The Most Popular Dumb Runner Articles of 2021
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Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
Friends, wasn’t 2021 blissful? The year carried me along like a warm, meandering river of pleasure, with waves of euphoria interspersed with long stretches of pure, distilled peace.
Or maybe that’s just my recollection of 2021, which I spent entirely in an opium den.
Anyway, once again it’s time to take a look at the Dumb Runner articles that resonated most with readers these past 12 months.
And here they are.
—Mark
12. Local Woman Loves to Run on Trails, Where It’s Just Her, Nature, and the Constant Simmering Rage and Despair That Is Everyone’s New Normal
Who knew so many folks would (still!) be able to relate to this one? Published September 16, 2020.
11. Monument on Boston Marathon Course Marks Exact Spot Where Kathrine Switzer's Uterus Fell Out
Female anatomy, always good for a laugh. Published April 12, 2018.
10. Man Can’t Decide Whether to Go For Run or Give Up Running Altogether and Embrace Inevitable Slide Into Decay and Decline
We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Published November 20, 2019.
9. Eleven Terrible Jokes for Runners
Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Hydrate.
Hydrate who?
Hydrate you a 9 out of 10, at least!
Still popular, still terrible. I can’t explain it. Published July 23, 2017.
8. Report: Hills Are Bullshit
Funny enough, this article’s popularity, while high, hasn’t climbed. Published July 23, 2020.
7. Study Finds Trail Running Increases Risk of Beard by 400%
I published this one in mid-December, and it still made the annual Most Popular list. Folks love beard jokes, I guess. Published December 13, 2021.
6. Dumb Runner Tries Cycling, Fails (Not a Joke)
A bike crash in September supplied some grist for the mill. If you don’t have time to read the whole thing, the important bit is this, from the end: “Be careful out there.” Published September 20, 2021.
5. 'Running Is Great Because It's So Simple,' Says Guy Wearing $1,170 Worth of Gear
Another perennial favorite. Published October 11, 2017.
4. The Only 3 Things You Need to Know to Begin Running (Really)
This nuts-and-bolts article still finds readers, which I still find gratifying. Published January 09, 2017.
3. ‘Long Runs Really Give Me Time to Think,’ Says Man Who Spends Most of His Long Runs Thinking About Waffles
Distance runners love to eat. And to daydream about eating. And, apparently, to read funny articles about distance runners who daydream about eating. Who knew? Published March 31, 2021.
2. Under Armour Rolls Out 'Performance Diapers' for Runners
Another old reliable. One fairly disturbing thing I’ve learned is that some people out there actually Google “diapers for runners,” an online search that Dumb Runner positively owns. Published July 25, 2017.
1. Ironman Finisher Goes 5 Days Without Mentioning It, Shattering Previous Record
This was the most popular article of 2021, and it wasn’t even close—a fact that, until now, I hadn’t mentioned in more than five days. Published August 04, 2021.
And the Top 5 Dumb Runner Facebook Posts…
PHOTO BY SAMUEL REGAN-ASANTE ON UNSPLASH
Well, Look at That—You’re Still Reading!
In that case, let me end with a request: If Dumb Runner made your 2021 a little bit brighter, can you take a minute right now to say “thanks” and help me keep doing what I do? In addition to being 100% original and open, Dumb Runner is entirely independent and ad-free. That means I rely entirely on YOU for funding.
Thank you for your support, and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2022.
