You might think the tomato red face, salt caked shirt and neon shoes are the fastest way to spot a runner…
Not all runners overheat, they don’t live in Florida.
Not all runners sweat, I’m told some glisten (weirdos).
Not all runners like shoes that could help land a plane at night.
Yet despite our preference in gear, our location, our physique and even our pace…you can still spot a runner.
A quick scroll through Instagram or Facebook will show that there is a formula for being a runner which includes at least these 12 signature photos. Whether they make us better runners or not I’ll let you debate, but they certainly prove we run.Here are a few examples I found recently from wonderful runners that showcase our runner tendencies and of course poking a bit of fun at our ways…we be crazy, but it’s fun! For better or worse here are 12 ways to spot a runner on social media!
1. Race medal selfie.
From the first 5K to the bazillionth marathon, it remains an iconic must have photo. To achieve this look ensure the photo is taken within minutes of the finish while still glowing with sweat and bonus points if you choose to bite the medal, which seems to be an idea we picked up from Olympians (bizarro).
2. The Monica – no not the Friends star, the RunEatRepeat run pose.
Of course she may not be the first runner to pretend to run for a photo, but she has definitely perfected the art of doing it anytime and everywhere. To accomplish, simply stand on one bent leg with arms bent in running fashion.
Doing the #RunEatRepeat pose on the cruise last week! A photo posted by Run Eat Repeat / Monica Olivas (@runeatrepeat) on
3. Running watch photos – look we’ve all got one!
Some days you have a really great run for pace or distance and darn it, people need to know!! Added bonus for cute bracelets to indicate that while you’re sporty you’re still totally fem. To achieve hold out for a really great run and then snap a photo of the results tagging your favorite watch brand in the process.
4. Green smoothie photos (peppered with donut photos)
That’s right we didn’t just run, we also spent time eating right! Booya take that world…now we’re going to go have a pizza and a cookie later, but right now look how healthy we are! Bonus points for still getting some of your workout gear in the photo, hence you haven’t even showered and you’re refueling like a bada**.
It’s a wonderful thing to enjoy your recovery as much as the workout!! A photo posted by Amanda C Brooks (@runtothefinish) on
5. Running shoes with scenic backdrop
We don’t just run, we run in really awesome places. Wish you were here…and sometimes we wish we were there because 90% of our run could have been through the hood, you’ll never know.
6. Looking down at running shoes.
Listen we’re tired, we just finished running ok?! But you need to see our super cute outfit, shoes and the grass before we head in to shower. Bonus points if we can get leaves, flowers or a pet in the photo too!
I've completed ___ of the 12 #runner poses on Instagram! How many have you done?? Click To TweetPink, purple and yellow look good together. A photo posted by Angela (@happyfitmama) on
7. Sweaty Groupie.
It’s always acceptable to get in close with smelly running friends for a group selfie to prove that you do indeed have others to run with and who love you despite your crazy runner tendencies.
8. Stretch it Out.
We talk a lot about the benefits of stretching, it doesn’t mean we do it, but we certainly want to ensure it looks that way. Plus sometimes you finish your run and realize it wasn’t good enough for a watch photo.
GOOOOOD MORNING!!!!! 5 miles with @aaaacon bright and early + 1 hour strength class! Just punched Tuesday in the face! A photo posted by Erin ???? (@thelittlerunnergirl) on
9. Motivational Quote.
In case we’ve missed a day of running, we like to supplement with a quote that will make everyone else feel bad for not getting their sweat on. While I am not a coffee drinker, that puts me in the minority of runners – so bonus points if you tap in to the coffee love with your quote.
A photo posted by Jennifer (@jenchoosesjoy) on
10. The Hat.
Instead of a full on selfie, this seems less look at me and more yeah I’m so awesome, I rocked this run and am now bowing down to my bad self. PS look how cool the place I just ran is…alternatively, this run really sucked but I did it anyways.
Be courageous and wild at heart. Be your own hero. Follow your dreams no matter how big they are… And never give up! A photo posted by See Jen Run (@fueledbyfrosting) on
11. Jumping Photo.
Not only did we run, but we loved it and still have enough energy to jump up and down to tell you about it!
If the weather could just stay like this that would be great. I’m really digging these warm fall days ✌ A photo posted by Morgan Shuker (@wildly_fit) on
12. Sunrise.
That’s right we get up before the rest of the world and we like to prove it! It’s pretty and wonderful and you missed it, but not us as runners we watched it from the first glimmer of color to full light.
One of the prettiest skyline sunrises I’ve seen in a while ? That view never gets old. What’s YOUR favorite place to #run and at what time? A photo posted by Katie Ann (@hungryrunner) on
BONUS: FLAT RUNNER!!
Standard night before a race announcement to the world is made by meticulously laying out your running gear as one large advertisement.
Hilarious and true! 12 Ways to Spot a #Runner on Social Media #RunChat #FitFluential Click To Tweet
Which of these 12 have you done?
Any signature photos I missed? Feel free to share them on my FB page!
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fitnessfatale
Haha I definitely have posted most of these at some point, my favorite being the sunrise photos and the medal photos (that one is a given right?)
Allie
I think I have only NOT done 2 of these – flat self and the quote! Love them all and especially love some of the runners you highlighted!! Great post Amanda!!
My recent post NYC Marathon Race Recap – Mistakes Were Made, Perspective Was Gained
christineyu69776410
hahaha I LOVE these! I think that there's only 1 I haven't done!
My recent post How to Survive Marathon Training and Running With Your Significant Other
Susie @ Suzlyfe
Don't forget the ubiquitous protein pancakes or ice cream lol. also, compression socks picture
My recent post Dealing with Injury: Scared to Move
RunToTheFinish
OHHHHH the compression socks!!! YES!! Hmm I feel this list is going to need to be updated quickly
My recent post 12 Ways to Spot a Runner
youngandrungry
YES!!! The flat runner, looking down at shoes picture, and the watch instagram are what I am most guilty of! This is great!
wendy
You pretty much hit the nail on the head. Have you been stalking my IG feed? LOL!
My recent post Pushing outside of the zone
manic
HAHAHA. I’ve done all of these as well. Another one to add is the Foam Roller photo.
RunToTheFinish
OHHH yeah the foam roller or PT photo!
The Chi-Athlete
I LOL'd my way through this post! LOVE IT!<3 I am all of the aboveeeeeeee.
RunToTheFinish
WOHOOOO I was sure hoping people would think funny and not what a nerd…but I am still a nerd.
whostardis
all of those are so spot on! the runner selfie with medal is my favorite
leisonlife
Fricken hilarious! I can't stop laughing! I have done them all!
RunToTheFinish
Right?! I mean they are great and I clearly do it, but funny.
Darlene Cardillo
yup. Done these.
and the injury pic – one with foot in a boot.
My recent post Wednesday Word: Complacent
RunToTheFinish
OHHH the injury pic where you aren\’t sure if people should like it or not, ha those are the worst!
a traveling Wife
I love these!! I am totally guilty of a few. :)
Holly
Yea me! I’ve only done 6.
Don’t forget the “After running-I’m drinking beer at the finish line.”
thisrunnersrecipes
hahaha so funny and so true! I've done several of these, especially the shoes and and Garmin shots.
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Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
Completely guilty of doing every single one! I never would have thought to do ANY of those before blogging /social media. But now, it’s common place! It’s like a rite of passage.
Smitha @ Running with SD Mom
This is one of the best posts I have read in a long time! Hilarious and I am so happy I made Pavey’s sweaty group pic! ?
kristenk
Haha I've done 10 of these! That's hilarious! Literally yesterday I was like "Too injured to run, might as well do an inspirational post". We are too predictable!
Besa
I laughed so much because it's so true!!! I've done at least 10 of these! how about the proud mom or dad post where we get our kids to run with us?
Besa
I laughed so much at this it’s so true! I’ve done at least 10 of these ? How about the proud mom/dad pics when we get our kids to run with us☺️
Emma
I love this! You missed out the injured runner photo. I’ve shared a few sad because I’m injured poses during my running career :-)
Kathryn
Oh dear, I'm afraid I'm guilty of many of these. Top offenders: medal selfie, running watch photos, looking down at running shoes, sweaty groupie, jumping photo, sunrise, and flat runner.
I have done the "Monica" but do not any longer… instead I make my friends take photos of me actually running.
No green smoothies or stretching for me. I hate smoothies and I don't stretch enough. But plenty of post-run breakfast/coffee shots featuring shoes or watch.
=)
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Erin
All true. All the time. hahahahaha
Kathy McElhaney
There’s also the weather app screen shot. “86 w/90% humidity” or “Wind 20 mph w/gusts of 45” or “32 w/feels like 27.” I’ve done the first 2 but have never experienced the third one!
Krysten
hahahaha literally have ALL OF THESE in my instagram feed! And follow everyone who has the same!
Lisa
These are so funny!
"You know you are a runner when you run up and down your driveway when your garmin says 4.98!"
My recent post At What Age Do Runners Peak?
Teri B.
Nailed it! :) lol ❤??
RunEatRepeat
So true!
Love ya :)
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Katie-Hungry Runner
All of these are SO true! But the one I love most: "sometimes you finish your run and realize it wasn’t good enough for a watch photo." I'm so guilty of this sometimes, I'm not afraid to admit when I had a bad run, but I can't lie… I like showing off my watch most when it was a REALLY good one. Otherwise, it's a selfie or scenery shot haha! Thanks for including me :D <3
cheryl
I haven’t done a single one…and I have been running for 44 years- which includes 12 marathons, several ultras, a R2R2R in 12 1/2 hrs., Pikes Peak, Two Ironman finishes, and 123 other triathlons, 9 Alcatraz swims….
Laura Runs a Latte
Sub coffee for the smoothie and I'm guilty of them all! Hahaha!! Great list!!
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