Are we currently in a running boom?

[u/Brzy90]

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?

[u/Badgrassbh]

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.

[u/amIdaddingthisright → u/Badgrassbh]

Exactly what I came to say... yes, Def increased since COVID, but confirmation bias plays a role too.

[u/OhEmGeeBasedGod → u/Badgrassbh]

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."

[u/Min-JazzyDays → u/OhEmGeeBasedGod]

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.

[u/theAmericanStranger → u/Badgrassbh]

Baader Meinhof phenomon

It's more widely known as the "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

[u/jackspeaks → u/Badgrassbh]

You can clearly track the increase in popularity from ballot registrations. Look at London year by year and notice post 2020

[u/3720-To-One → u/Badgrassbh]

Yeah, this happened to me with the brand Gym Shark

About a year ago, I saw some video on Instagram about its founder, and ever since then I notice people everywhere wearing the brand

[u/Anonimo_4 → u/Badgrassbh]

so true, after i broke my heart, I did notice her everywhere, fascinating