Why Is Everyone Running Right Now?
Noticed every seems to be lacing up and pounding pavements at the moment? Whether you’re looking to build friendships or supercharge your PB, there’s never been a better time to hit the streets.
Of all the ways to work up a sweat, there’s nothing quite like running. Ever since the ‘jogging’ craze in the ‘80s first got your parents moving, we’ve come to appreciate running as a simple, cheap and accessible way to stay in shape. And now it’s having a movement once again.
Don’t believe us? Then just check out the seemingly-endless #runtok videos on TikTok.
Whether you’re interested in getting in some solo miles or looking to join one of the many run clubs that have sprung up across the UK, running is the one sport where you get out exactly what you put in.
Want to practice sprints? You got it. Fancy a hilly trail run? Go for it. Looking to run your first 5k? There’s a plan for that too. Ultimately, whether you’re training with friends or alone, the only finish line is your own determination.
Here’s everything you need to know about running’s newest return.
Why is running the one right now?
“Running is certainly the ‘it’ sport of the moment,” says Lillie Bleasdale, founder and head coach at PASSA, a running collective for women.
The main reason, Bleasdale thinks, is people taking their health seriously since Covid with gym memberships also booming. And, having gotten into running during lockdown, many of us have kept it up since. Fashionable kit options and ‘cool’ running clubs have also helped running – and hanging out at a chic coffee shop post-run – become the thing to be seen doing.
But there’s more to it than appearances. “Running offers a more accessible option for people while we are dealing with a cost of living crisis,” says Bleasdale. “The barrier to entry is much lower than other forms of physical activity which could be a reason as to why we’ve seen such a huge boom – especially Gen Z and Millennial generations.”
Oliver Powe, co-founder of the Acid Running brand agrees that running is incredibly rewarding while also really accessible. “Unlike most sports, there’s no initial skill barrier, so you can make progress within a handful of runs,” he says. “We’ve all got that ex chain-smoking mate that managed to run a sub 4hr marathon. But at the same time, running is hard. It requires (and teaches) discipline and resilience. Often, satisfaction only comes after some suffering has been endured.”
What are the social benefits?
It’s no secret that running also offers plenty of social benefits, especially when it comes to run clubs.
Charlie Peters, group fitness manager at E by Equinox says that being part of a run club helps people build a supportive community and make new friends, which can be difficult in our increasingly digital world, or if you’ve just moved to a new country or area.
“One study, Running Together: How Sports Partners Keep You Running, found that having a network of running partners can improve motivation to run more frequently, thanks to encouragement and shared goals,” he says.
Meanwhile, another study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders compared the impact of running and antidepressants on mental and physical health in patients with depression and anxiety disorders. It found that regular group running sessions can be as effective as antidepressants in managing symptoms of depression and anxiety, highlighting the mental health benefits of social exercise.
“Many runners find new friendships and support they experience in running groups not only help them stick to their running routines but also provide a sense of belonging and social interaction that’s often missing in other areas of life,” Peters says, calling the sense of community a “mood booster.”
For Bleasdale, community running has helped her and her clients form life-long friendships. There’s a chemical side to it too. “Running stimulates the release of endorphins which in turn can help us feel more confident in social situations,” she says.
As well as this, psychologists note that we tend to open up more with our conversation when we aren’t directly facing someone – i.e. we’re running beside them instead.
Health benefits of running
As for the health benefits of running, the science has a lot to say.
We know that running for just five to ten minutes a day as slowly as just six mph reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk, and that even more running is even better.
Meanwhile, a quick Google reveals that we can burn between 280 and 520 calories for just half an hour's work.
Consistency builds improved fitness, too. Another study, published in 2019 in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research had runners spend 15 minutes a day over 10 days working on their cadence on a treadmill and found that their heart rate and oxygen consumption were vastly improved.
And while treadmill running is advantageous, a 2022 study comparing the effects of six weeks spent running inside versus outside, pounding actual pavements found that while both improved physical fitness, running outside had the edge. Plus, it’s just less boring outside, isn’t it?
What do I need to get started?
The key to getting started is… well, just getting started.
To begin with, any old running shoes will do. But if your weekly miles are approaching double figures it might be worth looking into something a bit more specialist.
“I would advise all new runners get a gait analysis, usually available at your local running shop, to understand what level of support you may need from a pair of shoes,” says Bleasdale.
These tests are usually free, and can help you understand any quirks in your cadence that you might need to correct as well as how much cushioning you might need to go for in a shoe etc. Don’t worry too much about this, the shop expert can talk you through it in detail. And, for women, Bleasdale says a good sports bra is also a must.
After that, it’s about warming up properly. A National Library of Medicine study found that effective warm ups, such as integrating mobility exercise into your pre-running routine, can boost performance and boost running’s positive effects.
“Lots of beginner runners do too much too soon which can result in injuries that will hamper your future consistency and overall running enjoyment,” says triathlon coach Jordan Matthews. “Start easy and slowly progress in volume and speed over time. Allow yourself five to ten minutes of either a fast walk or slow jog to get the heart rate and legs warmed up.”
He lists banded crab walks, glute bridges, leg swings and hamstring stretches as essential pre-run exercises.
“Focus on stretching your calves, hamstrings, and quads to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injuries,” adds Peters. “For a standing calf stretch, place your hands on a wall and extend one leg behind you, pressing your heel towards the ground. A hamstring stretch can be done by sitting on the ground with one leg extended and reaching towards your toes."
Peters also advises: "For your quads, stand on one leg, pull your other foot towards your glutes, and hold the stretch. Incorporating dynamic stretches, such as leg swings and high knees, can also help warm up your muscles and improve your range of motion.”
Finally, Bleasdale says the biggest thing you need is a routine to help build consistency. This is where run clubs can come in, and apps like Strava where you can share your workout stats with your friends – there’s nothing like a bit of health competition to keep you moving.
Whether you're well into your running journey or just starting out, nutrition is also a key pillar of performance. Check out this article for the 5 Nutrition Tips All Runners Should Know to help you achieve your goals.
Which run clubs should I check out?
The list is almost endless and while run clubs aren’t for everyone, they can help you meet like-minded people, unlock a new PB, or even discover new parts of your city. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
With sessions in London and now in Paris too, the Hackney-based Run The Boroughs is the epitome of trendy run club. Runners of all levels are welcome, and they even do some awesome shoe and clothing collaborations to help keep you in the freshest gear, too.
This LGBTQ+ focused running and triathlon club is a brilliant, inclusive option for getting your heart pounding and meeting like-minded people. It meets four times a week with runs through Regent’s Park, Hyde Park, along the South Bank and around Clapham Common for starters.
If you want to branch out and take your running to the next level it’s well worth signing up for some events. Here are two fantastic ones:
Starting and finishing in Hyde Park, this super green race takes you through four of London’s eight Royal Parks, including Green Park, St. James's Park and Kensington Gardens. Pretty lush for your first half.
The place to meet local runners and up your PB, ParkRun takes place across the country at 9am every Saturday morning. The route is always a 5k so it’s challenging but not enough to confine you to bed for the rest of the weekend. You’ll have really earned that croissant, too. Go to parkrun.org.uk for your nearest locations.
Words: Tom Ward
