7 gross habits runners have to ditch

In the coming weeks, it will likely be deemed safe to meet with a few friends for a run, and when that time comes, things will be a little different. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of previously acceptable (but shockingly gross) habits that runners are going to need to curb. Welcome to the new rules of the germ-conscious group run.

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No snot rockets

If you’re running alone and your snot rocket has a zero per cent chance of hitting someone, that’s one thing. But getting your nose particles on your training partners was never that cool, and it’s really not cool now. Start bringing a tissue on your runs, because we all know running can get snotty.

Example: avoid everything Tom Brady just did. He broke three rules in three seconds.

No high fives

The post-workout high five is very ingrained into running culture. It’s a really nice way to congratulate a teammate after a hard effort. As well-intended as the high five is, it has to go. Think about it: you’re really sweaty, you’ve certainly touched your face and/or mouth about 1,000 times since you started running and you’re using that same hand to touch your partner’s hand. This once-innocent and actually beloved act, is now a no-go.

No sharing water bottles

And yes, “waterfalling” still counts as sharing.

No sweaty hugs

A hug after a good race, after a hard race or to congratulate a friend are all special moments. But for now, consolations and congratulations will have to come from words alone.

No drinking from public water fountains

Please runners, bring your own water bottles. If you’re heading out for a summer long run, try and leave a few bottles along the way, or recruit a partner to bike alongside you.

Avoid the water fountain at all costs.

No spitting

Runners get phlegmy, but from now on we have to band together and remove spitting from our list of “acceptable things to do on a run.” If you really have to, excuse yourself (like you would for a bathroom break) so that you don’t accidentally spit on your friends.

No more training through sickness

Everyone would (at least) once a year show up to a grow run or practice feeling a little under the weather. They’d probably tell themselves that it’s just a head cold, and that running wouldn’t make it worse. While that logic still technically applies to a solo run, please don’t run with others if you’re not feeling well. When in doubt, go at it alone.

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