When you’re a die-hard lover of running, obsessed in a way that most people can’t even understand, there are certain things about running that just make a run a little extra special. Guilty pleasures, if you will. As runners we know that there are certain “rules” we should typically follow so that we stay safe, injury-free, healthy, etc. But once in a while it’s ok to let loose a little! Let’s look at some of the guilty pleasures of running, at least the ones I think of as guilty pleasures.
Long Runs
I shared a few weeks ago how I feel here is a “magic” to the long run. I still feel like I am doing something wrong when I do a long run, after being injured for so long. Each time I head out for an undetermined amount of time with no limits, I feel like I am breaking a rule. I feel like I am indulging in running by going on a long run.
Running “Just for Fun”
When you are used to following a training plan, running just for fun becomes a guilty pleasure. Even though I haven’t followed a training plan in years, I still feel a little guilty when I just run whatever I want and whenever I want. Usually I follow a loose plan involving days off between runs and moderate mileage. Over the holiday break I ran a bunch of days in a row and whatever distance I wanted. Living on the edge, right?
Skipping the “other stuff”
You also probably know that I am pretty structured about my core work and strength training. When I let myself skip this stuff it certainly feels like a guilty pleasure! Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy that stuff because I know it’s important, but I would much rather just run. It felt like a vacation to take off from it for a bit.
Listening to Podcasts or Music
I never run with headphones when I run outside in the mornings, mostly for safety reasons but also because I like the time to think. When I run on a treadmill or at a time/in a place where I can wear headphones it feels like a special treat. I am hoping that being able to listen to music or podcasts once I start running on a treadmill more will make it a little more enjoyable.
New Running Shoes or Clothes
Who doesn’t love running in a new pair of running shoes or a new running outfit? It feels like Christmas!
Running in the daylight or perfect weather
I feel like 95% of my runs are in the dark or bad weather. I enjoy weekend runs when I run in the daylight, but perfect weather makes it even better. (Right now I would take anything above 20 degrees.)
Post-Run Indulgences
As runners, we should treat ourselves once in a while, right?! Some of my favorite post-run “indulgences” include a nap, sitting by the fireplace, drinking coffee, going out to a big breakfast, or having a beer (this is really just after a race- I’m not usually one to start drinking at 9 am!).
Sometimes these guilty pleasures can make a day when it’s a struggle to get out the door a little more enjoyable!
[Tweet “Even runners have guilty pleasures! See how @milebymilerun likes to indulge during and after a run. #tuesdaysontherun #runchat”]
What are some of your running guilty pleasures?
Do you run with headphones?
Do you like following a plan or just doing whatever workouts you feel like?
I’m linking up with No Guilt Life, MCM Mama Runs, and Marcia’s Healthy Slice for Tuesdays on the Run and Rachel, Lora, and Debbie for the Coaches’ Corner!
Typically I run with music, although I resisted it for a long time. I don’t race with it though. You know I’m all about post-run pampering. Post long-run naps are the bomb if you can get one!
I used to always run with music until I took the RRCA coaching coarse. As a group we had a good discussion about the pros and cons to running with music and I decided to stop using it, at least for my outdoor runs. Lately I have been taking naps whenever I can after a long run!
Oh, that post run beer at 9 am is probably the biggest guilty pleasure I can think of! In fact, I was just talking about it yesterday to my CrossFit coach.
For some reason drinking at 9 am suddenly becomes acceptable when it’s after a race. And I think it tastes better after a hard run!
My favorite guilty pleasure is the post run meal, especially after a half marathon on marathon – I’m all about a great brunch or a huge slice of pizza!
It’s such a nice treat to have a big meal after a long race! It usually takes some time for me appetite to come back, but then I love going out for a burger and fries.
Running in the absolute worst conditions is one of my guilty running pleasures. I know everyone passing me in their warm dry car is probably thinking I’m crazy! And I love it.
That is too funny! I feel guilty running in perfect weather, like I need to earn it or something. But there is something special about running in bad weather knowing your are one of the few people braving those conditions.
Naps are great on the weekends. I’ll nap the day of a long run, and I’ll nap on Sundays too, after a good strength workout.
I really like naps after a tough workout, especially in the winter!
One of my guilty pleasures lately has been listening to audiobooks during my long runs. I never run with headphones or any audio (except the rare treadmill run) and it feels like such a treat!
I know what you mean! Its nice to not use headphones often because then they become a treat when you do use them.
Actually, I am so looking forward to the return of summer! For me, a total guilty pleasure is a hot run in the pre-dawn hours…finishing just after the sun has risen. The sky is beautiful, I’ve gotten my running fix, and then have the entire day ahead of me 😉
I have to admit I really like those hot summer runs too. I usually complain about them after awhile, but I much prefer them to cold runs.
No headphones for me! When I got back in to running, we didn’t live in the best area and I ran early in the morning in the dark. I wanted to be able to hear what was going on around me. I just got used to it. The other day, I had to do a long run on the treadmill because of the weather. I dusted off my old iPod and listened to that. It was actually kind of fun! Except that the cord kept getting in my way. But still, it was cool to hear music I haven’t heard in a while. And, I have a very random playlist so …. some of the songs actually made me LOL. haha
I can’t do the beer after a race. Nope. But, that’s probably because I don’t really like beer. I’m not sure how I would feel about a glass of wine…..
And I LOVE just running for fun! I guess I never thought about it as a guilty pleasure but, you what, it kind of is! No strings, just running for enjoyment. Love it!
I have issues with cords from headphones too! Ive been on a search for wireless ones but havent found ones I like.
I don’t think Ive ever had wine after a race. But Ive never not wanted a glass of wine, so Im sure i would like it!
If I wrote this, I think there would just be a picture of chocolate cake. haha!! 🙂 Very good points though – however I find not being on a plan of some sort just allows me to make bad decisions (too many miles, running every day) so I need to keep myself in line!
I am the same way with not being on a plan- thats why its my guilty pleasure and I don’t let myself do it too often!
Every time I get a new pair of shoes I always feel like my next run goes so much better and it gets me motivated to get out there and put them to good use!
New shoes are so motivating! They definitely get me excited for my next run.
I never run with music – I apparently have enough going on in my own head to keep me entertained LOL.
I’m guilty of skipping all the workouts except running and I’m paying the price now…
I’m the same way with music- on most days I don’t miss it at all! But sometimes on a long run I think it would be nice to have something to distract me (although once Im out there I realize I really don’t need anything.)
I agree that taking a break from a workout plan is definitely a guilty pleasure. It’s nice to just wing it sometimes (or all the time, haha).
Yep, definitely! I know I need a plan otherwise I run too much and don’t do any strength work, but its fun once in awhile to take a break!
I wish I could run without headphones outside, but I really love listening to podcasts. When I do music though (mostly on the treadmill), it does seem like an indulgence!
Lately when I consider bringing headphones on my run I get annoyed with them (trying to set up whatever Im listening to and then pack it away under 6 layers of clothes in my running belt). But listening to music on the treadmill helps to take my mind off the run and does feel a little bit like a treat!
I rarely run with music because I am always running with friends in my group and chit chatting away. I do not feel guilty at all for going out and running just to run. I do sometimes feel bad about the overnight race cations though. My kids are older and they don;t even need me so I have no idea why I still feel guilty!
I think whenever I spend money on running I feel a little guilty, and race-cations can definitely add up!
Yes to all. And carbs.
Of course!
I do run with headphones but I certainly agree that for safety reasons, it’s best to be more aware. thankfully I just stay inside my community and dont run in the dark so I’m able to keep my music on! I would be lost without it lol. it’s rare that I run without it but sometimes I do and I enjoy that too – but only on occasion.
It’s so weird that I used to run with music all the time and now I never think about it anymore. Every once in awhile I think it would be nice to have on a long run just to help the time pass by.
Running with music is such a huge treat! Then again, any running right now would be a huge treat for me. Can’t wait to get back to it.
I hope you can get back to it soon!