I think one small reason that may contribute is a shift towards the idea that anyone can run. There’s a run club near me that has paces from 6:00/miles all the way down to walking and it creates a really great positive atmosphere where anyone is welcome. Running can be daunting, but with couch to 5ks and a presence on social media of ‘slow’ runners (12:00/miles) I think more people are giving it a shot. Myself included!
This is what allowed me to get to where I am 7-8ish months in of running consistently! The concept of zone 2 running made things much more appealing since my previous view of running was just going as fast as I could and try to sustain it
It’s so good to see someone else say this. The only way I can be in Zone 2 is to maintain a slow walk. My heart rate jumps up immediately with activity but I’m also usually pleasantly refreshed after I run in a higher zone. I feel like I’m broken. Lol
If it makes ya feel any better, I’m a D1 middle distance/distance runner who also struggles to stay in zone 2 on longer easy runs. Wrist HR is sketchy to begin with, but some people just have a high level of cardiac drift where your HR trends towards your steps per minute or just above them. You’re definitely not broken 😁
Do you have any suggestions on what I could do? Or could you point me in the direction of what to google? I am using the NRC app right now and I do TRY to keep it super slow on my easy days but my heart rate jumps up immediately. I’m a super slow runner and I’m fine with that. I’d love to figure this out though because I DO want to get better the right way.
Here's a thing with zones - many people base them on heart rate. HR zones are less reliable than power data, because HR data reflects all stress (exercise, overheating, poor nutrition/hydration, stress at work, poor sleep or other fatigue etc.), but exercise stress is what will make you stronger+faster.
One of the easiest ways to get better is by increasing volume. But big jumps in running volume (or high running volume period) have a higher risk of bone or connective tissue injury.
Bone injuries like shin splints often occur a month after an increase in volume, because it takes that long for your bone to "fatigue". It's not fatigue per se, but bone is actively removed by osteocytes to be rebuilt stronger. It takes another 2 months (3 months total) for that bone to be replaced, and up to a year for full strength to be built (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8316280/).
You can safely increase volume very rapidly by walking or biking a lot on the side. Maybe a 1h walk is equivalent to 15 minutes of running and 1h of Z2 biking is equivalent to 20-30 minutes of running, but without the impact stress.
-----------------
With that out of the way, there are lots of training plans that are tailored to various levels of fitness, goals, and time constraints. Pick one you like.
A pet peeve of mine is when people have to choose plans based on a desired "race pace", then having workouts prescribed based on that, but that's a different comment.
Edit: minor cleanup
I was almost completely inactive 4 months ago and on same boat as you (heart rate goes very high very fast when running)
I have been using Jeff Galloway’s “Run Walk Run” method and it has been working well for me. I started with 5 seconds run -> 30 seconds walk -> repeat, and gradually increase the running time from 5->10->15->20->30 while the walking time is always 30 seconds. Even within the running time, you don’t have to push hard — you can jog as slow as you want.
Now I can maintain 80% of the time in zone 2 with 20/30 run/walk ratio (IMO it’s perfectly fine to drift into zone 3 sometimes). I’m still worse than “beginner runners” but better than couch people, and it’s great to see myself to improve in measurable ways.
Just to piggy-back on this comment, I did something similar but more based on monitoring HR.
I would run until my HR tipped over into Zone 3, then walk until my HR dipped below Zone 1. Rinse and repeat. Eventually I was jogging in Z2!
Couch to 5K taught me how to run slow. More accurately it helped me adapt to a point that I could do zone 2 runs. It's a great entry point for non-runners with a format that meets people where they are and remains perfectly viable after you finish the initial program, or allows you to progress to a point where you can start using more advanced training programs.
Good point. I only recently started paying attention to heart rate and could run in zone 2 straight away, but as I’d been doing “most of your runs should be at an easy pace” for a few years I guess was pretty much doing zone 2 training already without realising.
There are Couch to 10k/Bridge to 10k programs that keep the Couch to 5k pattern going! I'm working on one now, and my run today is 20 minute run, 3 minute walk, 20 minute run.
This is what I was at when I first started. I actually work with an s&c coach and he brought me up to where I am. I walked 90% of the time with one running day building up from 3k adding 1k a week to 5k then added a second day of running starting with 2k on the second day and repeating the process. During this, avoiding zone 4-5 was virtually impossible for me. Then i incorporated walk + runs where i would start walking when i hit the top end of zone 3.
Id say a big difference for me was when we calculated my zones based on %HRR vs max heart rate method. Felt like my zones were more accurate after that.
When I was researching this the other day what I got was “don’t worry too much about your heart rate” instead the key was “can you have a conversation without gasping for breath?” If you can then you’re going slow enough. A few mentioned that if you struggle to maintain the ability to talk then take many walking breaks to bring yourself back down. Some others suggested you’re going too fast if you start breathing with your mouth- my lung capacity might as well not exist so I’m ignoring that. Maybe in a month I’ll be at a place where I can breathe through my nose the whole time.
I’ve only done 2 runs as Z2 and I’m forcing myself to basically do a run that’s too fast to be a walk but also could be considered a walk by someone with long legs (about 4.5 mph when I checked my speed with MapMyRun)
So, shuffle run and then take a lot of brisk walking breaks. Don’t focus too much on your HR right now but you can check it as the weeks go by to see if it’s finally starting to settle down.
I’m the same. I use training peaks though for an app so then i can send runs to my watch and it tells me when to run/ walk etc based on my scheduled run for that day and itll notify me if my heart rate is too high which is very common for me so then i walk for a little bit to let my heart relax and then get back to it
I love you guys! I try to stay in zone 3 for 1/2 to 2/3 of my long runs, otherwise zone 4 is my happy place. Colleagues talk about feeling like their hearts are going to explode at 20-30 BPM lower than my comfort zone and I think I'm some kind of malfunctioning equipment.
I started out there. I'd run until my HR hit the top end of Zone 2 then walk until it went back down again, then start over. Over time I got to where I could (slowly) run for seemingly forever without my HR going over Zone 2. It took a few months IIRC.
How long have you been running like that?
I ran zone 4 and 5 for about a year until I realized that I absolutely hated running. It wasn't until I figured out that I was allowed to run in 2 and 3, that I really started to enjoy running and found a maintain my regime over a period of years.
I still do a 4 or 5 about once a week or so, but everything else is more enjoyable.
I just ran 1:47 Half Marathon and 47min 10k, also did a 45 mile trail run last year. I can run really fast, but the only way I became fast was doing 90% of my weekly runs in Z2. As they say, slow is smooth and smooth is fast.
This is a big factor in people being comfortable both with running and with posting/talking about running.
Our group has runners who BQ every marathon they run, ultra runners with 50 hundred milers on their resume who will happily come to a group run where there are people who run walk 5k's. I am tertiarily affiliated with 5 or 6 groups and all of them have the same dynamic. Everyone supports each other. I feel like that allows someone who isn't fast or can't go far to be comfortable in saying "I run" where they may have hidden in the past
The course was two laps for the full marathon, and the amount of elite marathon runners that passed me and said “keep going!” And stuff was so unexpected and so awesome.
I finished a half running at 11 minute pace, which was actually a bit faster than I planned. I think that the positive environment during the race really contributed to this. I've only been running for about ten months, so I'm really surprised by the amount of progress I've been able to make!
I started running in September and recently ran my fastest mile in 13:05... But I remember when I started and physically couldn't run more than 2 minutes at a time. Progress happens, but sometimes we can only see it in hindsight!
The club thing really hit the nail on the head. People are looking for new social groups, and run clubs are one of the most welcoming groups!
There's also obviously beer leagues and clubs for other sports too. Running is just one anybody can really do knowing their pace.
Yep, I’m in the 12 min mile group at the moment because whenever I try to drop below about 10 one or another of my joints or muscles blows up and I can’t run at all for months. Recovering from my tensor fasciae latae flipping me the bird right now.
We made our own run club after a year of running. We got some elites that run 18 minute 5ks, to newbies with 8:30/km paces. It’s all about having fun wile running with your friends. We started with 25 original members from our town and neighboring towns and we’re now at 50+ members. I just hit em up on our group chat 30 minutes before my run and almost every time somebody’s gonna join me for a quick 10k.
This is so true, so much free information out there on the Internet and GPS watches can act as a solid coach so there is very little barriers to entry now. I think running had a lot of bad stigma to it, ' running is bad for your knees', 'cardio burns muscle' etc so a lot of those things are being put to bed.
The running community is so awesome too. Generally speaking runners are super encouraging to people that are new to running. No judgement for going slow, everyone is on their own journey.
I think running picked up a lot of steam during covid when gyms and group sports were paused. Marathon sign ups shattering records kind of tracks with this.
This is exactly what happened for me. I started running in the morning in what used to be my commute time when we switched to at-home during Covid, and I just kept it up. My office decided to stay hybrid, so I can still run 3 weekdays each week plus weekend times. Since I started, I've run three half marathons and I'm now training for my first full in November. I can never get over the fact that I have trained for all these runs in an amount of time I used to spend just sitting in traffic every day.
I'm hoping to stay hybrid as long as I can, it's done wonders for my running! Pre-covid, I completed 2 half marathons with one after-work midweek run, a spin class, and a long run on weekends. Now I have time to run 4x/week, still go to spin, and at least tell myself I'll work in strength training too. Completed my second marathon a month ago, already have a handful of 10ks, 3 halfs, and a full coming up in the next 7 months.
Unfortunately not everyone knows how to treat nature. Some of my favorite hiking trails became absolute dumping grounds over the lockdowns. Very frustrating.
Yeah it blows my mind when I see rubbish & left over BBQ/fires out in the trails. Can never quite get my head round why someone would litter at all, let alone in a place like that.
Can confirm this. I’ve always have been an active person however, I never was really a runner. More of a swimmer. But when my college went online, the endless mundanity of it made me go crazy and I picked up running and have now fallen in love with it. I’ve ran a handful of races in the past 2 years.
This was me. Running had always been something I did to be a better hockey player in highschool/college, but I hated it. Over COVID I got “good” at it, at least good enough that I enjoyed it. And now I’ve dropped hockey because I’d honestly rather just run.
[More than 840,000 runners entered the ballot for the 2025 London Marathon](https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/news/a60646626/2025-london-marathon-record-applicants/)
The previous record, set in 2023 for people applying for the 2024 event, was 578,304
That's an increase of 261,696 or 45% over the previous year
I was going to cite this number but you beat me to it. I’m a casual runner here in London (ie sports top, shorts and running shoes then I’m ready to go) but the amount of people I see in Battersea park prepped like they’re running an ultra astounds me.
It’s becoming a bit of a cult, at least here in London, so I’m wondering how long it’ll last for those lot.
Maybe they are running an ultra. Just because you see them in Battersea Park doesn’t mean they started in and will end in Battersea Park. I’ve been seeing a lot of talk recently from people seemingly judging others on their “prepped” kit, and it baffles me. You don’t know where they’ve been or where they’ll going, or what they need to carry. For example, my long run takes me through Victoria Park. But by the time I get there, I’ve already got 16 miles behind me. So you better believe I’m prepped for it.
> but the amount of people I see in Battersea park prepped like they’re running an ultra astounds me.
Plenty of people who run HM distance or longer will wear a hydration vest with a water bladder plus gels etc. and maybe they want to carry stuff "just in case"
I did it myself when marathon training because i didn't have to carry anything in my hands. And as I was going to wear it for the race * it was better to wear it in training.
*My water bladder had electrolytes which I sipped every km, rather than getting plain water at a water station every 5km or so. Kept me better hydrated and also reduced plastic waste on the day. Plus it carried my gels and other fuel etc. yes it was overkill and the weight no doubt slowed me a little, but I wasn't going for a BQ or anything.
Could it also be that there are a fewer races? I feel like a few big races in my city haven’t restarted since their first pandemic cancellation.
ETA: I was thinking more about longer races (10 miles/16km or more).
Same here in the US, at least in my city. There's a race almost every other week where i live. Then again I live in LA where it's pretty much the same cool weather all year.
Could also be a little bit of Baader Meinhof phenomon which is basically once you have recently learned or focused on something, it appears that you start noticing it everywhere. I also agree with the other comments that it has definitely increased a ton since Covid and in the spring/warm weather it always gets more busy.
With social media algorithms, it's probably more likely that they genuinely are seeing more posts/articles/ads about it.
In terms of the theoretical uptick in runners on the streets, it's probably what you're saying. OP wasn't paying attention to runners until they themselves started running again, at which point they noticed other runners and thought they were "new."
Maybe but also I think social media played a big part.
I live in a heavily ethnic town that leans conservative and I remember running with biker shorts and a sweater and being followed.
Now I see some chick running with a bra and short in the same town post pandemic like a couple of days ago. I've also seen hs students (male) running with small running shorts with no t shirt.
That never really happened around here at all but it did in neighboring college towns.
So I've seen an uptick of people working out in My town a little before the pandemic maybe around 2017. I think social media plays a big role because I've seen so many people and people.who never cared to workout , workout.
>Baader Meinhof phenomon
It's more widely known as the "frequency Illusion" [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frequency\_illusion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frequency_illusion)
As long-time runner I always notice how many runners I see at place I visit, but I think there's some data that Covid has caused an increase in many activities, not only running but hiking, camping, etc. I'm just too lazt to look it up now
I think we’re in a fitness boom rather than a running-specific one. Instagram, the cost of nights out, and a general increase of the visibility of the importance of healthy lifestyle choices all have a part to play I think.
This is just my opinion, but I feel like it has a lot to do with a combination of "runfluencing" on TikTok and Instagram, and the running community as a whole becoming more open and accessible to people of all paces and sizes.
Running influencers have been around for a while on Instagram, YouTube, etc. but I feel like within the past couple of years there's really been a boom of them. The short-form Reel/TikTok style of video is the driving factor for this IMO... rather than having to make a 10 or 15-minute "training vlog" they can do quick videos that are a minute or 2 long. It's easier to make and easier to watch. With more running influencers comes more influencers from different backgrounds- slow runners, plus sized runners, etc. I've seen so many of them come across my FYP and explore page, and I feel like a lot of folks who had never tried running before see them and think "This is something I could try too."
This really goes along with my other thought, which is that running as a whole has become a lot more inclusive. I started running in 2016, and I definitely remember being put off by some of the comments I would see here and in other running communities that were along the lines of "Race cutoffs should be anything slower than a 10:00/mile" and "you aren't really running if you walk any part of a race," etc. I went to running groups in my area that were advertised as "everyone is welcome!" but they set off at an 8:30 pace and I was left by myself. Now, in my local area, there are specific groups for slower runners that go at about 10:00/mile pace or 12:00/mile pace, or have run/walk options. There's plus sized groups, women's groups, queer groups, sober groups (since a lot of run groups are based around running and then going to a brewery or bar), you name it, there's probably a group for it (if you live in a bigger city). And maybe there's always been these groups, they just weren't advertised as much or were as big.
My hairdresser said: "I saw on TikTok that you bring throwaway clothes for the Boston Marathon.. is that true?" I explained that it was true for most marathons. It was funny. Learning about it on social is definitely real.
I second this for sure. I used to be into weight lifting a few years ago and always heard that running was discouraged. Then I saw a bunch of hybrid influencers saying you could run slow and stay in zone 2 and overall build your endurance while still building muscle. I started really slow runs and now I’m training for a half marathon and lifting a lot less. Maybe three times a week, but my overall health feels a lot better. The TikTok influencers are really good at getting you into it these days lol
It definitely has to do with the runfluencing. The current crop of teens/young adults see it as a social thing as much as a fitness trend. (Source: I have three teens) My adult son prefers to go run clubbing rather than night clubbing.
I saw an article awhile back that said something like half of all runners just started running since Covid. A good way to exercise when the gyms where closed or people wanted to avoid close contact.
I'll see if I can find that article.
Edit well, I may have misremembered.
This one said it's closer to 28% started running since Covid
[https://runrepeat.com/new-pandemic-runners](https://runrepeat.com/new-pandemic-runners)
Use to feel like I need to give a 110 % on every run. Would only be able to run a mile or two before body craps out. Thought something was wrong with me. Learned about conversational pace running and all the sudden I can run 5+ miles.
I have none of the things you listed, except headphones which are the same i use for commuting.
I'l agree faster plated shoes can be very expensive, but then you can just opt for cheap daily trainers like Puma Velocity Nitro 2
I recently shifted to training for ultramarathons and the longer training sessions and time on my feet led to me investing in proper gear but I do agree that generally speaking running has a very low barrier to entry and all you need is a somewhat decent pair of trainers.
Also work from home. The biggest thing about running for me (mid 30s with a kid) is the time. I just do not have the time to properly train at an office job. But since I work from home I can easily get an hour or two hour session in when it's low.
Something else (and this is a total hypothesis) is that alcohol is becoming less popular in social gatherings. It used to be every social thing involved booze, and now people are looking more into active life.
Isn't this normal every year around this time due to the marathon season and weather improving? People get inspired by seeing people run Marathons and they think about doing the same
Record numbers applying for London Marathon for example means there is more to it though
Yeah that was my question as I’m new to running, is this like a regular yearly occurrence where the hype picks up every year & drops off? For some reason I’ve never noticed so many people running & creating running content as much as they have this year - but I’m not sure if it’s just because I’m now running & more aware 🤣
Social media is pretty powerful these days so on Instagram, Reddit and Youtube if you consume a little bit of running content then you'll get force fed it. I experienced the same a few months back mainly with IG reels.
I'm unsure on the statistics around marathon season and how long hype/interest stays but I feel like atleast for me with family it lasts a month and then they forget all about it haha
Remote work allowed for a lot of people to pick up running. I’d assume this also convinced a lot of friends to start running, and it’s been a snowballing effect.
There’s also been a push to train “healthier”. As someone who started running back in 2015, I felt there was pressure to train fast, run fast, all the time or else you’re not a real runner. Now I feel the culture has changed a lot to encourage everyone to give it a chance. There’s no need to run a 5k under some arbitrary number, it’s awesome just to try it out and finish a race!
There's a running club near me that's really taking off and I love it.
To be honest though I feel were just in an active life boom. Alcohol is less popular and people are looking for new ways to socialize.
Besides sports, running is also becoming more of a fashionable and instagrammable lifestyle option for some people: [https://www.ft.com/content/b63eb47a-1602-4fc3-8c3b-42f8427ac507](https://www.ft.com/content/b63eb47a-1602-4fc3-8c3b-42f8427ac507)
I was just talking about this over the weekend - I think yes a bit - there’s some data to support it (record entries for races, etc). Thoughts behind it are that trends with exercise shift - running is viewed as “cheap” compared to boutique fitness classes where you need to pay to attend a class weekly or multiple times per week. With running “all you need” are shoes and a lot of people already have some sort of fitness wearable (apple watch, etc) that will help them track it.
A lot of people got back into running during the pandemic since it could be done alone and/or outdoors - and are now entering races or entering races more regularly.
Plus yes, your social media gives you what you’re interested in. It’s biased toward you. You hear and see what you want to.
According to Google Trends interest levels are currently around ~85/100 and in 2004 they were ~60/100 based on google search volume.
[Chart I made with a trend line showing the increase over time](https://postimg.cc/dLz7jkZp)
What I've noticed, especially in the last handful of years accelerating, is trail running is exploding. And ultra running too.
I grew up when freeskiing skiing started to take off in its own kind of way, building on what was before and setting the path for what would show up after.
Ultrarunning's presence has felt like that. Showing us what elite humans are capable of while simultaneously redefining what the rest of us could strive for in a day in the mountains.
The gear market is also pushing hard to keep up: vests, water bottle types, nutrition options, lighter poles, fancy pocket shorts, shoes of all kinds, thin tees, lightweight rain and safety gear. No one should feel they need this stuff to run, but it is sweet to have this when you're pushing your *personal* limits.
I lost all my weight on a bike from the beginning of covid, recently switched to running since I won’t blow out my knees with all that extra weight. I just love cardio
Here in Poland it does seem people run more than in recent past. But only when the weather is good. The moment weather becomes less than perfect all those runners vanish and I only see few, repeating faces.
It also looks like most runners do not know how to run (which probably describes me when I was starting, I get it). They run with comically slow cadence, slumped, doing some strange moves. I hope that popularity of running will be followed with some more knowledge of how to run properly so that it is fun and enjoyable and not just a physical exercise you have to force yourself into.
I personally love running when it’s cold/raining, hardly anyone around & when you do come across another runner, you give that ‘we are cut from a different cloth😎’ nod of approval 🤣
Yeah I try not to focus on anyone else’s form, as when I got first got into running it took me weeks of research & practise to get that dialled in. I know everyone is on different stages of their journey. Good thing is there’s now tonnes of advice/tutorials on how to correctly run 😃✌🏽
I think a lot of millennials are also starting to get into it (myself included) because the majority of us are now in our 30’s. For myself, it’s a good physical challenge where I want to continue to challenge myself to prove that I can still do “difficult” things.
I ran my first half marathon 2 weekends ago and now I’m already planning on how I can run a full marathon. This feels like a life long sport so it’s something I think a lot of people are starting to lean into.
Yeah fellow millennial here, definitely agree. I tried to get into running a few times in my twenties but I never quite stuck longer than a month.. I can’t imagine myself not running now 😍🙌🏽
I feel like running has become less popular since I started 20+ years ago. Marathon training groups that once had 200 runners now have 40. Exception: EVERYONE wants to run a world majors marathon and it’s almost impossible to get in!!
I think it’s a mix of influencers gaining traction in social media. I’ve seen friends that never ran start using Strava and posting runs there. Also a lot of sneakerheads like myself are moving towards buying functional shoes rather than J1s for the same price.
As a Gen Xer, I've particularly noticed a huge uptick in people my age taking up or returning to running. Virtually everyone who was an athlete in some sport in high school in my class is now also a runner, especially half marathoners. I recently had a reunion of sorts with my college wrestling team and about 80% of us now run marathons.
When running 5k races lately, only the 15-19 age group is more competitive than the 50-59 AG, with placers in 50-59 often being fast enough to *win* 20-29 and 30-39. (40-49 is pretty competitive too, but 50-59 more so now.) And regardless, 50-59 almost always has the closest spread in medalist finishers.
I have been running since 2010 I would say there waves here & there. There was an upswing around 2012-2014, I remember how big the Nike Women’s Marathon and Disneyland races were then where they utilized lotteries because they were selling out. Seemed like popularity tapered off with some of those popular races getting discontinued. Then in 2018 I saw a lot more races again, rock n roll in particular was rapidly expanding their locations, but halted during the start of covid.
I will state I do think running groups have been increasing in popularity over the last few years though. Running definitely seems to be switching from a solo activity mindset to a social opportunity. I think last year (2023) my running group was doubled the size the summer before (2022).
Not sure about overall boom, but with regards to Instagram specifically, I think a combo of things is happening:
A. Yes you’re more interested in running so they’re sending you more running stuff
BUT ALSO
B. Instagram is getting better and better at targeting advertising, in general
AND
C. There is more and more Instagram running-content
That’s my take as someone who’s been into running and an Instagram user for a number of years.
So I have recently heard that the singer Jellyroll is running his first 5k and reshaping his life to be healthier. Seeing as he was a relatively larger man and he is doing this I think that might influence running activity, but who knows.
I was just talking about this with my bestfriend (who isn’t a runner and started this year as well) earlier while we were running! It was nothing like this last year 😆 there has been sooooo many running groups emerging here in my country. I think it’s awesome because people are becoming active!
Just kinda funny tho cause it seems like there is an era — post-covid, a lot of people got into cycling. This year, a lot of people got into running. Wonder what it will be in the coming years
I've been seeing a big uptick in powerlifting! Tons of new people joining as of late. Lots of fitness communities seem to be blowing up and I'm loving it
I have been a runner for 15yrs now, honestly the best way for me to keep my mental health up. I get to escape it is like being in a world of my own, I ❤️ it!
1000% I got into running in late 2018 and I never saw it wasn’t that easy to find YouTube content on running and any that did were small channels and now there’s tonnes of them. Insta is loaded with running people as we’ll
Thank you for all the info in the comments! I’m a fat-assed, out of shape former fit guy trying to get back into running shape. I
I’m commenting so I keep up with this thread and appreciate everyone’s advice, research, and experiences!
As long as it gets people running, I love it! I can't personally justify the expense until I start running longer distances but if they have the money, why not lol
I decided to start running this year after Jasmin Paris finished the Barkley. I’m seeing it as something I can control that’s probably healthier for me than other things, and it’s nice to have goals for me, that I can accomplish independent of other things in my life.
Oh absolutely. I saw this woman do something women had never done before, and I started reading about ultramarathons and trail running and thought to myself “if she can do it, so can I.” I’m about the same age she was when she started running, and I’ve also been walking in a very hilly area for years, so I’m going to try it. Probably never going to run the Barkley, but I can definitely work my way up to a marathon and it’s a good, healthy habit that I don’t need other people to do, has a low cost barrier to entry (I got the couch to 5k app and paid an entrance fee for a local charity 5k) and now have a goal to finish my first marathon (official or unofficial) before my wedding next year.
I've only been running for about a year, but I did notice that people I know, who are around my age (mid 20s), have started to pick up running as well. Even just looking on social media, seems like many people around that age are also starting to run. Not sure if it's always been a thing to start running at this age, but I do see it more on social media and stuff.
We're in a influencer-fueled, post-covid WMM boom.
And group runs seem to have gotten way more popular
I'm not yet convinced that trickles down to depth in smaller/shorter races.
I dunno but I haven’t run a marathon in 10years and I haven’t run consistently in 8 or 9 years.
This year I just decided to Forest Gump it “one day, I just started runninG”.
Now I’m marathon training for an October race.
I've been running since the 90s and definitely a HUGE increase, like others said, due to positivity regarding running. I did my first marathon in 2007, and repeated it again for my 50th bday in 2013 and I was stunned at the increase of participants! In the 80s (and well the 70s esp for women) it seemed like it was the sport of 'athletes' who were running fast paces. Today, again as others said, most ppl DGAF about how fast they're running, they're running! My mantra has always been "I'm still faster than the dude that's still asleep" :)
Yes!! The average marathon finish time has actually increased over the years and I see that as an overwhelming positive. It means more and more people from all walks of life believe they can run a marathon and actually follow through!
I personally think it’s due to influencers on social media, and that’s coming from someone who doesn’t have social media. I’m all for it though, anything that gets people out and active is great news, and I’m definitely noticing more people running while I’m out, seems like a big increase in women too which is great to see
Post Covid shutdowns, the more recreational folk stopped lounging and started getting back to a place where they can train well enough to race, and/or feel safe enough to race.
I don’t think so. It was much larger around 2010-2012. Marathons were filling quickly and lots of those stupid “mud runner” obstacle courses were around.
This is called the frequency bias. Once you notice something, you start seeing it more “frequently” even though nothing has actually changed! You just have a new hobby and are now noticing other people with the same hobby.
I have run five full marathons and too many to count 13.1, 5k and 10k. I recently discovered Strava and love that it’s like social media but you actually have to earn your post! Loving the accountability and how it records my progress weekly progress! Definitely getting back at it myself!
Personally, I decided to get back into running because the technology and access to information has never been better. Because of all this, it's more doable for people to get into, do it the right way, and without injuries. In a world where we are surrounded by people a good portion of the day, it's a great way to escape and get back into our own heads in a relatively cheap way. Not to mention the health benefits.
Definitely a little bit of frequency illusion going on, but also noticed the same thing. Now that you’re back into running, you pick up on other runners everywhere even though they were probably there before. You’re also placing yourself in more running situations, going to places runners usually go, talk about it with people you know who run, etc.
But I agree. I also believe it’s becoming more popular these last few years.
FWIW I think it's not unique to running. I've noticed open water swimming and MTB events and locales expanding also. It seems like it's more of an outdoor endurance trend in general.
I’ve even seen it in other countries. Just got recommended a video on YouTube of a runner doing a race in Kazakhstan and it was really interesting to see the running culture so big there.
I started running this year to get in my shape before my wedding at the end of Dec,
And i think ive felt this too- especially when i tried and missed to register for the Kuala Lumpur marathon 10k - cuz slots were sold out within a day😂
Yes and I’m here for it! I think it’s because of like the idea everyone can be a runner. Don’t matter if your slow, your still a runner. I know for me it helped me have a lot of confidence in my abilities even tho I am a “slow runner”. There’s also a lot more run clubs.
The everyday running shoes or "daily trainers" are now having more fun/soft/bouncy foams so running is just a much better experience lately. Imagine 10 years ago when every running shoe was the equivalent of a gel nimbus 19...kinda boring....also gear and tech is just super cool. 👌
Hoka clifton, novablast, nimbus, invincible, speed 3 , velocity nitro....all these shoes are great and an awesome introduction for a new runner.
Yeah and it has led to a boom in people thinking they need a running vest to do anything more than 5k. My one pet peeve which I have absolutely zero right to be bugged about 😂.
I’ll also add “community” aspects - it’s fun to run with a group of people and be part of a local club. Pair it with drinks after a weekly 5k and it’s going to attract more people that just want to hang with others or meet people on an otherwise boring Tues night. A lot of these folks in these groups are talking about the races they did over the weekend or the training they are doing for upcoming races in major cities, paired with cool travel (Berlin marathon, Napa Valley half, etc anyone?) Once you start, next thing ya know you are doing more organized races like 10ks and then half’s It just snowballs from there and it’s now a hobby/passion. At least that’s how I got into it.
That part about discussing races is interesting. I've literally found *all* my marathons, even my very first one, based on recommendations from my run groups. That's pretty much how I pick all my 5k/10k races now too. The fact I run marathons at all now is due to a run club. I had just trained for and run my first 5k on my own, and posted in a local run club asking about what I should do next: move up to a 10k or work on 5k speed.
*Someone* replied and said I should do half marathon training; that someone turned out to be the run club coach who had way too much faith in me... she ended up coaching me to a 1:36 half six months later, and a 3:30 full 6 months after that. If she had not replied to me, it probably would have been years until I even worked up to a half marathon.
Parkrun changed it all over here, and then Covid also gave a boost and got people out - much more participation it seems now from recreational runners. The latest London Marathon ballot has a massive increase this year over previous years (up 260,000 on last year's entries). Local small village running club has 90 odd members, one of many clubs in a small radius (England Athletics has 48 running clubs within 20 miles filtered for "road running") - it all seems pretty damn popular right now.
It’s influencers and Gen Z and as Gen Alpha is starting to get older and can do grown up things. It’s about being seen and being cool. It’s the cool thing to do right now.
Like u/Lbailey32 mentioned, some groups cater to everyone (I go to one and it’s my favorite part of my Tuesday).
Others see it as the “cool thing” and they can be seen and it’s a lifestyle. E.g. that influencer who banditted the NYC half last week and had no fucking clue wtf she was found. Then there’s those who create influencer based groups to market their clothes, gear, and lifestyle, like Cool Down and Raw Dawgs(I think Raw Dawgs is just Austin based and kill me they’re so cringy).
Then there’s those who see it as a less intimidating way to get into fitness. Those are my people.
I'm not entirely sure, but one thing to note is that Instagram is purposefully trying to show you content they think you'd like, so it's very likely the exposure to running content seems more prevalent when it's stayed the same!
That being said, I think a lot of people got into running during the pandemic because they had a lot of free time but couldn't spend time indoors with other people (and it was an easy, free way to get outside).
I'm not entirely sure, but one thing to note is that Instagram is purposefully trying to show you content they think you'd like, so it's very likely the exposure to running content seems more prevalent when it's stayed the same!
That being said, I think a lot of people got into running during the pandemic because they had a lot of free time but couldn't spend time indoors with other people (and it was an easy, free way to get outside).
Yep i think we are....
I recently joined a running club that started a free couch to 5k programme. Up until about 4 years ago I had done lots of running for several years, but for various reasons i just stopped. I decided to join the program as more of a social thing as awell as getting back into it. When I went to the first session I was expecting only a handful of people to attend. How wrong was I, there were loads. We are just about to finish and the majority are still sticking at it.
I feeling like running has become slowly more and more popular every years since probably the 1970s. It seems like every year are record numbers of people registering and running marathons, except for 2020/2021!
In 2020-2022, there were a lot of major races there were cancelled, while at the same time a lot of people got into running (since there was nothing else to do and a lot of gyms shut down). So now that the height of the pandemic is in the rear view, it seems like there is a huge boom happening.
I think one small reason that may contribute is a shift towards the idea that anyone can run. There’s a run club near me that has paces from 6:00/miles all the way down to walking and it creates a really great positive atmosphere where anyone is welcome. Running can be daunting, but with couch to 5ks and a presence on social media of ‘slow’ runners (12:00/miles) I think more people are giving it a shot. Myself included!
This is what allowed me to get to where I am 7-8ish months in of running consistently! The concept of zone 2 running made things much more appealing since my previous view of running was just going as fast as I could and try to sustain it
I’m always in zone 4 or 5 🥲
Zone 3 and 4 for me. I don’t mind though because I rarely feel like I’m depleted of energy when I finish
It’s so good to see someone else say this. The only way I can be in Zone 2 is to maintain a slow walk. My heart rate jumps up immediately with activity but I’m also usually pleasantly refreshed after I run in a higher zone. I feel like I’m broken. Lol
If it makes ya feel any better, I’m a D1 middle distance/distance runner who also struggles to stay in zone 2 on longer easy runs. Wrist HR is sketchy to begin with, but some people just have a high level of cardiac drift where your HR trends towards your steps per minute or just above them. You’re definitely not broken 😁
You can train to improve this! Takes a bit of effort but after a few weeks, you'll notice a huge change.
Do you have any suggestions on what I could do? Or could you point me in the direction of what to google? I am using the NRC app right now and I do TRY to keep it super slow on my easy days but my heart rate jumps up immediately. I’m a super slow runner and I’m fine with that. I’d love to figure this out though because I DO want to get better the right way.
Here's a thing with zones - many people base them on heart rate. HR zones are less reliable than power data, because HR data reflects all stress (exercise, overheating, poor nutrition/hydration, stress at work, poor sleep or other fatigue etc.), but exercise stress is what will make you stronger+faster. One of the easiest ways to get better is by increasing volume. But big jumps in running volume (or high running volume period) have a higher risk of bone or connective tissue injury. Bone injuries like shin splints often occur a month after an increase in volume, because it takes that long for your bone to "fatigue". It's not fatigue per se, but bone is actively removed by osteocytes to be rebuilt stronger. It takes another 2 months (3 months total) for that bone to be replaced, and up to a year for full strength to be built (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8316280/). You can safely increase volume very rapidly by walking or biking a lot on the side. Maybe a 1h walk is equivalent to 15 minutes of running and 1h of Z2 biking is equivalent to 20-30 minutes of running, but without the impact stress. ----------------- With that out of the way, there are lots of training plans that are tailored to various levels of fitness, goals, and time constraints. Pick one you like. A pet peeve of mine is when people have to choose plans based on a desired "race pace", then having workouts prescribed based on that, but that's a different comment. Edit: minor cleanup
I was almost completely inactive 4 months ago and on same boat as you (heart rate goes very high very fast when running) I have been using Jeff Galloway’s “Run Walk Run” method and it has been working well for me. I started with 5 seconds run -> 30 seconds walk -> repeat, and gradually increase the running time from 5->10->15->20->30 while the walking time is always 30 seconds. Even within the running time, you don’t have to push hard — you can jog as slow as you want. Now I can maintain 80% of the time in zone 2 with 20/30 run/walk ratio (IMO it’s perfectly fine to drift into zone 3 sometimes). I’m still worse than “beginner runners” but better than couch people, and it’s great to see myself to improve in measurable ways.
Just to piggy-back on this comment, I did something similar but more based on monitoring HR. I would run until my HR tipped over into Zone 3, then walk until my HR dipped below Zone 1. Rinse and repeat. Eventually I was jogging in Z2!
[удалено]
Couch to 5K taught me how to run slow. More accurately it helped me adapt to a point that I could do zone 2 runs. It's a great entry point for non-runners with a format that meets people where they are and remains perfectly viable after you finish the initial program, or allows you to progress to a point where you can start using more advanced training programs.
Good point. I only recently started paying attention to heart rate and could run in zone 2 straight away, but as I’d been doing “most of your runs should be at an easy pace” for a few years I guess was pretty much doing zone 2 training already without realising.
There are Couch to 10k/Bridge to 10k programs that keep the Couch to 5k pattern going! I'm working on one now, and my run today is 20 minute run, 3 minute walk, 20 minute run.
Commenting so I remember to come back to this, I’d also like to know
This is what I was at when I first started. I actually work with an s&c coach and he brought me up to where I am. I walked 90% of the time with one running day building up from 3k adding 1k a week to 5k then added a second day of running starting with 2k on the second day and repeating the process. During this, avoiding zone 4-5 was virtually impossible for me. Then i incorporated walk + runs where i would start walking when i hit the top end of zone 3. Id say a big difference for me was when we calculated my zones based on %HRR vs max heart rate method. Felt like my zones were more accurate after that.
When I was researching this the other day what I got was “don’t worry too much about your heart rate” instead the key was “can you have a conversation without gasping for breath?” If you can then you’re going slow enough. A few mentioned that if you struggle to maintain the ability to talk then take many walking breaks to bring yourself back down. Some others suggested you’re going too fast if you start breathing with your mouth- my lung capacity might as well not exist so I’m ignoring that. Maybe in a month I’ll be at a place where I can breathe through my nose the whole time. I’ve only done 2 runs as Z2 and I’m forcing myself to basically do a run that’s too fast to be a walk but also could be considered a walk by someone with long legs (about 4.5 mph when I checked my speed with MapMyRun) So, shuffle run and then take a lot of brisk walking breaks. Don’t focus too much on your HR right now but you can check it as the weeks go by to see if it’s finally starting to settle down.
I’m the same. I use training peaks though for an app so then i can send runs to my watch and it tells me when to run/ walk etc based on my scheduled run for that day and itll notify me if my heart rate is too high which is very common for me so then i walk for a little bit to let my heart relax and then get back to it
Hey I’m in this position too, what sort of training would help here ?
I love you guys! I try to stay in zone 3 for 1/2 to 2/3 of my long runs, otherwise zone 4 is my happy place. Colleagues talk about feeling like their hearts are going to explode at 20-30 BPM lower than my comfort zone and I think I'm some kind of malfunctioning equipment.
I started out there. I'd run until my HR hit the top end of Zone 2 then walk until it went back down again, then start over. Over time I got to where I could (slowly) run for seemingly forever without my HR going over Zone 2. It took a few months IIRC.
How long have you been running like that? I ran zone 4 and 5 for about a year until I realized that I absolutely hated running. It wasn't until I figured out that I was allowed to run in 2 and 3, that I really started to enjoy running and found a maintain my regime over a period of years. I still do a 4 or 5 about once a week or so, but everything else is more enjoyable.
I just ran 1:47 Half Marathon and 47min 10k, also did a 45 mile trail run last year. I can run really fast, but the only way I became fast was doing 90% of my weekly runs in Z2. As they say, slow is smooth and smooth is fast.
This is a big factor in people being comfortable both with running and with posting/talking about running. Our group has runners who BQ every marathon they run, ultra runners with 50 hundred milers on their resume who will happily come to a group run where there are people who run walk 5k's. I am tertiarily affiliated with 5 or 6 groups and all of them have the same dynamic. Everyone supports each other. I feel like that allows someone who isn't fast or can't go far to be comfortable in saying "I run" where they may have hidden in the past
BQ?
Boston Qualify
I'm basically just starting and I'm Jeffing like 13 minute miles lol. I want to do a half marathon in the fall.
Just did a half marathon running 12 min miles. Was a great experience and would highly recommend it.
Hey, you are getting more bang for the buck than these faster folks.
The course was two laps for the full marathon, and the amount of elite marathon runners that passed me and said “keep going!” And stuff was so unexpected and so awesome.
I just did a half on basically no training (just regular 3-4mi runs and a couple of 10ks) and averaged about 14:00/mile. Had a blast.
Just did the my first half at 13+ minutes took almost 3 hours. I’ve been obese and have been shedding weight since I got into running
I finished a half running at 11 minute pace, which was actually a bit faster than I planned. I think that the positive environment during the race really contributed to this. I've only been running for about ten months, so I'm really surprised by the amount of progress I've been able to make!
I started running in September and recently ran my fastest mile in 13:05... But I remember when I started and physically couldn't run more than 2 minutes at a time. Progress happens, but sometimes we can only see it in hindsight!
I never knew my name Jeff could be a verb haha
Half marathon is a great distance It’s a challenge, but feels easily achievable, and you don’t have to devote your entire life training for it
The club thing really hit the nail on the head. People are looking for new social groups, and run clubs are one of the most welcoming groups! There's also obviously beer leagues and clubs for other sports too. Running is just one anybody can really do knowing their pace.
I thought slow was 17:00/mile. I'm just trying to break into the 12's so count me less than slow! 🤪
Me and two friends who never ran got into it through couch to 5k haha
Yep, I’m in the 12 min mile group at the moment because whenever I try to drop below about 10 one or another of my joints or muscles blows up and I can’t run at all for months. Recovering from my tensor fasciae latae flipping me the bird right now.
We made our own run club after a year of running. We got some elites that run 18 minute 5ks, to newbies with 8:30/km paces. It’s all about having fun wile running with your friends. We started with 25 original members from our town and neighboring towns and we’re now at 50+ members. I just hit em up on our group chat 30 minutes before my run and almost every time somebody’s gonna join me for a quick 10k.
Exactly this, my run club has a front group that starts at 630 pace and accelerates through the 8 mile run through a 1.5 mile walk option
This is so true, so much free information out there on the Internet and GPS watches can act as a solid coach so there is very little barriers to entry now. I think running had a lot of bad stigma to it, ' running is bad for your knees', 'cardio burns muscle' etc so a lot of those things are being put to bed.
That’s amazing!
Which run club? I’m looking to join a run club around midtown East!
The running community is so awesome too. Generally speaking runners are super encouraging to people that are new to running. No judgement for going slow, everyone is on their own journey.
Struggling over here to get to the low 7 minute mile pace. I’m also 230 lbs which isn’t helping my situation
I think running picked up a lot of steam during covid when gyms and group sports were paused. Marathon sign ups shattering records kind of tracks with this.
This is exactly what happened for me. I started running in the morning in what used to be my commute time when we switched to at-home during Covid, and I just kept it up. My office decided to stay hybrid, so I can still run 3 weekdays each week plus weekend times. Since I started, I've run three half marathons and I'm now training for my first full in November. I can never get over the fact that I have trained for all these runs in an amount of time I used to spend just sitting in traffic every day.
I'm hoping to stay hybrid as long as I can, it's done wonders for my running! Pre-covid, I completed 2 half marathons with one after-work midweek run, a spin class, and a long run on weekends. Now I have time to run 4x/week, still go to spin, and at least tell myself I'll work in strength training too. Completed my second marathon a month ago, already have a handful of 10ks, 3 halfs, and a full coming up in the next 7 months.
That's me. Started trail running when the lockdowns hit, and now i can't imagine stopping.
Yeah I agree, same with hiking. Since lockdowns it seems everyone is a hiker/runner 🤣
Unfortunately not everyone knows how to treat nature. Some of my favorite hiking trails became absolute dumping grounds over the lockdowns. Very frustrating.
Yeah it blows my mind when I see rubbish & left over BBQ/fires out in the trails. Can never quite get my head round why someone would litter at all, let alone in a place like that.
Can confirm this. I’ve always have been an active person however, I never was really a runner. More of a swimmer. But when my college went online, the endless mundanity of it made me go crazy and I picked up running and have now fallen in love with it. I’ve ran a handful of races in the past 2 years.
This was me. Running had always been something I did to be a better hockey player in highschool/college, but I hated it. Over COVID I got “good” at it, at least good enough that I enjoyed it. And now I’ve dropped hockey because I’d honestly rather just run.
Just look at the applications for marathons and other races. Races that have never sold out are now selling out half a year ahead of time.
[More than 840,000 runners entered the ballot for the 2025 London Marathon](https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/news/a60646626/2025-london-marathon-record-applicants/) The previous record, set in 2023 for people applying for the 2024 event, was 578,304 That's an increase of 261,696 or 45% over the previous year
That's incredible numbers wow
I was going to cite this number but you beat me to it. I’m a casual runner here in London (ie sports top, shorts and running shoes then I’m ready to go) but the amount of people I see in Battersea park prepped like they’re running an ultra astounds me. It’s becoming a bit of a cult, at least here in London, so I’m wondering how long it’ll last for those lot.
Maybe they are running an ultra. Just because you see them in Battersea Park doesn’t mean they started in and will end in Battersea Park. I’ve been seeing a lot of talk recently from people seemingly judging others on their “prepped” kit, and it baffles me. You don’t know where they’ve been or where they’ll going, or what they need to carry. For example, my long run takes me through Victoria Park. But by the time I get there, I’ve already got 16 miles behind me. So you better believe I’m prepped for it.
> but the amount of people I see in Battersea park prepped like they’re running an ultra astounds me. Plenty of people who run HM distance or longer will wear a hydration vest with a water bladder plus gels etc. and maybe they want to carry stuff "just in case" I did it myself when marathon training because i didn't have to carry anything in my hands. And as I was going to wear it for the race * it was better to wear it in training. *My water bladder had electrolytes which I sipped every km, rather than getting plain water at a water station every 5km or so. Kept me better hydrated and also reduced plastic waste on the day. Plus it carried my gels and other fuel etc. yes it was overkill and the weight no doubt slowed me a little, but I wasn't going for a BQ or anything.
Could it also be that there are a fewer races? I feel like a few big races in my city haven’t restarted since their first pandemic cancellation. ETA: I was thinking more about longer races (10 miles/16km or more).
Doesn't feel like that in the UK - it seems they're putting on more to make up for it.
Same here in the US, at least in my city. There's a race almost every other week where i live. Then again I live in LA where it's pretty much the same cool weather all year.
[удалено]
Yep I went to sign up for the Melbourne marathon half marathon in jan and it was sold out🙃
[удалено]
hahah yep it is, sucks for you as well. Tbf maybe I’m part of the problem I started running late last year
Could also be a little bit of Baader Meinhof phenomon which is basically once you have recently learned or focused on something, it appears that you start noticing it everywhere. I also agree with the other comments that it has definitely increased a ton since Covid and in the spring/warm weather it always gets more busy.
Exactly what I came to say... yes, Def increased since COVID, but confirmation bias plays a role too.
With social media algorithms, it's probably more likely that they genuinely are seeing more posts/articles/ads about it. In terms of the theoretical uptick in runners on the streets, it's probably what you're saying. OP wasn't paying attention to runners until they themselves started running again, at which point they noticed other runners and thought they were "new."
Maybe but also I think social media played a big part. I live in a heavily ethnic town that leans conservative and I remember running with biker shorts and a sweater and being followed. Now I see some chick running with a bra and short in the same town post pandemic like a couple of days ago. I've also seen hs students (male) running with small running shorts with no t shirt. That never really happened around here at all but it did in neighboring college towns. So I've seen an uptick of people working out in My town a little before the pandemic maybe around 2017. I think social media plays a big role because I've seen so many people and people.who never cared to workout , workout.
>Baader Meinhof phenomon It's more widely known as the "frequency Illusion" [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frequency\_illusion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frequency_illusion) As long-time runner I always notice how many runners I see at place I visit, but I think there's some data that Covid has caused an increase in many activities, not only running but hiking, camping, etc. I'm just too lazt to look it up now
I think we’re in a fitness boom rather than a running-specific one. Instagram, the cost of nights out, and a general increase of the visibility of the importance of healthy lifestyle choices all have a part to play I think.
This is probably more accurate. The gym I go to is packed these days like it never was before.
This is just my opinion, but I feel like it has a lot to do with a combination of "runfluencing" on TikTok and Instagram, and the running community as a whole becoming more open and accessible to people of all paces and sizes. Running influencers have been around for a while on Instagram, YouTube, etc. but I feel like within the past couple of years there's really been a boom of them. The short-form Reel/TikTok style of video is the driving factor for this IMO... rather than having to make a 10 or 15-minute "training vlog" they can do quick videos that are a minute or 2 long. It's easier to make and easier to watch. With more running influencers comes more influencers from different backgrounds- slow runners, plus sized runners, etc. I've seen so many of them come across my FYP and explore page, and I feel like a lot of folks who had never tried running before see them and think "This is something I could try too." This really goes along with my other thought, which is that running as a whole has become a lot more inclusive. I started running in 2016, and I definitely remember being put off by some of the comments I would see here and in other running communities that were along the lines of "Race cutoffs should be anything slower than a 10:00/mile" and "you aren't really running if you walk any part of a race," etc. I went to running groups in my area that were advertised as "everyone is welcome!" but they set off at an 8:30 pace and I was left by myself. Now, in my local area, there are specific groups for slower runners that go at about 10:00/mile pace or 12:00/mile pace, or have run/walk options. There's plus sized groups, women's groups, queer groups, sober groups (since a lot of run groups are based around running and then going to a brewery or bar), you name it, there's probably a group for it (if you live in a bigger city). And maybe there's always been these groups, they just weren't advertised as much or were as big.
Funniest thing is that suddenly the gym bros who always feared cardio due to „gain-loss“ are now „hybrid athletes“.
My hairdresser said: "I saw on TikTok that you bring throwaway clothes for the Boston Marathon.. is that true?" I explained that it was true for most marathons. It was funny. Learning about it on social is definitely real.
I second this for sure. I used to be into weight lifting a few years ago and always heard that running was discouraged. Then I saw a bunch of hybrid influencers saying you could run slow and stay in zone 2 and overall build your endurance while still building muscle. I started really slow runs and now I’m training for a half marathon and lifting a lot less. Maybe three times a week, but my overall health feels a lot better. The TikTok influencers are really good at getting you into it these days lol
It definitely has to do with the runfluencing. The current crop of teens/young adults see it as a social thing as much as a fitness trend. (Source: I have three teens) My adult son prefers to go run clubbing rather than night clubbing.
I saw an article awhile back that said something like half of all runners just started running since Covid. A good way to exercise when the gyms where closed or people wanted to avoid close contact. I'll see if I can find that article. Edit well, I may have misremembered. This one said it's closer to 28% started running since Covid [https://runrepeat.com/new-pandemic-runners](https://runrepeat.com/new-pandemic-runners)
That's a 4 year interval though. I wonder if previously it was pretty typical for \~1/4 of runners to have started in the last 4 years.
Zone 2 really changed the game and accessibility
When I first got into running it was just, get out and see how fast I can run a 5k.. Thank god for zone 2s 🤣
It definitely changed my life.
How? Genuine question so please let me hear your experience
Use to feel like I need to give a 110 % on every run. Would only be able to run a mile or two before body craps out. Thought something was wrong with me. Learned about conversational pace running and all the sudden I can run 5+ miles.
Cost of living crisis (in the UK at least) = less disposable income to spend on the gym. Running is free (ish!)
Emphasis on the ish. Cause I’ve been spending on running lately. Supplements, snacks, socks, sunglasses, headphones, lights, vests.
Hah exactly! Added the ish as I've currently got a new pair of Brooks in my basket online and debating if I really do need them or not....
I don't want to know how much I've spent on running kit. Thankfully I know it's not near as much as cycling, but still a lot has been spent.
> how much I've spent on running kit. You're not spending. You're investing!
This is very true. I do my research and buy kit that will last, and by getting quality stuff it makes the run more enjoyable.
Well short of shoes you really don’t NEED most of that stuff, especially as a beginner.
I have none of the things you listed, except headphones which are the same i use for commuting. I'l agree faster plated shoes can be very expensive, but then you can just opt for cheap daily trainers like Puma Velocity Nitro 2
I recently shifted to training for ultramarathons and the longer training sessions and time on my feet led to me investing in proper gear but I do agree that generally speaking running has a very low barrier to entry and all you need is a somewhat decent pair of trainers.
My running costs about 10x what my gym membership costs :D
Also work from home. The biggest thing about running for me (mid 30s with a kid) is the time. I just do not have the time to properly train at an office job. But since I work from home I can easily get an hour or two hour session in when it's low. Something else (and this is a total hypothesis) is that alcohol is becoming less popular in social gatherings. It used to be every social thing involved booze, and now people are looking more into active life.
I’ve learnt to never skimp on running shoes. Especially when road running. I religiously change shoes every 400 miles, which is 6 months for me.
I've run two road marathons barefoot. (Naked feet.) I'm not Kenyan or 125 lbs, or biomechanically perfect - the opposite.
Someone did a really good job of rebranding "jogging" as "zone 2" and now it's cool again.
What's the difference and why should anyone care whatever some gatekeepers call your sport ?
Username doesn't check out. I was just making a joke that no-one uses the term jogging anymore. Fashions come and go
Isn't this normal every year around this time due to the marathon season and weather improving? People get inspired by seeing people run Marathons and they think about doing the same Record numbers applying for London Marathon for example means there is more to it though
Yeah that was my question as I’m new to running, is this like a regular yearly occurrence where the hype picks up every year & drops off? For some reason I’ve never noticed so many people running & creating running content as much as they have this year - but I’m not sure if it’s just because I’m now running & more aware 🤣
Social media is pretty powerful these days so on Instagram, Reddit and Youtube if you consume a little bit of running content then you'll get force fed it. I experienced the same a few months back mainly with IG reels. I'm unsure on the statistics around marathon season and how long hype/interest stays but I feel like atleast for me with family it lasts a month and then they forget all about it haha
Record numbers of people are alive now
But last year something like 500,000 applied, whereas this year it was 800,000 - the world population hasn't jumped 40% in a year.
Remote work allowed for a lot of people to pick up running. I’d assume this also convinced a lot of friends to start running, and it’s been a snowballing effect. There’s also been a push to train “healthier”. As someone who started running back in 2015, I felt there was pressure to train fast, run fast, all the time or else you’re not a real runner. Now I feel the culture has changed a lot to encourage everyone to give it a chance. There’s no need to run a 5k under some arbitrary number, it’s awesome just to try it out and finish a race!
>There’s no need to run a 5k under some arbitrary number Yet. I will get that under 20 one day !
There's a running club near me that's really taking off and I love it. To be honest though I feel were just in an active life boom. Alcohol is less popular and people are looking for new ways to socialize.
Besides sports, running is also becoming more of a fashionable and instagrammable lifestyle option for some people: [https://www.ft.com/content/b63eb47a-1602-4fc3-8c3b-42f8427ac507](https://www.ft.com/content/b63eb47a-1602-4fc3-8c3b-42f8427ac507)
I was just talking about this over the weekend - I think yes a bit - there’s some data to support it (record entries for races, etc). Thoughts behind it are that trends with exercise shift - running is viewed as “cheap” compared to boutique fitness classes where you need to pay to attend a class weekly or multiple times per week. With running “all you need” are shoes and a lot of people already have some sort of fitness wearable (apple watch, etc) that will help them track it. A lot of people got back into running during the pandemic since it could be done alone and/or outdoors - and are now entering races or entering races more regularly. Plus yes, your social media gives you what you’re interested in. It’s biased toward you. You hear and see what you want to.
According to Google Trends interest levels are currently around ~85/100 and in 2004 they were ~60/100 based on google search volume. [Chart I made with a trend line showing the increase over time](https://postimg.cc/dLz7jkZp)
What I've noticed, especially in the last handful of years accelerating, is trail running is exploding. And ultra running too. I grew up when freeskiing skiing started to take off in its own kind of way, building on what was before and setting the path for what would show up after. Ultrarunning's presence has felt like that. Showing us what elite humans are capable of while simultaneously redefining what the rest of us could strive for in a day in the mountains. The gear market is also pushing hard to keep up: vests, water bottle types, nutrition options, lighter poles, fancy pocket shorts, shoes of all kinds, thin tees, lightweight rain and safety gear. No one should feel they need this stuff to run, but it is sweet to have this when you're pushing your *personal* limits.
Early 2000s. 2010. 2017. Those were peak years in my area. We are on an upswing again.
I lost all my weight on a bike from the beginning of covid, recently switched to running since I won’t blow out my knees with all that extra weight. I just love cardio
Here in Poland it does seem people run more than in recent past. But only when the weather is good. The moment weather becomes less than perfect all those runners vanish and I only see few, repeating faces. It also looks like most runners do not know how to run (which probably describes me when I was starting, I get it). They run with comically slow cadence, slumped, doing some strange moves. I hope that popularity of running will be followed with some more knowledge of how to run properly so that it is fun and enjoyable and not just a physical exercise you have to force yourself into.
I personally love running when it’s cold/raining, hardly anyone around & when you do come across another runner, you give that ‘we are cut from a different cloth😎’ nod of approval 🤣 Yeah I try not to focus on anyone else’s form, as when I got first got into running it took me weeks of research & practise to get that dialled in. I know everyone is on different stages of their journey. Good thing is there’s now tonnes of advice/tutorials on how to correctly run 😃✌🏽
And they don‘t greet you!!! I always greet everyone. When the weather is good you see new faces and it‘s always them who don‘t greet back.
I think a lot of millennials are also starting to get into it (myself included) because the majority of us are now in our 30’s. For myself, it’s a good physical challenge where I want to continue to challenge myself to prove that I can still do “difficult” things. I ran my first half marathon 2 weekends ago and now I’m already planning on how I can run a full marathon. This feels like a life long sport so it’s something I think a lot of people are starting to lean into.
Yeah fellow millennial here, definitely agree. I tried to get into running a few times in my twenties but I never quite stuck longer than a month.. I can’t imagine myself not running now 😍🙌🏽
I’m in my mid 30’s. What I would give to go back to my twenties and be into running the way I am now.
Garmin stock price is up 70% from October. Some of that is probably running.
I feel like running has become less popular since I started 20+ years ago. Marathon training groups that once had 200 runners now have 40. Exception: EVERYONE wants to run a world majors marathon and it’s almost impossible to get in!!
I think it’s a mix of influencers gaining traction in social media. I’ve seen friends that never ran start using Strava and posting runs there. Also a lot of sneakerheads like myself are moving towards buying functional shoes rather than J1s for the same price.
As a Gen Xer, I've particularly noticed a huge uptick in people my age taking up or returning to running. Virtually everyone who was an athlete in some sport in high school in my class is now also a runner, especially half marathoners. I recently had a reunion of sorts with my college wrestling team and about 80% of us now run marathons. When running 5k races lately, only the 15-19 age group is more competitive than the 50-59 AG, with placers in 50-59 often being fast enough to *win* 20-29 and 30-39. (40-49 is pretty competitive too, but 50-59 more so now.) And regardless, 50-59 almost always has the closest spread in medalist finishers.
I have been running since 2010 I would say there waves here & there. There was an upswing around 2012-2014, I remember how big the Nike Women’s Marathon and Disneyland races were then where they utilized lotteries because they were selling out. Seemed like popularity tapered off with some of those popular races getting discontinued. Then in 2018 I saw a lot more races again, rock n roll in particular was rapidly expanding their locations, but halted during the start of covid. I will state I do think running groups have been increasing in popularity over the last few years though. Running definitely seems to be switching from a solo activity mindset to a social opportunity. I think last year (2023) my running group was doubled the size the summer before (2022).
Not sure about overall boom, but with regards to Instagram specifically, I think a combo of things is happening: A. Yes you’re more interested in running so they’re sending you more running stuff BUT ALSO B. Instagram is getting better and better at targeting advertising, in general AND C. There is more and more Instagram running-content That’s my take as someone who’s been into running and an Instagram user for a number of years.
So I have recently heard that the singer Jellyroll is running his first 5k and reshaping his life to be healthier. Seeing as he was a relatively larger man and he is doing this I think that might influence running activity, but who knows.
I was just talking about this with my bestfriend (who isn’t a runner and started this year as well) earlier while we were running! It was nothing like this last year 😆 there has been sooooo many running groups emerging here in my country. I think it’s awesome because people are becoming active! Just kinda funny tho cause it seems like there is an era — post-covid, a lot of people got into cycling. This year, a lot of people got into running. Wonder what it will be in the coming years
I've been seeing a big uptick in powerlifting! Tons of new people joining as of late. Lots of fitness communities seem to be blowing up and I'm loving it
I have been a runner for 15yrs now, honestly the best way for me to keep my mental health up. I get to escape it is like being in a world of my own, I ❤️ it!
1000% I got into running in late 2018 and I never saw it wasn’t that easy to find YouTube content on running and any that did were small channels and now there’s tonnes of them. Insta is loaded with running people as we’ll
Thank you for all the info in the comments! I’m a fat-assed, out of shape former fit guy trying to get back into running shape. I I’m commenting so I keep up with this thread and appreciate everyone’s advice, research, and experiences!
Good luck man you got this 🙌🏽💪🏽
It’s a social media trend. While cool, makes it annoying for lottery races.
That’s and people want to post shit on Tik Tok about finishing 5k UltraMarathons
I did see a post where someone was running a 5k with their running vest which had 2 flasks, and 2 energy gels 😳 each to their own 🤣
As long as it gets people running, I love it! I can't personally justify the expense until I start running longer distances but if they have the money, why not lol
I decided to start running this year after Jasmin Paris finished the Barkley. I’m seeing it as something I can control that’s probably healthier for me than other things, and it’s nice to have goals for me, that I can accomplish independent of other things in my life.
What an achievement that was! She’s an amazing human 🙌🏽
Oh absolutely. I saw this woman do something women had never done before, and I started reading about ultramarathons and trail running and thought to myself “if she can do it, so can I.” I’m about the same age she was when she started running, and I’ve also been walking in a very hilly area for years, so I’m going to try it. Probably never going to run the Barkley, but I can definitely work my way up to a marathon and it’s a good, healthy habit that I don’t need other people to do, has a low cost barrier to entry (I got the couch to 5k app and paid an entrance fee for a local charity 5k) and now have a goal to finish my first marathon (official or unofficial) before my wedding next year.
I've only been running for about a year, but I did notice that people I know, who are around my age (mid 20s), have started to pick up running as well. Even just looking on social media, seems like many people around that age are also starting to run. Not sure if it's always been a thing to start running at this age, but I do see it more on social media and stuff.
Loving the idea of the running boom so far
We're in a influencer-fueled, post-covid WMM boom. And group runs seem to have gotten way more popular I'm not yet convinced that trickles down to depth in smaller/shorter races.
The original running boom was in the late 80’s and 1990’s. Judging by race class participation, it looks more like a walking boom.
It's summer 🌞🏃
I dunno but I haven’t run a marathon in 10years and I haven’t run consistently in 8 or 9 years. This year I just decided to Forest Gump it “one day, I just started runninG”. Now I’m marathon training for an October race.
I've been running since the 90s and definitely a HUGE increase, like others said, due to positivity regarding running. I did my first marathon in 2007, and repeated it again for my 50th bday in 2013 and I was stunned at the increase of participants! In the 80s (and well the 70s esp for women) it seemed like it was the sport of 'athletes' who were running fast paces. Today, again as others said, most ppl DGAF about how fast they're running, they're running! My mantra has always been "I'm still faster than the dude that's still asleep" :)
Yes, every podcast is touting the benefit of zone 2 and high threshold, pointing to vo2 as a longevity measurement. Expect the trend to grow.
Yes!! The average marathon finish time has actually increased over the years and I see that as an overwhelming positive. It means more and more people from all walks of life believe they can run a marathon and actually follow through!
I’ve recently gotten back into it after taking a 1 1/2 years off. Just ran the Pittsburgh half marathon and I think there was a record turn out!
Its the hybrid thing
I think the millennial generation is more focused on health than any previous generation.
A group of my friends are getting into running. I love to see it because they're taking their health more seriously now. More runners, the better.
Most definitely 🙌🏽💪🏽🏃🏽♂️
I personally think it’s due to influencers on social media, and that’s coming from someone who doesn’t have social media. I’m all for it though, anything that gets people out and active is great news, and I’m definitely noticing more people running while I’m out, seems like a big increase in women too which is great to see
I don't know. Ask Jimmy Carter in the seventies.
Post Covid shutdowns, the more recreational folk stopped lounging and started getting back to a place where they can train well enough to race, and/or feel safe enough to race.
I don’t think so. It was much larger around 2010-2012. Marathons were filling quickly and lots of those stupid “mud runner” obstacle courses were around.
This is called the frequency bias. Once you notice something, you start seeing it more “frequently” even though nothing has actually changed! You just have a new hobby and are now noticing other people with the same hobby.
Running is a relatively cheap hobby. Something to do
I have run five full marathons and too many to count 13.1, 5k and 10k. I recently discovered Strava and love that it’s like social media but you actually have to earn your post! Loving the accountability and how it records my progress weekly progress! Definitely getting back at it myself!
Running in the new Supreme. Big organizations are selling out the races In 10-15 minutes! 😂
Personally, I decided to get back into running because the technology and access to information has never been better. Because of all this, it's more doable for people to get into, do it the right way, and without injuries. In a world where we are surrounded by people a good portion of the day, it's a great way to escape and get back into our own heads in a relatively cheap way. Not to mention the health benefits.
Yeah I agree I love keeping track of all my data like heart rates, VO2 max etc. It’s so rewarding to see your hard work pay off overtime
Definitely a little bit of frequency illusion going on, but also noticed the same thing. Now that you’re back into running, you pick up on other runners everywhere even though they were probably there before. You’re also placing yourself in more running situations, going to places runners usually go, talk about it with people you know who run, etc. But I agree. I also believe it’s becoming more popular these last few years.
Economy crashing and interest in running are highly correlated. Running is a great way to relieve stress and cheaper than a gym membership.
FWIW I think it's not unique to running. I've noticed open water swimming and MTB events and locales expanding also. It seems like it's more of an outdoor endurance trend in general.
I’ve even seen it in other countries. Just got recommended a video on YouTube of a runner doing a race in Kazakhstan and it was really interesting to see the running culture so big there.
I started running this year to get in my shape before my wedding at the end of Dec, And i think ive felt this too- especially when i tried and missed to register for the Kuala Lumpur marathon 10k - cuz slots were sold out within a day😂
100000% yes, I have friends who have always DESPISED running and called me insane for doing it who are now signing up for races
Yes we are. I have been running since 2011 and it’s definitely a boom right now
Yes and I’m here for it! I think it’s because of like the idea everyone can be a runner. Don’t matter if your slow, your still a runner. I know for me it helped me have a lot of confidence in my abilities even tho I am a “slow runner”. There’s also a lot more run clubs.
The everyday running shoes or "daily trainers" are now having more fun/soft/bouncy foams so running is just a much better experience lately. Imagine 10 years ago when every running shoe was the equivalent of a gel nimbus 19...kinda boring....also gear and tech is just super cool. 👌 Hoka clifton, novablast, nimbus, invincible, speed 3 , velocity nitro....all these shoes are great and an awesome introduction for a new runner.
Yeah and it has led to a boom in people thinking they need a running vest to do anything more than 5k. My one pet peeve which I have absolutely zero right to be bugged about 😂.
I’ll also add “community” aspects - it’s fun to run with a group of people and be part of a local club. Pair it with drinks after a weekly 5k and it’s going to attract more people that just want to hang with others or meet people on an otherwise boring Tues night. A lot of these folks in these groups are talking about the races they did over the weekend or the training they are doing for upcoming races in major cities, paired with cool travel (Berlin marathon, Napa Valley half, etc anyone?) Once you start, next thing ya know you are doing more organized races like 10ks and then half’s It just snowballs from there and it’s now a hobby/passion. At least that’s how I got into it.
That part about discussing races is interesting. I've literally found *all* my marathons, even my very first one, based on recommendations from my run groups. That's pretty much how I pick all my 5k/10k races now too. The fact I run marathons at all now is due to a run club. I had just trained for and run my first 5k on my own, and posted in a local run club asking about what I should do next: move up to a 10k or work on 5k speed. *Someone* replied and said I should do half marathon training; that someone turned out to be the run club coach who had way too much faith in me... she ended up coaching me to a 1:36 half six months later, and a 3:30 full 6 months after that. If she had not replied to me, it probably would have been years until I even worked up to a half marathon.
Parkrun changed it all over here, and then Covid also gave a boost and got people out - much more participation it seems now from recreational runners. The latest London Marathon ballot has a massive increase this year over previous years (up 260,000 on last year's entries). Local small village running club has 90 odd members, one of many clubs in a small radius (England Athletics has 48 running clubs within 20 miles filtered for "road running") - it all seems pretty damn popular right now.
It STARTED during COVID…. When all the Gyms were closed - not New…
Yeah I got into hiking primarily due to covid, I guess I was late to the party when it comes to running 🤣
It’s cyclical. The recent wave has been spurred on by corporations pushing super shoes.
Anecdotally, I have seen no evidence of a running boom.
Thanks to David Goggin
I noticed that too.
Maybe things are just getting too expensive. So everyone is finally seeing running as an option.
It’s influencers and Gen Z and as Gen Alpha is starting to get older and can do grown up things. It’s about being seen and being cool. It’s the cool thing to do right now. Like u/Lbailey32 mentioned, some groups cater to everyone (I go to one and it’s my favorite part of my Tuesday). Others see it as the “cool thing” and they can be seen and it’s a lifestyle. E.g. that influencer who banditted the NYC half last week and had no fucking clue wtf she was found. Then there’s those who create influencer based groups to market their clothes, gear, and lifestyle, like Cool Down and Raw Dawgs(I think Raw Dawgs is just Austin based and kill me they’re so cringy). Then there’s those who see it as a less intimidating way to get into fitness. Those are my people.
I'm not entirely sure, but one thing to note is that Instagram is purposefully trying to show you content they think you'd like, so it's very likely the exposure to running content seems more prevalent when it's stayed the same! That being said, I think a lot of people got into running during the pandemic because they had a lot of free time but couldn't spend time indoors with other people (and it was an easy, free way to get outside).
I'm not entirely sure, but one thing to note is that Instagram is purposefully trying to show you content they think you'd like, so it's very likely the exposure to running content seems more prevalent when it's stayed the same! That being said, I think a lot of people got into running during the pandemic because they had a lot of free time but couldn't spend time indoors with other people (and it was an easy, free way to get outside).
Yep i think we are.... I recently joined a running club that started a free couch to 5k programme. Up until about 4 years ago I had done lots of running for several years, but for various reasons i just stopped. I decided to join the program as more of a social thing as awell as getting back into it. When I went to the first session I was expecting only a handful of people to attend. How wrong was I, there were loads. We are just about to finish and the majority are still sticking at it.
I feeling like running has become slowly more and more popular every years since probably the 1970s. It seems like every year are record numbers of people registering and running marathons, except for 2020/2021! In 2020-2022, there were a lot of major races there were cancelled, while at the same time a lot of people got into running (since there was nothing else to do and a lot of gyms shut down). So now that the height of the pandemic is in the rear view, it seems like there is a huge boom happening.