A 100-metre sprint can last just 10 seconds. A javelin throw is also finished within a minute. And though the 50-kilometre race walk might seem long when compared to other long-distance events, these moments represent a sliver of what happens in the life of Canada's top track and field athletes competing in the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China.  There's a lot that happens  Here are 13 things you didn't know about the lives of our Canadian track and field athletes.  1. As a Canadian track athlete, you may need to defend your decision not to pursue a more traditional sport.  My face when the espn lady asked me why I decided to run instead of playing hockey..... #canadianproblems pic.twitter.com/fQZPo9Npgm  2. Once you're on Team Canada, popping bottles takes on a different meaning.  How we pop bottles. Haha #glass #Evian #nonalcoholic #healthy #boring #nationalteam #waiversigned pic.twitter.com/V0lDKs0lZP  3. Protein is a necessity. It also fights back.  4. Travelling comes with its own trials, and you need to adjust to different cultures.  I don't think there are any traffic rules in China. Everyone just does what they want. pic.twitter.com/hjH6bVAL8a  5. Some planes just aren't built for an athlete's frame.  It's kinda sad that @SAS doesn't accommodate those over 6 feet. #soreneck pic.twitter.com/Ez5lLXIVoO  6. As a track athlete, you may occasionally see yourself on the side of the subway.  Patrollin the #subway #ttc @Toronto #parapanam #panamgames @TO2015 #olympian #paralympian #racing #canada #athlete pic.twitter.com/ihOWfHp3FX  7. Sometimes, the biggest competition is with yourself. Personal records are a big deal.  This week in track and field pic.twitter.com/mDXkCZvSjo  8. Battle scars can happen on and off the track.  9. As a track athlete, you want to conserve your energy, which means taking any mode of transportation that isn't your feet.  The swag champ @ALLORN0THIN ridin to practice lol pic.twitter.com/jaMJue4j6Q  10. Track athletes reach a whole new level of multi-tasking.  When foam rolling before training, I become a rollercoaster ride for Isabella. #mommyproblems #minitrainingpartner pic.twitter.com/raspFrYZ7g  11. When it comes to blisters, the struggle is real.  You know it's a solid block of training when your blisters have blisters #notforthefaintofheart pic.twitter.com/f1PwwwkSJO  12. Sometimes office life can carry over into your personal life...  Every time I hear a knock at my door in the morning, I think it's doping control... #itwasonlyfedex #whydidhebangsohard  13. You also wear weird leg sweaters (also commonly known as compression or recovery boots).  “@Cupcakedujour: Post #Modo8k chicken & waffles @scandilicious1 with @LJM5252 & her @RecoveryPump #winnersgetwaffles pic.twitter.com/SBWYT4gn8U”  For coverage of the IAAF world championships in Beijing, follow @CBCOlympics. You can find the broadcasting schedule here.
Twitter lets us in on the realities of a track and field athlete's life on days they're not competing.