Runner's Commandments

from "The 53 Runner's Commandments" by Joe Kelly

1. Don’t be a whiner. Nobody likes a whiner -- not even other whiners.
2. Don’t compare yourself to other runners.
3. Remember that if it was easy, everybody would be a runner.
4. When standing in starting lines, remind yourself how fortunate you are to be there.
5. Talk like a runner. “Singlets” are worn on warm days. “Tank tops” are worn to the beach.
6. Don’t always run alone.
7. Don’t always run with people.
8. Remember that no matter how slow you run, you are still faster than someone sitting on a couch.
9. Keep in mind that the harder you run during training, the luckier you’ll get during racing.
10. Remember that races aren’t just for those who can run fast.
11. Think twice before agreeing to run with someone during a race.
12. Look at hills as opportunities to pass people.
13. Never throw away the instructions to your running watch.
14. Don’t try to outrun dogs.
15. Don’t wait for perfect weather. If you do, you won’t run very often.
16. Never run alongside very old or very young racers. They get all of the applause.
17. Go for broke, but be prepared to be broken.
18. Never tell a runner that he or she doesn’t look good in tights.