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Etiquette reminders for runners attending holiday parties

Chances are you've got some parties lined up in the coming weeks. Here are our guidelines to fit in among non-runners

Runners are free to be themselves among the circles that understand them, when their habits won’t offend or shock those in their midst. But a holiday party is typically a melting pot of friends, and not all circles understand the habits of runners like other runners or the people closest to them.

From eating a ton, to talking about upcoming races, to showing up sweaty, here are a few things that runners would normally do that should be reigned in for the benefit of non-running party-goers. Unless you’re at your running club’s holiday party–then the following is actually encouraged. 

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Eat everything 

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At a holiday party, there’s always food of some sort, sometimes even dinner. Runners eat more than most people. As a rule, take one normal-size serving and wait until everyone is done before going back for more. Better yet, consider pre-eating, so the inevitably small portions at dinner fill you up. 

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Show up sweaty 

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When seeing running friends, the activity almost always has to do with running, so showing up sweaty is fine. For a holiday party, try and squeeze the run in earlier in the day and show up clean. Not everyone is as understanding as your running buddies.

Wear running shoes

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We know, they’re practical and comfortable. We’re not saying you have to wear heels, but throw on a pair of nice shoes for the party. Better yet, wear running shoes to get there and change into different shoes for the actual event. 

Talk about their mileage 

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For most non-runners, chatting about training isn’t that interesting. Save that for your end-of-year team party. 

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Get competitive 

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Runners are naturally competitive. We love challenging each other to races, stealing segments and doing longer running streaks. Unless it’s a competition to see who can clean up the fastest, leave your competitive spirit at the door. 

Wear race t-shirts 

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This sort of goes hand in hand with wearing running shoes. Class it up a little bit at the holiday party and wear something festive, not your Boston 2018 shirt.  

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