As 2020 comes to a close, it brings to mind something my dad often said back when I was a little kid. When friends and family would walk out the door of our home after a visit, he would say, “Thanks for coming, and thanks for leaving.”
Instead of running away from 2020, let’s run toward the new year and the promise and potential it brings. To start this year with some laughs—and a little inspiration—here are some of our favorite running memes we found in 2020 while stuck inside on the couch.
A Classic Meme
![Oprah running meme](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/oprah-running-meme834ac4-1.png?resize=768%2C574&ssl=1)
You don’t have to be addicted to running to enjoy these running memes. Is this joke from 2004? Yes, it is. But you have to admit, it’s still kinda funny. Now that we’ve had a chuckle, let’s get to the newer ones.
Home For the Holidays
![Holiday running meme](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/holiday-running-meme2d2fb6-1.jpg?resize=654%2C439&ssl=1)
Unfortunately, many didn’t get to go home for the holidays this year. But if you look on the bright side, it eliminates the possibility of running into someone from high school.
Yes, Aunt Kim, I’m Still Single
![still single running meme](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/still-single-running-meme429a61-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C1000&ssl=1)
Another perk that came with no family gatherings in 2020 was not having to explain to your extended family why you are still single.
Millennial Motivation
![Millennial running meme](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/millennial-running-meme4d0458-1.jpg?resize=782%2C640&ssl=1)
If you are getting out of the house and exercising, might as well give it all you got. This motivating quote actually works quite well for situations outside the running world.
Oversharing
![oversharing running meme](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/oversharing-running-meme0d8f26-1.jpg?resize=580%2C370&ssl=1)
Wait, you don’t have to post about everything you do on social media? What’s the point of exercising if you can’t brag about it a little? If it’s not on Facebook, it didn’t happen.
The Better Half
![Half marathon running meme](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/half-marathon-running-meme9a826b-1.jpg?resize=580%2C370&ssl=1)
We’ll try anything if there is a delicious beverage and praise involved.
#Flawless
![Flawless running meme](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/flawless-running-meme51432c-1.jpg?resize=580%2C370&ssl=1)
In 2012, a photographer took this pic of Zeddie Little running a race and looking absolutely flawless while doing it. His “ridiculously photogenic” face has been used in memes around the world. No matter how hard your struggles may be, it doesn’t hurt to look good while you’re going through it.
Thunderous Applause
![thunderous applause running meme](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/thunderous-applause-running-mb7aaab-1.jpg?resize=580%2C370&ssl=1)
As Monty Python taught us, always look on the bright side of life.
Where’s the Stimulus?
![money running meme](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/money-running-memeda8b89-1.jpg?resize=580%2C370&ssl=1)
Unless you’re Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk, chances are you can relate to this one! How many calories does running out of money burn?
Cupcake Motivation?
![cupcake running meme](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/cupcake-running-memed9bba1-1.png?resize=640%2C640&ssl=1)
As huge fans of cupcakes, we’re not sure if this meme is inspirational or depressing. It takes running a 5K to burn the calories from two cupcakes? We might need to rethink our 2021 weightloss goals.
A Post-COVID World?
![post-covid running meme](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/post-covid-running-memef98f68-1.jpg?resize=497%2C484&ssl=1)
How hard will you party when the pandemic is over? This meme is all about marathon training, but it easily translates to life in lockdown.
Be Careful With Those Social Media Posts
![Instagram running meme](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/instagram-running-meme599c03-1.jpg?resize=720%2C720&ssl=1)
It hasn’t been easy being stuck in the house for weeks or months at a time. It’s been a painful experience for many, but it’s good to remember that the pain won’t last forever. Those Instagram photos, though, are a different story.
No, You’re Almost There!
![Almost there running meme](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/almost-there-running-meme08a16b-1.png?resize=593%2C590&ssl=1)
Nothing like a total stranger to tell you when you are almost there. Thanks, but it feels like I have a ways to go.
Ron Swanson Is a Wise Man
![ron swanson running meme](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/ron-swanson-running-memed42b7c-1.png?resize=534%2C598&ssl=1)
If you have someone in your family who wakes up at 5am to go for a run, they may need professional help.
Keep Going!
![don't stop running meme](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/don-t-stop-running-meme3fa1bb-1.jpg?resize=564%2C634&ssl=1)
2020 was a difficult year for many of us for a variety of different reasons. During those times when you feel like you can’t keep going, it’s good to remind yourself that you absolutely can.
Marathon Training
![netflix marathon running meme](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/netflix-marathon-running-meme27c73a-1.jpg?resize=500%2C500&ssl=1)
If half-marathon training always ends with a Netflix marathon, count us in.
Know Your “Why”
![punching people running meme](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/punching-people-running-memee03589-1.jpg?resize=500%2C500&ssl=1)
If you are going to do something, it’s good to know what your motivation is. It’s also good to make decisions that don’t result in violence.
Don’t Quit
![character flaw running meme](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/character-flaw-running-memee9989e-1.jpg?resize=400%2C640&ssl=1)
Not everyone can be the best at everything. Even if you aren’t the best or the fastest, there’s no reason to quit. Keep pushing. Keep grinding. The hard work will pay off.
Speaking of Hard Work…
![hard work running meme](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/hard-work-running-memee70342-1.jpg?resize=564%2C564&ssl=1)
It really feels good when it pays off.