I wrote a post a year ago with some symptoms of the running bug, but my case has become more severe so here are some new behaviours that might indicate affliction with the runner’s bug.
1. You thought you had all the gear, but discovered that many more things are needed.
2. You start reading books about running, asking for books about running, and tweeting the authors of books about running.
3. You’re really pleased that you have mesh running shoes, because they let the ice cold slush drain away from your feet so you can keep running even in melting snow.
4. Schools close because of COVID and you’re only allowed to exercise once a day, this is a disaster – walk the kids, run, or make the kids run?
5. You make the kids run or bike with you so you can get the miles in.
6. You plan to reorganise your home office to accommodate the treadmill so that you can exercise indoors on the lockdown days you need to go shopping.
7. RED January is a great idea.
8. You keep moving your own goal targets. 30min 5km to 28min to 25min.
9. You’ve lost count of the niggly injuries: blisters, sore toe nail, chafed waist, random welt on the back of a knee, who cares?
10. You Google how long a pair of running shoes is supposed to last, compare it to you far you’ve run in yours and examine their soles to see if you can get some new ones yet.
11. You join online running communities and engage with them.
12. You worry that your blog Insta might be a bit dominated by running posts and consider setting up a new account only for running stuff.
13. What do you mean a half marathon is a long way? Seems entirely reasonable to me.
14. You’re meant to be binge watching a TV show but you find yourself researching the best twin skin running socks instead.
For more about my running journey, have a read of these if you like:

I wish I could run, I just can’t get on with it with my ankle and hip being dodgy. That said, I love a hike I just can’t do the impact any more.
Cora | https://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
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Oh that sounds frustrating, but best to take care of your body and choose other forms of exercise. X
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My mom started running in her early 40s! She loved it forever. She’s 84 now and still very active. 🙂
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My mum’s heading for 70 and trying to get her 5km back under 40mins. My grandma is 96 and very active too.
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This is really motivating! I’ve been wanting to get my running shoes on… once the weather was nice. Now that spring is finally coming I’m ready. Great post!!
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Yey go for it!
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Reading this has given me the running bug!😂🤣
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Grab your shoes and hit the road 😁
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You’ve hit a bunch of points. I take the winter off from running and it’s almost time to start up again. And it’s time for many of these thoughts…
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Oh I’ve loved running in the cold, the snow not so much but I guess it depends where you are. I have a friend in Montreal who has grips for running in proper snow but I don’t think you’d catch me out in 3 feet of snow and minus 5°C
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I read this post and realised that I have got the running bug. I love reading books about run. I find there help give me good advice. Thank you for your post.
goalofhappiness.com
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Congratulations on the diagnosis
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In my case substitute yarn for running shoes (ever since I caught the knitting bug). 😂 I miss the days when I could run 5km in 17 minutes- granted that was my race pace. Now I’d be lucky to do it at all. Locally we have a gorgeous half marathon in May with exceptional views. Might interest you when Covid is over if the bug gets worse and you start traveling for running. 🏃🏻♀️ Sounds like you’re making great progress! Btw I like your IG as it is, running posts included. Robin
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Thanks, I’m glad the running isn’t putting you off my Insta. I can only dream of a 17min 5km! I did sub 27 yesterday for the first time ever and I’m thrilled with that.
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Fantastic! I was young when I could run that fast. No hope of doing it at my current age!! The main thing is to enjoy it and take pleasure in progress no matter what stage we’re at.😊
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Lol yeah, moving your own targets is a tough one. I mean, I don’t wanna do it, but every time I start, then it becomes a challenge. Thanks for this post!
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Thanks! You’re very right there
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I just ordered and received a new pair of running shoes. Can’t wait to use them. The tread on my old pair was almost non existent. The new ones feel so bouncy!
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Awesome! I need new ones but can’t get to have a fitting and I need to try before I buy as I’ve extended my distance so much lately
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I have bought the same model and size for 25 years. I was fitted for them in a runners shop and as they were perfect for me have just replaced with the same.
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I had my last pair fitted for 5km. Now I’m aiming for 20km I probably need something different.
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I didn’t know you needed a different shoe for marathon length runs. I have only run half marathons. Well done you!
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Oh I have no idea I just know the shop recommended the shoes I’ve got for short distances. I’m only aiming at a half marathon tho. I just don’t know what I’m doing with shoes and don’t want to waste money getting something not right.
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Wow lovely collection, I didn’t know that you can have a running bug..
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Oh definitely
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I love that you’re into running and really enjoyed reading this! It’s something I would love to get into xx
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Watch out what you wish for. Once you’re hooked you’re hooked.
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I’m an avid walker and love my home workouts but running has never appealed to me. I admire people who do it though. I work with several people who have ran the Boston Marathon (the company I work for is a sponsor and they choose people to run every year). I understand it’s a cool experience but it’s not on my bucket list.
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A marathon isn’t on my list (yet).
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Ha ha! That’s so me. I’ve got sores from where my leggings have dug into me and I don’t care! 😀
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It took me a few days to work out where the wound had come from 😁
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This was a great read! I don’t run myself but I really like reading about it, I think that if it’s something that makes you happy it’s great that you share it with everyone. x
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Great post! Totally with you on the niggly injuries. I used to let these put me off, but not any more. Can’t wait to get out again!
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