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Your running zodiac sign

Your character traits as a runner, based on your Zodiac sign

Canadian Running has received some messages from the running stars. There are many kinds of running personalities and we found anecdotally that those personalities can be in line with your star sign. We explored this possibility and came up with the kinds of runners who can be associated with each zodiac sign. If you don’t feel like your birthday fits with your presumed character traits, considering looking further down the list. Turns out you may be a Pisces by birth but a Libra on the trails.

(Disclaimer: a deep understanding of the star signs is not required for the reading of this article.)

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ARIES (March 21 – April 20)

Energetic and highly competitive Aries (who’s used to coming out on top) can struggle with this time of year. With limited opportunities for competition as marathon season is over (except for Santa Runs), this go-getter of a runner can feel their interest waning.

The Aries runner is always finding avenues for competition. For Aries, even the warmup is competitive. Aries runners should keep in mind that the person who wins the warmup jeopardizes their race. Unless, or course, you happen to be Aries runner Mo Farah, in which case you can win the warmup and the race.

TAURUS (April 21 – May 21)

Taurus always leans toward stability and predictability, and the Taurus runner does the same route over and over again. They know the location of all the washrooms and water fountains on the route, they know how long the lights take to change and exactly how many dogs they’ll see, because they’ve been doing this loop for years (10 years and 231 days, to be exact).

Having even-tempered Taurus on your side is a great thing post-race. They’ll celebrate with you if you had a great day, and cheer you up if you missed your BQ. Either way, they’re not too fazed about their own result.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

You never know which side of the Gemini you’re going to get. Expressive and quick-witted, but also highly indecisive, the Gemini runner can make for an unpredictable teammate.

If you find yourself in the company of a Gemini, telltale signs are: constantly trying new gear, falling in love with a training program for exactly two weeks, being the one who talks nonstop through the entire long run. This person has more shoes than any runner you’ve ever met.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Gene Dykes (born under the sign of Aries) with daughter Hilary at Boston 2019. Photo: Facebook

Cancers tend to clash with those in positions of power. You can spot your Cancer teammate as the one who’s always challenging your coach’s workout plan.

The good news is that their tenacious drive and creativity means their pushback has a purpose, so don’t dismiss their ideas. While you’re wondering why Boston’s CITGO sign doesn’t seem to be getting any closer, they’re already turning right on Hereford and left on Boylston.

LEO (July 24 – Aug. 23)

Leos are perfectionists and natural-born leaders who happen to be crazy likeable.

You can find your Leo running friend hyping everyone up ahead of the workout and always leading from the gun. A Leo is the (first) 100-metre hero. But Leo, don’t let your perfectionist side get the best of you. If something is feeling sore in training, a day off might be in order.

VIRGO (Aug. 24 – Sept. 23)

Virgos are obsessed with the science of running. These runners keep immaculate training logs, want to know their pace at all times and can tell you the latest research on carbohydrate intake in the marathon (they’re looking to take in roughly 100g every hour).

Virgo, don’t let your all-work-no-play mentality rob you of the joy of your coveted morning miles. Keep running fun, and maybe even challenge yourself to ditch the watch from time to time (but keep the training logs–those are a great tool).

LIBRA (Sept. 24 – Oct. 23)

Libras are classic conflict-avoiders who like to get along with people. The Libra runner is always beloved by their peers, but don’t ask this person about their opinion of the Nike Next% or WADA’s Russia ban. The truth is, they can’t make up their own mind–so they like to keep their running and their politics separate.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 – Nov. 22)

Highly-organized and efficient Scorpio doesn’t deal well when things are out of their control. All runners hate injury, but no one hates being injured more than Scorpio. The Scorpio is also prone to IPOC syndrome (injured piece of crap). This person really spirals when the injury monsters come their way, but the good news is that they harness their organization and efficiency to quickly source cross-training tools and begin their attack of the elliptical.

If their shoes got discontinued, their treadmill broke or their Achilles is feeling a little tight, you will need to help your Scorpio friend keep things in perspective. Remind them that amidst all of this change, they can only control what they can control.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 – Dec. 21)

Due to your great sense of humour, Sagittarius, it seems like everyone you know wants to meet up for a run–but choose your pairings wisely. Remember that that person you met at your neighbour’s party last weekend might not make the best running buddy (especially if they’re an Earth sign, like Capricorn, Taurus or Virgo).

Another note of caution: try and control the urge to drop your new running mate on an easy run, or you might not get another invitation.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 – Jan. 20)

Capricorn craves routine and structure, which means they’re always the first to arrive at the track or trail. This punctual and motivated runner always has about 80 side projects on the go (which they’ll tell you about while the crush a long run before quickly heading out to finish their highly scheduled day).

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 – Feb. 19)

According to the stars, everything is coming up Aquarius right now. You got yourself a pair of Next%’s, you ran a BQ after a near-perfect build, and your body is feeling good. To keep these good running vibes going, remember to prioritize recovery. Maybe even book a physical therapy appointment this week.

The Aquarius runner is a little unconventional, but clearly their methods work for them. They’ve tried every fad, from the keto diet to barefoot running, and they’re enthused about all of them.

PISCES (Feb. 20 – Mar. 20)

The Pisces runner has a lot of feelings. This is the runner who cries during running commercials.

If you’re their running buddy, you get to help them manage their feelings–about their training, their upcoming race, and their entire running career. If you’re with a Pisces ahead of a race, remind them that it’s just running. For Pisces, a pep talk goes a long way.

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