On my morning run, I feel my shoelaces flailing about. I look down, only to see that double-knots have failed me––again. I stop my watch, but in the back of my mind, I lament the five seconds it takes me to re-tie my trainers; it’s just enough to elevate my average pace above nine minutes per mile––slower than I’d hoped While the burning in my legs and lungs is precisely the same regardless of my watch’s judgement, I crave the satisfaction of ending my run with a “personal record” average pace––validating that all of that huffing and puffing was not fruitless.
Despite its occasional dreadfulness, running is an innate human activity, and our physiology shows clear evidence of this fact. Our long legs, large glute muscles, strong cardiovascular systems that allowed us to hunt down quick prey over long distances naturally incline us toward the sport. Moreover, running has been scientifically shown to significantly improve mood and mental health in the long-term. Unsurprisingly, 50 million people in the U.S. alone identify themselves as “runners”; however, this label can encompass a variety of definitions, from casual runners trying to spend more time outside to ultra-marathoners attempting to break their age category’s 100-mile world record.
Yet, as runners have taken over the world in a stampede, many have begun to look at their neighbor and question: am I fast enough? Our authentic human connection to running is being threatened by our equally innate tendency toward social comparison. Of course, competitive running dates back thousands of years, but never before have so many recreational after-work or weekend runners been so focused on how their speed stacks up. Instead of solely running for fun or for the health benefits, arguably, the public has been influenced by carefully tailored—and sometimes manipulated—publicly-shared Strava running workouts and aesthetic, seemingly effortless running vlogs on social media.
While the multitudinous picture-perfect Instagram reels may suggest otherwise, the life of a runner is not easy. Many days, runners shudder at the prospect of a five mile run after a tiring day of study or work. Injuries are almost unavoidable and recovery techniques have essentially become a part of training itself. Running is also expensive; runners should replace already costly shoes every 300-500 miles, which, for avid runners, could be just a few short months. On top of that, the ever-expanding closet of shirts, shorts, headbands, watches, and stretching gear adds up. To be a runner is already an impressive feat of time and energy, but the running community demands financial and psychological investment that leaves many novice runners battling constant incline.
Popular run-tracking apps like Strava or Nike Run Club are excellent tools for communities looking to build up an informed and engaged running circle. Users have the ability to easily track their personal statistics and share their best times. While short-term gains can provide a motivation boost, a lifelong love of running is sustained by the euphoria and beauty associated with the places it takes you––precisely what these apps undermine. . Instead of being remembered as the most beautiful scenic tour through the cedars of the Angeles Forest, a run will be memorialized as 6.5 miles at eight-minute pace over a 100-foot gain in elevation. Over-quantification tends to obscure the fun and exploratory aspects of running and, in turn, reinforces parasocial fixation on elite runner’s times..
The effect is especially pronounced among teenagers and young adults; many adopt running as a healthy habit but quickly find themselves stuck in the quagmire of self-comparison due to the hyper-competitive and overperformative undertones. Furthermore, as the emphasis on ability outpaces enjoyment in this digital social age, beginner runners will feel inadequate at an earlier stage in their personal fitness journey. Novice runners develop a skewed perception of what an “average” runner looks like, often failing to realize that running social media is riddled with self-selection bias and creators represent a minute top percentage.
Being excited about improved times and faster paces can be a healthy and motivating part of running, but the greater running community must recognize that progress is personal. Whether it’s beginner apps or the “pace-inclusive” run clubs, the community should expand opportunities for newcomers to develop a positive relationship with running. After all, for first-time runners and routine record-breakers, alike, the burning in the legs and lungs is precisely the same.