9 Sneaky Tricks Runners Use When They Don’t Want to Look Like They’re Hardcore Struggling
That check-your-watch thing? We’ve all been there.
Not every run goes as smoothly as you planned. Maybe you’re coming back from a training hiatus, recovering from an injury, or just feeling flat-out sapped. Whatever the reason, you can probably think of a time when you’ve just wanted to stop to take a walk break.
But maybe you’re a bit self-conscious to stop mid-run, and don’t want people to notice you’re basically dying. So, what do you do to make it seem like you’re actually doing just fine? These nine Reddit users seem to have it all figured out. From checking your pulse to taking a “stretch” break, here are their tips to make it seem like you totally meant to stop (Have any tips of your own? Share them in the comments below).
Do the Pulse Check
When I’m getting back into running after being out for a while, I pretend to check my pulse on my neck during walking breaks so passing cars think I’m legit instead of horribly out of shape. —onewordeightletters
Fake Intervals...
Whenever I need a break, I just stare at the watch like I’m doing intervals. —GoldnSilverPrawn
Oh and you got to shake your head like that last split wasn’t fast enough for your liking.—alpha402
...or Fake Having a Smartwatch
I fidget with my watch checking my time and my splits. Not that my watch has either of those. —standardtissue
Schedule Walk Breaks Accordingly
Me: Gotta keep the walk breaks at exact intervals so it’s easy to keep track, and I can tell myself I’m doing them on purpose.
Me when someone else is nearby: Keep running until I’m around the curve and they can’t see me. Dang it, now my intervals are off. Better keep walking until I’m back on track. —sprcow
Check Out the Scenery
”I’m not stopping to catch my breath on this steep, switchbacked trail. I’m admiring the view.” —ilanarama
Speed Up Only When You See People
Run faster when passing pedestrians. —DrSleeper
Take a ‘Stretch’ Break
I pretend to stretch my hamstrings or quads. —DerpyPotater
Call Back Your Glory Days
I hold the side of my stomach and walk with a grimace and a faraway expression in my eyes that hopefully suggests that I’m reminiscing about my kick-ass days. —ohgimmeabreak
Paste On an I’m-Not-Dying Expression
[When] someone [is] running the other way, better crank it up 10 percent, but try to not show the agony on my face. —Raneados
Danielle Zickl is a freelance writer who has 10 years of experience covering fitness, health, and nutrition. She's a graduate of Ithaca College. You can find her work here on Women's Health, and in many other publications including PS, SELF, Well+Good, Runner’s World, Outside RUN, Peloton, Men’s Fitness, and more.
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