The 15 Most Annoying Types of Runners

Written by
Erica Schuckies

We’re getting real and honest about certain types of runners we just can’t deal with. From bragging to pacing, make sure you’re not one of these annoying types of runners.

The Chatty Runner
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This person isn't always annoying...only when you're running hard, or far, or with headphones. They say most of your runs should be completed at a pace at which you can hold a conversation, but most runners know that's just a convenient example, not an actual recommendation.
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The One Who Doesn't Understand Pacing
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This person will run way faster than he should and then stops to walk after realizing he can't sustain his pace. This process is repeated until the end of the race, or at least until he passes out. Little kids and beginners often fall into this category.
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The Stubborn One
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This person just won't let you pass him. Whether it's a guy concerned about a girl showing him up or someone who just isn't okay with "losing," they speed up every time you attempt to pass.
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The Social Media-Obsessed One
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This person can't do a single run without posting at least one picture, announcement or check-in highlighting their run. They have actually never done a full run without stopping to snap an "Insta-perfect pic."

Because if it's not on social, it didn't happen.
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The One That's Naturally Gifted
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This runner wasn't even a runner yesterday, but here they are running six miles without breaking a sweat. It's just not fair!
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The One Who Always Flakes
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This runner always says they want to join you for your run but then 30 minutes before you plan to meet up they flake and you're left running alone. Having a running buddy is one of the best ways to motivate yourself to get out there and run day after day, but having a flakey running buddy is sooo annoying.
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The One Who Stinks
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This person reeks to high heaven, and you can't seem to escape them. They chose the treadmill next to you at the gym or conveniently run your exact same pace during a race. Either way, you gotta find clear air—and quick.
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The Uber Competitive One
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This runner takes competition way past racing. Every long run, every track workout, even the number of crunches you do after your run is a competition—it's exhausting.
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The One Who Makes Excuses
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This person always has a reason why they couldn't run or why they didn't perform well at a race. It's hard to feel sorry for this person when you've already heard every excuse in the book.
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The 'All Running, All the Time' One
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This person can't stop talking about running. Ever. We love running, too—but there are other things to talk about in this world besides putting one foot in front of the other.
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The Not-So-Humble Bragger
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This person can't wait to tell you about her latest podium finish or PR. She usually begins a conversation by asking how your weekend was, only for you to return the favor. And then, you're in for a play-by-play of her most recent accomplishment.
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The Gear Snob
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This person won't settle for anything less than the latest, newest running gear. A six-month old GPS watch? Think again. Last year's shoe model? No way. Only the best will do for this high roller.
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The 'Your Pace is Fine' One
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This person offers to run together and tells you that they will run whatever your pace is. In actuality, this person rarely runs with you for more than five minutes, and either leaves you in the dust or pressures you to speed up to meet his pace.
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The Complainer
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This person offers to run together and then proceeds to complain incessantly at everything. It's too hot, cold, fast, slow, humid, dry, sunny, rainy and imperfect for this person, so just don't even try to make them happy.
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The Perpetually Injured One
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This person is constantly dealing with a new injury. It's always, "Oh, I hurt my knee playing tennis," or, "I can't run, I woke up and my back hurts." Injuries are certainly not a joke and they're really no fun—but neither is this runner.
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About the Author

More Articles by Erica »Erica Schuckies
Erica Schuckies is a writer for Active.com. After graduating from Colorado State University, she spent time working in the rodeo industry, followed by three years with Berkshire Hathaway's Business Wire. Erica enjoys fitness, running, hunting, fishing and being outdoors. Follow Erica on on Twitter, Instagram or Google+.