Running is hard. The best runners and coaches will tell you that it never gets easier – you just get faster, and your mind gets stronger. They’ll also tell you that a well-placed motivational sign can be the boost you need to get to the finish line.
I’m usually on the runner on the other side of the signs but for the Mossel Bay Iron Man, I pulled my friends together for a morning of cheering and sign-holding. These are our top five signs from the day and five signs we’d love to make next time.
5 Motivational Running Signs We Took to Iron Man
These are the five signs we used to get the runners smiling.
1. Nice Tits
If you know anything about me, you’ll know I love a bit of fun. My favourite signs are always the ones that make me laugh – particularly those that are slightly inappropriate. This nice tits got buckets of smiles from passing athletes.
2. This Is Your Sign To Swipe Right: Tinder
Spending Sundays scrolling on the apps? Why not bring Tinder with you to the race course? Interactive signs are always a crowd favourite and might even help you meet your match.
3. I’m fine, thanks for asking.
One thing about runners is that they love to talk about running. We’ll spend hours telling you how each knee is and what race food made our heads hurt. But no one seems to realise how hard it is to spend a day cheering the runners on. This sign is sarcastic and fun.
4. Bad at math… Only 3 km to go!
I can confidently say that math isn’t for everyone, so we might as well laugh about it. This sign requires a friend, which makes it so much more fun. Grab a friend and create signs that work together.
5. Yay, you didn’t drown.
A triathlon is challenging on a different level—swimming is often the most difficult and it’s the section that comes first. This sign is a relatable mood booster. After all, if you’re not having fun, what is the point?
What’s Next?
We smashed our Iron Man signs if I do say so myself. These are the five signs we’re making next:
- Run if you think I’m hot!
- If you collapse, I’ll pause your Garmin.
- Pain is temporary… STRAVA is forever!
- You’re the hottest runner I’ve seen today!
- Find a cute butt & follow it!
Why We Love a Sign
Sharing the Runner’s High
Running a race takes excellent commitment, dedication, and community. Holding up a sign for the athletes who are holding onto their wits is a great way to uplift them. It’s also an amazing way to give back to all the people who have held signs for the races you’ve run.
Signs Get You Out of Your Head
It sometimes seems like we runners are in the zone and focused, but seeing something funny or standout shakes you out of that serious mindset and makes the race fun again. Seeing your friends and family hit a bit differently because of your connection with them, and it’s special.
Team Work & Community
The entire process from start to finish is done together as a team. If you’re supporting alongside someone you’ve never met before, sharing glitter glue the day before the race is a great way to break the ice and make a friend. Making signs is about being part of a community that lifts each other up.
Level Up with SCY
If these signs aren’t quite enough to get you to the finish line, we’ve got you. From our running programmes to SYC, a strength, conditioning, and yoga platform specifically designed for runners that gives you everything you need and nothing you don’t need so you can run further and faster. Download our app and start your 7-day free trial today. See you out there!
Bonus: Join the community and follow along on my journey