7 things only running couples understand

Running couples are those in which both members of the partnership are running-obsessed. If you’re a running couple you’ll understand the benefits (and sometimes minor inconveniences) of being with another runner.

RELATED: Why you should never ever date a runner

The stinkiest running shoes stay outside

There’s a scale of running shoe stink from 0 (fresh out of the box) to 10 (“I don’t care that your foam isn’t toast, those smell like a bad Cheeto. Please get a new pair.”)

Rate your shoe according to that scale and decide if it needs to be in your home or maybe it’s time to either part with this shoe, or give it an outdoor resting place.

If you’re bringing more gear in, you’re taking some gear out

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If you live in a city, space is a real luxury. Even though running gear doesn’t take up tons of room, you can only have so many shoe racks.

When possible, runs are done together

When life gets really busy, sometimes running is the best way to spend time together. It’s more fun to go on a running date than a regular date anyway.

Your vacation destination has to be runnable (or at least have a treadmill)

A couple of weeks off running doesn’t make you or your partner a better person. The morning miles are a big part of mood regulation for most runners. To get the most out of your trip, obviously the pair of you will map out routes even before pressing book. Because why would you go somewhere and no be able to do the thing you love?

You probably met running

There are examples of running couples who convert the partner (from non-runner to more obsessed than they were) but plenty of running couples meet while doing their favourite form of exercise. Whether they met at a group run or a race, runners are drawn to other runners. Clearly there’s nothing like a groggy, sweaty Sunday morning 21K run in the sweltering heat to help people decide, “This is the guy/gal for me.”

If you love me, buy me groceries

It’s the little things. Running couples know that there’s one way straight to their runner’s heart, and that’s buying them food. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy (we mostly subsist on bananas anyway) but bringing home food for dinner (or even their favourite snack) goes a long way.

The other side of the coin is that leaving the fridge and pantry bare (because you finished the last scraps of food) and subsequently coming home empty-handed won’t bode well for you.

Your have so many bibs and medals you could run your own race

Should you two ever decide that race directing is in your future, don’t worry about ordering medals and bibs, just use the massive collection you’ve accumulated over the years (your closet space will thank you).

Sometimes you argue about training

Whether it’s the latest way to get faster or whether runners should lift heavy at the gym, you and your running partner will find many running topics where your views differ (strongly).