At first, I thought of writing about why you should date a runner, you know, the positives. But then wondered, aren’t there negatives of dating a runner? I wouldn’t know, but I know who would—my boyfriend.

So, I picked up my notepad and pen and approached the sitting room, where he was idly seated using his phone. Smiling suspiciously, I sat down and presented my question.

A bit hesitant and smiling nervously, he put his phone down and explained as I noted.

So, in case you’ve always wondered what a relationship with a runner girl is like, here are insights from my boyfriend.

Positives of Dating a Runner Girl

1. There’s Less Take-Out and More Cooking

He had to start with food, ha-ha.

Food is energy; the secret is in the portions: more protein, vitamins, and fewer carbohydrates. With take-outs, it’s the reverse, more carbs, less protein, and no vitamins.

Therefore, cooking must be a priority to have the energy to run without getting tired quickly.

2. Running Will Rub Off on You Too

Her passion and commitment to running will make you want to try running too.

What is this quote that speakers often say? A healthy relationship is when two people inspire and empower each other to be better. Right.

3. You Become More Adventurous as a Couple

Not just running and hiking outdoors, but also in the bedroom (his words).

Challenging yourself daily through running gives you the confidence to try new things.

4. The Happiness is Infectious

The real happiness in running comes from knowing that even as you care for others, you’re also caring for yourself. That contentment in your heart overflows into your relationship.

5. The Intimacy is Out of this World

Running is an aphrodisiac. It makes you feel good in your body, increasing your confidence to initiate intimate acts/talks in your relationship. It’s an endurance exercise that helps reduce stress and anxiety and, therefore, boost your sexual desire.

Also, occasionally, encourage your partner to go running with you, as studies show that couples who run/exercise together report increased affection in their relationship.

6. Dates Become Run Related

When dating a runner girl, please know that the only date she wants is a run date on the trails, dressed in her running gear and with no make-up.

And if you want to go full out and impress her, pay for a race for the both of you and run together. Then have a picnic after. Trust me. You will be speaking her love language.

Related: Annual Trail Running Races in Kenya Supporting a Good Cause

7. Mirror Dances Become a Thing

He’s right.

I can’t count the number of times he has walked in on me doing sexy whatevers in front of the mirror. Running makes you feel so confident in your skin that you can’t pass by a mirror in your house without doing a sexy pose or dance. You know, feeling yourself.

Or is it just me? Who else does this? I would love to know I have a twin, lol.

Negatives of Dating a Runner Girl

“I wouldn’t call them negatives but, let’s go,” he says

1. It’s a Threesome

Running is her other love, and you must be willing to share her if you want the relationship to work. He adds.

I couldn’t agree more.

When new runners realize the awesomeness that running brings to their lives, they are hooked. Take it or leave it.

Related: A Healthy Addiction: How to Get Completely Hooked to Running

2. The Early Morning Alarms Are Annoying

Lol.

When dating a runner, you must get used to the alarms. Not just one, but at least two. One an hour before wake-up to warn you that it’s almost time, and the second one to tell you it’s time.

But can you blame us? That shows how committed we are as runners, even in a relationship.

3. Forced Massages

Something else you will need to learn to do well when dating a girl who runs is to give good massages, as we constantly experience muscle aches and soreness due to frequent running.

Hey runner?

If it makes you feel any better, muscle soreness indicates muscle growth. And the most reliable way to treat muscle soreness besides a massage from your boyfriend is to keep running.

Run the next day lightly and stretch to enhance muscle flexibility.

Related: Easy-to-do Post-Run Standing Stretches

4. Sweaty Clothes Everywhere

“Sweat is sexy.” Only runners think that. It’s like we don’t care about the non-runners in the house. Or maybe it’s a way of inciting you to come running with us.

Tip Time

When damp clothes are left for long, they release a foul smell and get unremovable stains. Therefore, for the sake of your relationship and sweaty clothes, hang them out to dry, and wash them later when you have time.

 5. All the Money is Consumed by Running Stuff

Nothing matters to me more than starting my day with a run because I’m the grumpiest person you’ll ever meet when I skip it. So, buying running shoes and clothes or paying for a race will come before a pair of jeans or a pedicure any day.

6. Expect the Never Ending Running Gossip

“Beb, there’s this runner I saw on the road today…” “Can you believe today I did 50 burpees?”

Ah, we runners get so excited about running that we can’t wait to tell. And who do we better tell than our boyfriends? So, I hope you don’t get bothered by the running talk when you start dating a runner girl.

I’ve had the most fun writing this piece. Now I’d like to hear from you.

Do you have any other tips on the pros and cons of dating a runner?

Let me know in the comments. Your feedback is important to me.

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