has become less ‘swish’ and a little more ‘nest.’ It’s pretty up there, though. 

The trick is to run fast enough that no one can see that you’re not at your best.

Running Memes Category 3: There Goes My Motivation

It’s too easy to make excuses to stop. You’ve eaten too much beforehand. It’s too early in the morning. You’re too worn out to go on. 

Well, if you need a little help, we’ve put together a 7-day motivation challenge to get your running shoes on and get you out the door. For a little extra boost, try these ideas.

funny running meme bear chase

You’re at your limit. Every muscle is screaming at you, saying they have definitely had enough. There is no way you could possibly keep going.

Have you tried imagining a bear right behind you? 

Don’t you feel like you might go a little faster? Now you will. Do not let the bear win. 

To be fair, you do not have to outrun it. You just have to outrun the next guy. 

funny running meme eating chips

What motivates you to run? Are you looking for better overall fitness? Do you enjoy the competitive edge of racing? 

Or, like so many of us, is it an excellent way to mow down on pizza? 

Hey, your reasons are your reasons. No judgment here. Whatever gets you out and going is good enough for us!

funny running meme peter parker

This is such a nice feeling. It’s a reminder of how far you’ve come. Perhaps at the beginning of your training journey, one of those sad stragglers was you. Not anymore. Keep going, you rock star.

Running Memes Category 4: Do You Have Your Running Buddy?

One of the best ways to get yourself pumped and ready is dragging…er…getting someone to run with you. You can’t let down your running buddy, right? 

funny running meme friends

I feel like at certain points we are all either Joey or Phoebe. Sometimes you’re both on the same day. A large study by Strava showed that there are five different types of runners. These are:

  • Passionate runners
  • Invested runners
  • Fitness runners
  • Mindful runners
  • Reluctant runners

Reluctant runners (AKA Joeys) are, to no one’s surprise, the most common type. However, the study indicates that those who stick it out for longer than a year tend to evolve into a different type. You can become a Phoebe. It’ll be fun!

funny running meme treadmill humor

On the days where it’s pouring outside, the treadmill is your friend. On one hand, it’s super convenient for getting your cardio in without leaving the room. On the other hand, you have ordered your body to move for a good long while and you never go anywhere. 

funny running memes treadmill humor

If you think about it, running buddies don’t actually have to be buddies. Friendly competition is a healthy way to test your own limits and push yourself further. Whether the other person even knows it’s a competition? Well, that’s up to you.

funny running memes tiger king

However big or small, celebrating your victories is important. Almost anything counts. Took that first step? Victory. Ran the first mile? Victory. Set your own milestones, and then feel the accomplishment when you pass them. 

Running Memes Category 5: I Could Do This Anywhere, Anytime

Whether it’s the cold, the early morning, or other people, nothing stops you. 

funny running memes rainy weather

Some say that is true commitment. You say it’s just efficiency. Who needs all that bulky outdoor wear slowing down your run time? Not you. After all, you have to combat the wind blowing against you.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Memogram (@the_memogram_)

Never mind, this is true commitment. 

funny running memes liam neesan

For the marathon runners of us, this is the holy grail. The finish line is great and all, but that feeling of passing the person in front of you?

And the next one?

And the next one?

It’s pretty great. It goes back to the milestones we mentioned; each one counts.

funny running memes tornado

A little inclement weather can be fun to power through. However, I think we’d better draw the line at actual tornadoes.

Whether you are a casual jogger or a full-blown marathon runner, there is someone out there who knows how you’re feeling. 

When the going gets tough, keep this stash of memes in your bookmarks for later. Let this compilation remind you that no matter how difficult the race gets, humor can be found in everything. 

No matter , what don’t ever give up. Stick to your training plan. And if you don’t have one yet, download our free couch to half marathon plan.

Looking for more running humor?

Check out our 30 favorite funny running quotes!

Any funny running memes to share with us? Send us a link below!

Take Your Running Further With Our Resources...

Half Marathon Resources

How To Train For a Half Marathon (Article)
Best Half Marathon Running Shoes
Half Marathon Training Plans
Free 5-day Half Marathon Bootcamp
The Half Marathon Masterclass

Marathon Training Resources

How To Train For a Marathon
Best Marathon Running Shoes
Marathon Training Plans
Free Marathon Meal Plans
Free 5-day Marathon Training Bootcamp
The Marathon Training Masterclass

Ultramarathon Training Resources

How To Train For an Ultramarathon
Best GPS Watches for Ultrarunners
Ultramarathon Training Plans
Free 5-day Ultra Runner’s Bootcamp
The Ultra Runner’s Playbook

 

Written by Mia Kercher · Categorized: General, Random

Books I Talk About When I Talk About Running

Last updated on Jan 31, 2020 By Thomas Watson

After running, reading books is one of my favourite things to do.

I’m often asked to recommend books about running; whether it’s books on training, injury prevention, personal accounts, or simply good reads.

In this blog, I’m going to cover some of my favourite books about running – books that are ‘good reads’, books which I recommend to runners and non-runners alike.   

These books are great stories and insights into the world of marathons, ultramarathons, and running far – enjoy!

Any if you have any recommendations, leave them in the comments below!

Books I Talk About When I Talk About Running 2Books I Talk About When I Talk About Running 3

Born To Run – Christopher McDougall

A now-classic, Born To Run has been many things to many people.   An adrenaline-fuelled travelogue, a potted history of ultra-running, a manifesto for barefoot running, a thesis on human evolution and a natural sports nutrition guide…Chris McDougall’s bestseller packed a lot into a little book.  

For those who somehow haven’t heard of it yet, BTR tracks runner and journalist Chris McDougall’s journey into the Copper Canyons of Mexico in order to take part in an ultra-marathon with some of the top names in ultra-running (including Scott Jurek) and the local Rarámuri tribe – who run with little more than a sheath of rubber to protect their feet.   Along the way, McDougall revisits the history of distance running and explores how shoe design had evolved to provide more-and-more cushioning – and why that could be a bad thing.  McDougall’s pace meanders at the start then hits 100kmph and doesn’t let up.  

The book’s impact can still be seen every time you pass someone wearing minimalist running shoes or sipping on a chia seed smoothie.   Initially divisive, Born To Run has now become one of those tomes that every runner has to read.

Books I Talk About When I Talk About Running 4Books I Talk About When I Talk About Running 5

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running – Haruki Murakami

In case you haven’t heard of him, Murakami is one of my favourite authors – he writes weird, otherworldly books that are at the same time accessible and have that hard-to-define escapism quality.   He’s also a runner, and in this – one of his few non-fiction books – he opens up simply and philosophically on all aspects of his running.

The book very loosely follows his preparation for the 2005 New York Marathon, which leads to him reminiscing about running in different parts of the world – Hawaii, Boston, Tokyo.  His humble way of chatting about his approach to marathons – its rare for him to take longer than 3hrs 45mins in a marathon – is engaging and leaves you feeling like you’ve had a great conversation with a fellow runner.

I was chatting to a friend recently who doesn’t run, but she read WITAWITAR after checking out some of his other works, and found it totally engrossing.   As well a reflection on a lifetime of running, the book is a glimpse into Murakami’s own life, one that is usually hidden behind his obscure stories.

Books I Talk About When I Talk About Running 6Books I Talk About When I Talk About Running 7

Finding Gobi – Dion Leonard

I met Dion Leonard at the Global Limits Cambodia race a few years ago – the last time I saw him we went for a training run in his adopted home town of Edinburgh.  At the time, we both happened to be training for 4 Deserts races – me for Namibia and Dion for the Gobi March.

Dion’s Gobi race ended up being eventful, in more ways than one.   The runners faced extreme weather and sandstorms and a tough battle for the podium – Dion ended up sacrificing his chances of the no.1 spot to help out fellow competitor Tommy Chen, who was in a bad way on the long day.

But Dion’s life changed during that race for another reason.   On the 2nd day, a little dog began running next to him, and ended up following him through most of the race.   This book is Dion’s story about the race and meeting Gobi, and his subsequent decision to adopt the dog and the whirlwind of media attention, espionage and surprises that came with it.   In the end, Dion moved to China for 4 months to stay with Gobi while she was undergoing the quarantine process.  His subsequent re-telling of the story, ‘Finding Gobi’, has become a media hit and its appeal has stretched far beyond distance runners and dog lovers.  A perfect runner’s tale to listen to on your workout!

Books I Talk About When I Talk About Running 8Books I Talk About When I Talk About Running 9

Eat & Run – Scott Jurek

Here’s a book by a real-life ultra-running hero.

In this, his memoir, Scott Jurek tells the story of how he was an unlikely ultra-runner – growing up in snowy Minnesota, his real passion was for Nordic skiing.  However during his college years he started running long distance events, at first just to have a go, but before long he found himself finishing on the podium.

Since then he has conquered the world of ultra-running, setting new course records at the Badwater Ultramaration (160 miles across the hottest place in the USA), winning the Western States seven consecutive times and taking part in a little ultra involving a lost tribe somewhere in the Copper Canyons…

Amongst the tales from the trail is Jurek’s own personal story of switching to a plant-based diet in 1997 after seeing his immediate family’s serious health problems, which he now cites as key to his athletic performance and recovery ability.

Books I Talk About When I Talk About Running 10Books I Talk About When I Talk About Running 11

The Long Run – Mishka Shubaly

Mishka Shubaly was never a runner (in fact, he wasn’t a writer either, but that hasn’t stopped him).   In circumstances that will be familiar to many distance runners, Mishka found himself struggling with addiction to drink and drugs after years on the road with bands.

It was only through a fluke that he found he could actually run – physical exercise was something that hadn’t been high on his priority list.   Mishka’s additive personality suddenly had a new focus, and he found himself running 100km non-stop races.  The Long Run is Mishka taking you by the hand through some of his darkest experiences, and some of his most transformative.

Mishka heard about Amazon Singles so decided to write something about his running experiences.   What he produced went on to become one of the most read books on the whole Kindle store.

Mishka’s books are ‘Singles’, in that you can read them in just 2 to 4 hours normally – so this audiobook is a great shorter option, and at 2hrs 8mins could be listened to in one run.

Take Your Running Further With Our Resources...

Half Marathon Resources

How To Train For a Half Marathon (Article)
Best Half Marathon Running Shoes
Half Marathon Training Plans
Free 5-day Half Marathon Bootcamp
The Half Marathon Masterclass

Marathon Training Resources

How To Train For a Marathon
Best Marathon Running Shoes
Marathon Training Plans
Free Marathon Meal Plans
Free 5-day Marathon Training Bootcamp
The Marathon Training Masterclass

Ultramarathon Training Resources

How To Train For an Ultramarathon
Best GPS Watches for Ultrarunners
Ultramarathon Training Plans
Free 5-day Ultra Runner’s Bootcamp
The Ultra Runner’s Playbook

 

Written by Thomas Watson · Categorized: Guides, General, Random

Ode To Old Running Shoes

Published on January 14, 2018 By Thomas Watson

Normally I write straight-shooter tips on running tips and strategies.

Today I thought I’d write about my old pair of running shoes which I still wear.

They’re still with me after over two and a half years of pounding.

They’re old and beaten, completely lost any form or bounce… and any normal advice would tell me to ditch them.   But for whatever reason, they’re still my go-to shoes at least once a month.

OldShoes

I first bought a pair of New Balance 1010v2‘s back at the tail-end of 2014.   I’d been running in fairly minimalist shoes for a couple of years and wanted a trail-oriented shoe.   The NB was a perfect match – lightweight but robust, minimal drop and a wide toe box.   They became my only running shoes.

Fast-forward to mid-2015 and I realised NB was moving on.  It was time for the annual cycle of releasing new shoes and they were re-vamping the Minimus line.

I managed to stock up on a couple of more pairs of 1010v2s before they were completely phased out.  Today, I’ve got one remaining pair still holding in there.

OldShoes

I’ve run with these shoes in Sri Lanka and Cambodia.  They still have thorns in the soles from a 100km race in India.    This pair of shoes has seen well over 1000km of running in their days.  And now, as the inner lining has gone all loose and is gradually wearing away, I take a bit of extra care with them and only take them out for short training runs.  The soles show relatively little wear, but the form of the upper is relaxed and loose. They don’t spring like they used to.

Sometimes the fickleness of shoe manufacturers can be frustrating – especially when you’ve found a particular shoe you like.   They continue to roll out new models and push the latest features.   Fair enough.   I now rotate a few different pairs of running shoes, but I’m yet to find a pair that suits me as well as my old 1010v2’s…

Take Your Running Further With Our Resources...

Half Marathon Resources

How To Train For a Half Marathon (Article)
Best Half Marathon Running Shoes
Half Marathon Training Plans
Free 5-day Half Marathon Bootcamp
The Half Marathon Masterclass

Marathon Training Resources

How To Train For a Marathon
Best Marathon Running Shoes
Marathon Training Plans
Free Marathon Meal Plans
Free 5-day Marathon Training Bootcamp
The Marathon Training Masterclass

Ultramarathon Training Resources

How To Train For an Ultramarathon
Best GPS Watches for Ultrarunners
Ultramarathon Training Plans
Free 5-day Ultra Runner’s Bootcamp
The Ultra Runner’s Playbook

 

Written by Thomas Watson · Categorized: Random, Gear · Tagged: old shoes, running shoes

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