Like any club or group you belong to, there are specific characteristics that define and speak to what you are collectively. For runners, a lot of those defining things are disgusting (snot rockets), inappropriate to share at dinner (relieving yourself in public) or just downright incomprehensible to the non-runner (spending the equivalent of a car payment on a race entry).

You probably didn’t realize the first time you laced up your running shoes what you were getting yourself into. You may have even been a bit smug thinking, “I would never do that!” until you did…because you’re a runner.

Here are 10 surprising things you may do when you’re in the running club:

1. Gain weight during marathon training
   
   WTH? Isn’t running all those miles supposed to do the opposite? Well, only if you don’t use your three-mile speed workout to justify a pancake and ice cream breakfast.
    
2. Change your circle of friends
   
   Your non-running friends may start to hate you when you speak in code words like PR’s, LSD and BQs. Just sayin’.
    
3. Bling obsession
   
   Can you really justify flying over 1,000 miles for a half-marathon? If the finisher’s medal is super amazing you can.
    
4. Odd Internet searches
   
   Your partner, roommate or significant other may start seeing things like “discount codes for races,” “best places to run in the world,” and “discounted running gear” in your search history. #runnerporn
    
5. Your shopping list
   
   This may come as a surprise but not everyone has GU, chia seeds, chafing glide and hydration tablets on their weekly list.
    
6. Speaking of chafing
   
   It hurts. A lot. There may be sudden screams from the shower, embarrassing explanations to your bikini waxer and a lot of loose clothing worn when training for a long-distance race. Or any race in the summer.
    
7. You have a running shoe collection
   
   It becomes a collection when you have over four pair. Check your closet and come back, because yes, you have more than four pair in there.
    
8. Lower your modesty bar
   
   Remember when you used to only go to the bathroom in a real toilet, in a room with four walls and a door? Me either.
    
9. Join all the running groups
   
   Between Facebook, Instagram and Twitter you are part of 136 running-related social media circles. Oh and you may also write a running blog, just so everyone knows how hard you’re training and how many races you’re running. Perfectly normal.
    
10. Change your phone contacts
    
    Your “favorites” include at least two physical therapists and three massage therapists, all within a 20-mile radius. Injuries will not slow you down!