Running Quirks

We all have them.  Right?

Alright, well I don't actually know that we all have them, but I'm kinda hoping we do.  If I'm the only one who has weird things I have to do before/while I run, then this post is going to be pretty embarrassing.

So here are a list of my running quirks:

1. I must wear earrings.  I know this is really, really weird.  Believe me, I know.  Now, I'm not talking about big, hoop earrings or anything like that.  Just little studs.  The weird thing is, I know exactly how this started too.  I was running my first half marathon, and it was a hot day, so I decided I would wear a hat.  But with my hat on and my hair up, I felt like I looked like a boy.  My solution?  Put on some earrings.  Ever since then, it's been a superstitious kind of thing.  I cannot run without earrings in my ears.
2. I bite the inside of my lip while I run.  This one may need to be moved from the "running quirks" column over to the "terrible habits" column.  I have no idea why I do this, and when I realize I'm doing it, I always make myself stop.  It's always painful after a run because I've been biting the inside of my lip for Lord-knows-how-long.  My mouth was hurting big-time after my marathon as I had been biting my lip for 26.2 miles.  This one needs to stop.
3. My socks must be the same brand as my shoes.  That makes absolutely no sense.  I know.  But it's true.  Since I have worn Asics running shoes for years, I have quite the collection of Asics running socks.  Again, can we say superstitious runner?
4. I check, double check, and triple check all shoe laces and hair-ties before I start a race.  When I'm lined up at the starting line about to start a run (marathon, half, 10K, doesn't matter), I suddenly get extremely nervous that my shoe will come untied or that my braid will fall out.  This is insane for many reasons.  (1) It has never happened before.  (2) What is the worst-case-scenario if it does happen?  I retie my shoe?  Terrifying right?  But I will spend approximately 10 minutes checking these things.  I have issues.

I think that about rounds out the list, for today.  I'm certain I will think of more and feel the need to come back and add them on.

'til next time!