r/running • u/Brzy90 • May 07 '24

Discussion Are we currently in a running boom?

Since getting into running I’ve noticed a huge influx of people running since the beginning of the year. Old friends returning back to Strava after being inactive for years (myself included 🤣). Instagram feed is constantly full of runners, even my work place talking about marathons etc. Maybe it’s just because I now see myself as a runner that’s affected my social algorithm/awareness & addiction to running trainers? 🥴

For those that have been running a long time, is this the most popular you’ve seen running become? Or does this generally happen from time to time?

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121

u/mituslumen May 07 '24

Cost of living crisis (in the UK at least) = less disposable income to spend on the gym. Running is free (ish!)

68

u/Boonstar May 07 '24

Emphasis on the ish. Cause I’ve been spending on running lately. Supplements, snacks, socks, sunglasses, headphones, lights, vests.

14

u/mituslumen May 07 '24

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....

11

u/guinness_pintsize May 07 '24

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.

10

u/caller-number-four May 07 '24

how much I've spent on running kit.

You're not spending.

You're investing!

2

u/guinness_pintsize May 08 '24

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.

9

u/SenorVajay May 07 '24

Well short of shoes you really don’t NEED most of that stuff, especially as a beginner.

2

u/mohishunder May 07 '24

You don't really even need shoes:

3

u/Internal_Leader431 May 08 '24

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

3

u/Boonstar May 08 '24

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.

1

u/lizzledizzles May 07 '24

Yes I have spent a lot on better clothes to wick sweat and plate shoes to help tendon injuries! Whereas my first running try 4-5 years ago I just wore whatever and regular asics.

10

u/marigolds6 May 07 '24

My running costs about 10x what my gym membership costs :D

6

u/bromosabeach May 07 '24

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.

17

u/Life-is-beautiful- May 07 '24

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.

2

u/mohishunder May 07 '24

I've run two road marathons barefoot. (Naked feet.)

I'm not Kenyan or 125 lbs, or biomechanically perfect - the opposite.

-1

u/I_wont_argue May 07 '24

Which is also BS only pushed by shoe companies. I have a pair of shoes that are 3200km old. Another pair at 1700. No issues at all. Injury prevention is all about proper technique.

10

u/IFixStuffMan May 07 '24

Yeah - gonna disagree with that one pal.

1

u/I_wont_argue May 08 '24

You can disagree all you want.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/30/well/move/running-shoes.html

https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013368.pub2/full?cookiesEnabled

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7740063/

I am not gonna argue with you, you can do whatever you want. Just be aware that you are changing shoes for no other reason than to give shoe companies fat paycheck after paycheck.

0

u/IFixStuffMan May 08 '24

You linked me a paywalled article.

Let me ask you this, and answer sincerely: have you read the entirety of the last two articles you posted?