I write to you from my seat on the Dartmouth Coach, en route to a weeklong snowboard trip in the Rockies. It’s beginning to look a lot like mud season in New England, but I assure you I will be taking advantage of every last remaining patch of snow/slush/damp grass the mountains have to offer. On the topic of superstitions and rituals, those of you who don’t ski or snowboard may not know it’s considered bad luck to label your final descent of the day a “last run” — apparently, it increases your risk of falling or getting hurt. To get around this, we call it “two skip”: take two more runs but skip one. I’m also reminded of my high school theater days, when uttering the name of “the Scottish play” (M*cb*th, for the uninitiated) threatened to curse an entire semester’s stage production.

While I’m certain we all have our personal rituals and superstitions for running, it seems like there aren’t many like the aforementioned that unite us as a greater running community. Imagine if we all did something weirdly specific like kiss the soles of our shoes before every race? Or forbid a word like “mile” during training runs? No questions asked, just because everyone else does it and it’s always worked before. I wonder, would it create a deeper sense of belonging within such a vast, diverse group? Would it help relieve the impostor syndrome so many runners have? Just a little food for thought from a former Religious Studies major.

Plenty of so-called “superstitions” are based in reality, though. My quick google search pulled up lists of “crazy” things runners do on race day, like always eating the same breakfast or wearing the same clothes. The internet shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss these! “Nothing new on race day” is an effective, tried-and-true ritual. As we know, training goes far beyond speed and mileage. Make sure you always test drive your outfit, shoes, and fuel before the big day. There’s nothing worse than tummy troubles or unexpected chafing when you’re chasing that PR…or, frankly, just trying to enjoy your day.

But if your superstitions skew toward the magical side, I fully support you. As long as you’re having fun, rituals can work wonders for your mentality. I used to only race in a “groutfit” - it just felt right. I would also be lost without my daily bowl of supercharged Grape Nuts, racing or otherwise. (Recipe available upon request!) Maybe you listen to the same song on repeat for 24 full hours before lacing up your sneakers. Maybe you bring a cherished stuffed animal to cheer you on (from the car, of course). Whatever it takes to help you show up, show out, and keep at it, let’s celebrate what makes us unique as runners and as humans. As sad as I will be to say goodbye to snowboard season, I’m equally excited to join y’all on the roads, track, and trails to discuss our mutual appreciation for weird habits!

Happy April, friends!

Elena