Some Thoughts on the Commodification of Running

It’s called fashion (look it up). With my sister, Mariah, before a long run.

You would have seen my eye roll from 5k away, had you been there.

My ankle was hurting, so I swapped my 90-minute run for the stationary bike at the gym. In walked a 20-something bro with brunette hair, sweaty from a run. His singlet and half tights were matching, each a shade of twilight blue, from Bandit. Large, reflective Oakley glasses, lemon-lime Alpha Flys, and a Garmin completed his look.

(If any of these companies want to send me free product: hi! brian@greatdayforunners.com)

He headed for the dumbbells for one super set of bicep curls and shoulder presses before . . . just leaving. It didn’t help that we were in Equinox Domino, the newest “destination” club for the luxury gym.

Now, I have been dabbling in the wise practice of Buddhism lately,1 so I tried really hard to let that shit go. But I still had another 45 minutes on the bike and I needed something to gnaw on.

The culture of running has changed so much in the past few years. The pandemic and social media catapulted the sport into a new era of social cache.

Now, after a run, we open TikTok to watch influencers get their runs in. We note their paces and what products they use. We reason it’s probably time to check out a new run club, too. We join said club, make friends from the same corner of the internet, and start forming a group identity.

The pot calling the kettle black over here. Tiktok has historically been my best source for new run clients.

I have a theory: running is in its SoulCycle *circa 2014* era.

Just like spin, yoga, reformer pilates, boxing, and CrossFit before, people are doing it because it’s the fitness trend du jour. As the number of runners in our community grows, so does the market size for vulturous brands. For a sport that was once touted as free and accessible, I do seem to be spend a lot of money on it. I mean, I wouldn’t go to a $40 spin class without looking presentable.

The same goes for the track (I suppose).

But here is what I am not buying—this new runner’s lifestyle, filled with stylized fits, 300+ member run clubs, and pissing contests for how many marathons you can complete in a year—is unrecognizable to me. Do you even recognize it anymore?

I have long held the belief that running is definitively un-cool, at least for anyone you wouldn’t call a “running nerd”. It’s filled with blisters, early alarms, and old race tees. It is earnest in its intent for self-improvement. It requires discipline and often a type-A neurotic personality to accompany it.

The only time I’ve ever felt that the sport is remotely glamorous is crossing the finish line at a world major. And even then, you’re probably more focused on not throwing up.

Do it Your Way

There is nothing wrong with caring about what you look like on runs. It is not immoral to spend more time sharing what you’ve accomplished online than actually doing the thing. You can be the judge.

But vanity only runs skin deep. I doubt many people will continue to run when they realize that this sport is really hard and their favorite run-fluencer is onto the next trend.

So...

I’ve been speaking to runners with increasing hesitation about the state of running culture. And I understand it. I have lived it. I get it, brands needed something to sell.

Brands and influencers are selling a running lifestyle— but it is not a lifestyle that I recognize. Many of you probably do not recognize it either.

Just like you, I have to say no to birthdays and vacations and greasy food— not for health reasons per se, but because I would prefer to avoid stomach issues on my next run.

I, too, have a closet full of dirt-stained sneakers and a cabinet filled with scientifically engineered gels.

And I also open TikTok to find influencers with zero qualifications promoting their training advice and product recommendations. I always close the app feeling like I’ve somehow fundamentally misunderstood what running is all about.

Your Best Long Run Ever ‘24 in Central Park

Decide for Yourself

The current running boom has drawn a greater range of people. More people running is always a good thing.

But the changes to the sport happened so quickly and so dramatically. It can feel confusing for veteran runners and pressure-filled to fit the mold for newer runners.

For me, I often feel like doing the work is not enough anymore. I have to do it in a expensive outfit and share it with an inspiring story online.

Frankly, I only have so much energy. And I prefer to dedicate it to the work.

I’m curious— what are your thoughts on the recent changes to running culture?

Coach's Training Journal - Plan This Week (10/15)

Upcoming races: NYC Half, Jersey City Half, Big Sur Marathon
Goals: 1:16:xx half marathon

Running - 68 miles
Lifting - 2 hours
Cross-Training - 30 minutes
Stretching & Foam Rolling - 20 minutes
Heat Adaptation - 30 minutes
PT exercises - 30 minutes

Workout of the week:
16x 400m @ threshold [60s easy]

We are back post (mild) injury, baby! The tendinopathy in my left ankle has mostly cleared up and I am good to run as normal.

Because things have been a bit touch-and-go, I opted for shorter, slightly faster reps with lots of total rest. Threshold running is interesting because depending on the workout and how you’re feeling, the pace will be slightly different. With quick ~1:25 reps, I was able to push the pace closer to 5:40 per mile than 5:50.

That being said, I’m not going to pull the trigger on changing the Jersey City Half to the marathon. My fitness is there, but I would have ideally liked a few more weeks with monster long runs (18+ miles). I’m going to limit the long runs and focus on goal half marathon pace.

My ultimate goal for this season is to set me up for success at the Chicago Marathon in October. Both a solid half or marathon will contribute to that.