What's Your Biggest Running Fear?

[@abernardes2]

As a female runner my biggest fear is to be attacked when out running. I try to be sensible and take all the safety steps but I still worry about it.

[@knowntobehonest]

Is this fear real? I mean does it actually happens or has happened that a female runner is or was attacked? I assume you don't mean attacked by a dog or other animal.

[@-esox-3714]

@@knowntobehonest Depends on the country/neighborhood one is running in, I suppose.. In general I´d handle it same as fear of flying - the odds are way in ones favour.

[@job181]

@@knowntobehonestassume this is a joke

[@job181]

Me too. I take a rape alarm with me and my phone but where I live no one would hear me. I have friends that have been harassed and have had to run away. I have been followed more than once. It’s a real issue for women. And it doesn’t just happen when you’re out running! This never seems to get taken seriously.

[@tiafultonn]

I had the same thought when reading the title

[@KevinHowe1101]

I do a lot of my running on country roads, and I'm always fearful of drivers not giving me enough space. 99% of drivers are respectful and give enough space, but some just drive past far too close

[@runningchannel]

Completely agree!

[@dbracer]

Even if you're last to finish in a running event, you're ahead of all the people who didn't finish, and all the people who never bothered to start.

[@largesatsuma]

That's a good way of thinking about it.

[@neilcam]

The run poop....yeh, been there done that, threw away the underwear. Now days, the only way I can be certain to prevent recurrences is to make certain I do some exercises that force me to use the toilet before leaving home. Crunches, bicycle crunches, leg raises and the like are compulsory for me before going for my morning run. If I don't get the exercises done (and the resulting toilet visit) then there's no going for a run. Yes, it's that predictable. Then again, I'm 66 and getting old sucks! (Or perhaps craps...) Ugh, and there's a 2nd subject that I can very much relate to. Once upon a time in my 20s I ran sub 4min/km (not bad for someone who was a pack a day smoker at the time - it was in the 80s....) These days, I'm 10 months post quadruple cardiac bypass surgery, weigh 114kg, and have a 40+ year smoking history (finally stopped ~2yrs ago, although the cravings never go away) and now days I've worked my way back up to a whole 7km longest run so far, BUT I struggle on most of my runs at ~10:30/km! BUT, it's still running (even if I get passed by people walking) and I love being able to do so. Being able to run again was my main motivator for having the very traumatic heart surgery after the cardiac surgeon had banned me from running 3 years prior. My main point though is, I'll never run 3:55/km again, I'll probably never get below 8:00/km, but I AM RUNNING!

[@jassaljs]

You are amazing👍fall in love with your body, it is your only possession🤗

[@ashleysanders1472]

That fear about being last... you ran the event there are so many still sitting on the couch mindlessly scrolling social media and hating their life. You got up cared about yourself and your health. That right there in itself is a win.

[@kayfountain6261]

I'm an older lone runner with dodgy balance who runs in very rural areas so my fear is an accident or serious injury when there's nobody around and no phone signal. Also, in summer, cows with calves.

[@susanlock3998]

Dorset! I'm from Dorset! And I know Rick likes to mention this - my sincere apologies!

[@Leeroy49]

I've got a friend. She finished last place in a local half marathon. It was a pretty strong field. In fact it was really cool, because the fire fighters who volunteered to make the course safe for us, guarded her until the finish line. Pictures for the ages ;)

[@ChairmanAntelope]

Getting attacked by a dog. I’ve had a few times where dogs start straining at their lead towards me while running and now I move out into the road if I can when passing a dog walker. I get strange looks but it’s only going to take one incident with a dog to potentially ruin my ability to run again.

[@marktracey2088]

At a wilder area that I used to run, there used to be a dog walker that let their XL bully off the lead. This solid mass of muscle used to knock me off my feet. The owner then blamed me for not stopping. As if I was going to stop. I had no idea whether it was friendly or aggressive.

[@tonyuk928]

As somebody who will be 65 in a few weeks, I now use Age Grade Percentage as my chief motivator. I have hit 79.6% with a time of 20:18 a few years ago, this 20:18 is now I am reasonably confident will probably always be my PB in a 5K. However when I am 65 I need around 20:54 to hit 80% and I am quite sure this is well within my reach. Also going forward if I can keep running well into my 70's and beyond then this 80% can be improved upon. Also the only person who comes last in a parkrun is the Tail Walker and they have volunteered for that role.

[@petercini2022]

66 here and working my times down. 23:36, 22:26, 22:11, 21:54, 21:40 and 5 days ago 21:23. Aiming for under 20 but that's a real stretch and age is going to catch me at some point. In my 50s I had a pb of 18:42.

[@parkinb2]

A year ago my fear came true I was diagnosed with lupus and had to stop running my escape from stress I hope one day I will be able to run again.

[@runningchannel]

We’re so sorry to hear that, that’s awful. Hope you can run again as soon as possible ❤️

[@jassaljs]

🤗Get well soon🤗the universe needs you🤗

[@knowntobehonest]

My bowels are always smiling when i put my running gear on. Like "i'm gonna make your day miserable"😂

[@SageOfEchoes]

Practicing high knees has helped me consciously helped me keep my knees up when tired to avoid tripping.

[@havensole]

On Christmas eve 2022, on my last long run before tapering for a race, I rolled my ankle bad enough to tear a ligament while on a trail. It took over 6 months to get back to running, and every run filled me with anxiety. It wasn't until I rolled that same ankle and DNF'ed my first 50k trail race (less than a year later) that that anxiety faded. S&C has helped a lot in preventing the issue coming back, but I am still very hesitant with anything that could injure my ankle again.

[@AdamJones291]

as a new runner who is 2 runs from completing C25K, my biggest fear is losing what I have gained over the past 9 weeks, going into the colder weather also makes me worried I will loose my motivation and enthusiasm. I never anticipated the mental challanges running would present but its such a facinating insite into how my mind works

[@prit449401]

Rick cleary has a story he isn't wanting to disclose about a poop run. Looks like he has PTSD from it.

[@KevinHowe1101]

Poop-traumatic stress disorder?

[@squngy0]

@@KevinHowe1101 Post traumatic sh*t disorder.

[@mazzzyDs]

I'm training for my first marathon, the Melbourne Marathon in a few weekends, and I've developed a fear of the wall. I've done 3 long runs 30km or more, and each time things have gotten significantly harder around the 28km mark. The first two being group runs where my heart rate went up 10-15bpm to maintain my 'easy' pace, and the last run I did alone, where I slowed by 45-60 seconds per km to keep my heart rate down. I'm aiming for sub-4, having done a 1:46 HM before starting my marathon training block. I know I can comfortably maintain marathon pace for half a marathon, but the thought of maintaining that past 28km has got me spooked. I've been told the taper and the rush of race day will get me to cover the distance, but with no long runs left, the training I've done hasn't reassured me I can stay strong at longer distances.

[@moggy992]

An injury is only temporary. We runners get through it, and we learn not lose. My biggest fear is not being able to finish a race mentally I struggle in social running situations

[@alexswatton5883]

The fear of coming last was a very real thing for me until I volunteered as a tailwalker at parkrun. As soon as it became inevitable rather than a what if, it was so much easier to be ok with and be proud of.

[@seascape]

For those with a fear of falling, try visualizing how you will fall and recover. I fall every other year, and if the surface is uneven, I can usually lower one shoulder and roll into and out of the fall with minimal damage or pain. If the surface is even and I’m going to face plant, I try to land with my hands out front and do a push-up. Working your upper body once a week helps keep my wrists and arms strong. Another thing to remember is that the fall isn’t over until you’ve completely stopped - I braced myself for the initial impact once and safely did a push-up, and breathed a sigh of relief, but the momentum kept me moving forward and I smashed my chin on the ground and scraped my knees. Imagining how to recover from a fall has kept me running (and cycling!) injury free for decades.

[@runningchannel]

great advice

[@v6i838]

Getting a serious injury and getting attacked by a dog are my 2 biggest running fears. I avoid running in places were dogs off the leash are likely to be, unless I’m with somebody else

[@runningchannel]

That is a very specific fear!

[@marktracey2088]

I can concur after a couple of incidents with an XL bully. That was before I was even aware of their reputation. I now avoid that route.

[@StephanieLuff]

I am obsessed with the whole Jakob half marathon situation and this is coming from a Kerr fangirl. I just loved seeing someone so stupidly fit do something so out of their element. Just pure running entertainment!

[@phillipaaldridge5048]

Two biggest fears as an Australian runner; snakes first, and then all other wildlife that could take a dislike to me in the moment. One of my favourite trail spots is now off limits till winter because I saw three nope ropes on my last run through there. Also dodging magpies and ducks and kangaroos at the minute. The ducks are no joke.

[@brizz11]

Tennis clubs, Olympic Games and horse and hound…. This is such a relatable podcast 😂

[@JohnBirtchetSharpe]

I run so I can continue to live rather than just exist while I remain on this planet, it is not my 'reason' but it is my enabler .. so I my fear (after being a former cyclist who had to quit due to multiple injuries decades ago) is a mix of what all three of you have said . I believe as we get older, we have to treat our bodies like Rick treats his house and always be on top of things (including S&C). A Great vlog, I partially wish I had saved it for the podcast listen as part of my long run this morning.

[@sarahhagen2051]

Gotta stick up for Rick. He won the Strava challenge fair and square!! 😂😂

[@NikeRunner]

Hello I am Jasmine and I was just commenting to say that I love your channel and all your Videos I am always listening to your podcasts when I am out running and they really motivate me ❤ Thanks 🤩

[@runningchannel]

Thank you so much Jasmine! Really glad you enjoy our content and it's helped!

[@NikeRunner]

@@runningchannel Yes thank you it has helped A LOT!!!

[@AlbertWeijers]

I'm still pretty fast at 55, but I admire runners and walkers of all speeds. It's all about your own journey and I it's possible; improving. I'm a volunteer at parkrun where there's a tail walker who will be the last to finish. A great concept. If you're Dutch (or a parkrun tourist) join a Dutch parkrun next week, we're trying to have more than 2500 participants and volunteers on the 5th of October at all 25 Dutch parkruns.

[@MandyCaputo]

Addressing the fear of being last. It might sound cheesy, but one of the french track and field federation's moto is; "Even the last runner reaching the finish line is ahead of those who do not run"

[@paulusul]

Love the extra length!

[@jlycklama512]

You can do S&C at home. The gym is optional if you want to do heavy weight/machines but for injury avoidance body weight and some resistance bands can get you a long way

[@_Tp___]

I disagree, you will get far better results from the gym. Like not even comparable.

[@largesatsuma]

My strategy for races is quite simple, regardless of distance. I spend the first third of the race settling into my pace, figuring out what feels possible. I spend the middle third digging deep trying to maintain that pace. The final third is when I empty the tank and try to finish well.

[@petercini2022]

Same. Mile 1, can I sustain? Mile 2 maintain that pace. Mile 3, push the last 800, then last 1/10 push harder.

[@DavidGonzalez-kv1nc]

Great episode! The phantom injury pains are real and terrifying. I’d be curious to hear what strength goals (BW %?) Andy’s coach and physio set for his rehab benchmark.

[@FatRaccoon-eh9ig]

I have 2 fears. One fear is that I get ran over by stupid drivers that speed or they see me cross over first bit they still decide to keep accelerating. The other fear is a large and unfriendly dog that's not on a leash decides to chase me and try maul me.

[@James-Henderson]

I listened to this as a podcast on my long run this morning and was listening to the bit about falling when I nearly tripped over a dog!

[@adriaantermors8122]

My biggest fear is that my weak knees will end my running 'career'. I had a knee injury October 2022 while training for a cycling event, I had a knee injury October 2023 following a half marathon (my third, after the second I also had a knee injury), and right now I have a niggle in my left knee. After last year, I went to see a physio and continue to see her, and I do S&C at least once a week, but right now I feel maybe it's not enough. I've signed up for Rotterdam marathon in April 2025 (was lucky enough to get entry as they sold out in two hours), but I worry I won't get to the start line, as the long runs required to prepare for a marathon will be too much for my knees. Btw, the injuries are very light, irritated tendons that heal in about 4 weeks, but of course you can't keep running through it.

[@254marathon]

You can crosstrain on an Elliptigo. Same motion as running but without the impact of running. I did that before my marathon for months and did short runs on the road ans was able to finish in 3:45 without being hammered.

[@nilesdelta8636]

Tbf Rick may have been using the crust in place of a gel ! Good on you Rick with the training .

[@louieee444]

Getting tripped by someone as I run past them and having it recorded lol

[@rebeccawilliams-hg5xs]

My local Parkrun has a tail walker... Their job is to 'come last'. Sarah maybe you could recruit a friend or another family member to 'be last' so that your Mum will have the confidence to get to the starting line.

[@matthewferguson7771]

Not just being part but being tragically last. I ran my first track 5k. When I entered the next other entrants all has seasonal vests of around 16 minutes. I thought I was going to be on the track by myself for several laps! Thankfully they created another heat with better matched runners 😅

[@silvermandavid]

Just ran the Berlin Marathon. The best sign on the course was "Don't Trust the Fart."

[@annaidzikowska6149]

Running is a privilege :D

[@uniquejustanother]

Andy may still achieve PB in 1.5K. You can look into age grading and compare his current times to his pro days. It would make an interesting podcast, I think and it would be a morale boost for Andy.

[@aylaamon3267]

Another Rick comparison for you all: every week when I watch football, I can't help but think Rick is sidelining as the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals (look up Zac Taylor - doppelgänger much?!).

[@abibryant6294]

I loved meeting you at vitality 10,000 sorry I was a blabbering wrek. I knew you were going to be there but, never thought I'd actually see you let alone have a quick chat and photo. 😅

[@jeffblalack64]

Sarah was discussing PB's and aging. What do the presenters feel about age-graded times counting as scaled PB's? Do they also count as a PB?

[@brannmacfinnchad9056]

Just remember...the slower you are in a race, the less you're paying per time unit for the experience!

[@Foreignmonk34]

Those nightmares when something terrible is chasing you and you're trying to run away but your feet are glued to the ground for some reason

[@AM09286]

Shitting myself or getting kidnapped lol

[@gazza2933]

If you're going to do that who 'on earth ' would want to kidnap you! 😂

[@idawson998]

Definitely shitting

[@PatWalker-c2q]

Mine is psychological not physical...re-starting from zero after a few years of not running. As a senor, can do the work again? Thanks Jim Canada

[@AlbertWeijers]

Yes you can!

[@nickgayle8032]

@Sarah. They say you don’t stop running when you get old, you get old when you stop running.

[@AdamBuxton-challand]

I’m currently healing a torn metatarsal, weeks 9/10 of physio my biggest fear was the day the physio how I’d feel about never running again :(

[@lnicholen]

My biggest fear is being out on a long run and just running out of steam before I have to turn back. It’s always such a long and disappointing walk back.

[@leebrown3645]

Street dogs are definitely my biggest worry while running.

[@katieamarshh]

Running in the dark, I just can’t do it.. and I prefer evening runs so having to switch to morning runs is hell for me

[@markvanstone2406]

Your never last at a Parkrun - the Tailwalker is always last and is part of the parkrun volunteer team!

[@nailartbylysanne]

My biggest fear while running is getting an asthma attack that I can't resolve myself, especially when I'm doing a hard intervaltraining💨

[@crystalessex3954]

I worry about bears. . I have to be careful where I'm running because we have a lot of brown bears here. . Looking forward to winter trail running

[@RalphMcDermott]

Runners shouldn't worry about being last. I have a prize for coming 3rd, but I hate this because I could done better. I've come last at a sprint duathlon, but was well happy because I and other competitors knew I pushed myself.

[@michaelmulligan0]

I have a marathon in 3 weeks Biggest fears Injury Letting my family (who have had to put up with my training) down

[@jeffblalack64]

At least the guy who went in the bushes didn't steal Andy's shoes.

[@VudoLydinys]

About being last. well, It doesn't matter are you reach the mountain peak first or last, the view is the same!

[@runningchannel]

great way of looking at it

[@PistachioGold]

I just found out that the cut off time in my city's half marathon this year is 2 : 30 hrs. According to my samsung watch, I'm not a 7minute/per k girly, so now I'm very anxious 😂 I will still run it, just because its my first race ❤ I've done half-/marathons before and always went with the stats in the nike running app, which are so much kinder to me 😂

[@runningchannel]

you've got this!! Which half marathon is it?

[@karenpatterson4330]

Reframing the last place status...you are getting your money's worth for the race fees. I am a 50+ runner and am a back of the pack runner. I feel better that i am getting an hour run for the price of a 25 minute run. 😉

[@runningchannel]

Hahaha love that!

[@SuperFuzzyDunlop]

Sometimes I wonder how far away from a heart attack I am when I'm really pushing myself

[@NoteCraft-Nation]

a few weeks ago i went to a run and behind me and in fornt of me was a realy big gap i was scared thad I had went the wrong direction

[@CaptainBrash]

I'm aware of my male privilege that I don't really need to worry about being assaulted like women do. I'm not really worried about dogs, been bitten by a dog while running, it was partially my fault, I had a split second to decide what to do and chose the wrong thing. I broke my foot trailrunning which if I'd been earlier in the run could have been pretty bad. I guess my main fear is something happening to my heart or lungs. Most other injuries there is a way back into sports, even if it's not running. This kind of happened to me last year, I got laid out for about a month with a crazy illness and still haven't fully recovered. I had got in the best shape of my life and I'm basically a year behind in my running just getting my lungs back but I still don't feel as quick on my feet as I did.

[@Thegreat772]

I never pause my watch. Only if I stop for a coffee 😅

[@davidpinner5819]

My biggest fear is failing to finish. I have to run the distance for every race before race day to make it clear to myself that I can complete it no matter what.

[@runningchannel]

that's an extreme long run before race day!

[@michaelrobinson-k9r]

It is ironic that a lot of people run to help with anxiety and mental health and yet running creates so many new things to worry about.

[@runningchannel]

hahaha

[@stevierunner]

I actually got clipped by a pick up with a trailer on Monday. What can i do about that? I fear drivers.

[@tigolbitties8008]

My biggest fear is getting hit by a car or having a heart attack/stroke and no one finding me but I love running on remote country roads.

[@endr00t]

If Rick cheated he would have drawn his face instead of Andy’s

[@runningchannel]

hahaha

[@markturvill]

Am I the only one triggered by “bean and cheese”? It’s like saying vinegar and salt

[@runningchannel]

oooo now you've said it we can hear it!

[@michelleharnett1351]

DFL - dead f****** last - is a badge of honour. You finished! And training your guts re pooping - it seems that I have trained mine to poop regularly during my runs!

[@ulfeliasson5413]

I just read through the results of Berlin Marathon..... Someone did a very fast race...

[@runningchannel]

yes they did...👀

[@ulfeliasson5413]

@@runningchannel That makes me so happy. Warms my heart. You guys are my heroes.

[@marktracey2088]

My biggest fear used to be needing a shit when I went out. Now i just accept it and know the best bushes to hide behind.

[@kevinabate6056]

Falling on a mountain or wildlife. Needless to say I'm taking a break from the dark place where the real magic happens.

[@francolive5718]

Never getting sub 20 for the 5k

[@runningchannel]

what's your pb goal?

[@francolive5718]

Current PB is 22:56 so once break that work towards sub 22 mins.

[@slodoco]

"Growing a brown tail" 😂💩

[@jkpiowa]

I'm recovering from surgery for a fibula fracture and while I am counting the weeks to get back to running and even walking unassisted, I can still feel my bone breaking when I close my eyes and am terrified of doing it again.

[@gazza2933]

Legs giving up.

[@AlbertWeijers]

That can be solved by more training perhaps.

[@hersheyskwertz9315]

Is a runner who doesn’t run towards oncoming traffic just as bad as sock shoe sock shoer?

[@KevinHowe1101]

Even worse! No excuse for not running towards oncoming traffic.

[@didtoknan8128]

Pausing your watch, that's ultimate cheating !

[@runningchannel]

Depends what your goal is

[@zadaszenie]

First

[@heatherhartleyruns]

My biggest fear is people who shoe, sock - shoe, sock 🤪🤪

[@runningchannel]

hahaha

[@jamesmoss5404]

Please, I love you guys loads but this whole sock shoe thing no more no no more can I say again no more or more no bit like socks shoe socks thank you

[@laynetrayne]

Yeah Rick may not want to talk about poop but we can all tell he's clenched

[@AlbertWeijers]

Before a race I won't leave the house before I had coffee and a good .... 💩

[@alexanders4911]

Sarah has a tan 🫣🥰 beautiful as always. My secret youtube crush ❤