Running is quite literally taking us by storm. An uptake of the sport, specifically among Gen Z, has led to an increase in exercise and running influencers (aka the ‘runfluencers’).
These content creators share videos online of themselves preparing to run, actually running, and then having coffee and pastries afterwards.
Aligning with a seemingly more health-conscious Gen Z, running has become a very popular new pastime. It seems like a pretty nice way to spend a morning workout or to dispel some post-work stress.
With many young people now choosing to attend multiple run clubs and training sessions, often over a traditional boozy night out, the social media craze has inevitably followed suit.
Running Background
As a sporting pursuit, the concept of running is nothing new — people have been reaping the running benefits forever. After all, it was our ancestors’ main form of transport.
But with all the stress of day-to-day life, including more pressure than ever from social media, running seems like an easy and cheap way to boost endorphins.
And yet, for the first time, the motivation to run may not just come from the obvious mental and physical benefits.
It’s no secret that despite the draw to running, it requires a lot of self-motivation, especially as we move into the winter months. Moreover, the glamorization, not to mention the cute workout gear, could be more of a pull.
Although running has always been prevalent, has social media changed how we exercise?
Content Creation
Many running influencers glamorize the fitness game. As full-time content creators, their job is to create aesthetically pleasing videos that end with a light sheen across their forehead and an ice-cold matcha from a Scandi-inspired coffee shop.
Videos on TikTok such as ‘Come run 10k with me’ frequently contain those who have been training for a long time to reach this point of fitness. Running has so many benefits, but the only way to improve is to push yourself in training and to remain consistent.
The ease with which so many can run very long distances can be discouraging, especially when it take months to replicate. Luckily, some people also have the running gene.
Running Aesthetic
The running aesthetic must be noted as well. Gone are the days of old black leggings and a sad-looking baggy T-shirt for working out. Brands such as Lululemon and Free People have epitomized the cute running fits with bright, pastel colors, which supposedly make it ‘easier’ to start running in the morning.
Not only does this make the run extra Instagrammable, but it has promoted the appeal of running. Work out whilst looking your best. For example, laying out a cute outfit the night before a run makes it much more likely that you’ll actually go.
Some ‘runfluencers’ even apply copious layers of skincare and make-up before embarking on a run. However — if you’re anything like me — you’ll have sweated most of this off after 15 minutes.
Polarized sunglasses are another popular running accessory. They may not have been cool until recently, but I can confirm that they do not help you run faster. Sporting influencer Mary McCarthy likes to wear a very cute set from Lululemon paired with a sleek pair of Oakleys.
Beginning my running journey earlier this year, I would be lying if I said I hadn’t been drawn in by the hoards of ‘runfluencers’ that occupy my feed. But I trust those who have portrayed the reality of the pain and endurance required to succeed at running, as well as the physiological benefits. Not everyone will run a marathon, but the best influencers promote accessibility and believe everyone can.
False Influence
The dark side of running influencers is that some will fake their workouts in order to create more content or receive more views. Such videos are not motivating at all.
One influencer even admitted to hopping in her car between each kilometer in order to create a ‘Come Run 5k with me’ video. These fabricated videos are highly misleading, especially for individuals who have just started running and cannot understand why they are not able to run long distances just yet.
In a world centered around social media, our judgment is needed to call out fake content. However, they can be extremely challenging to spot, and you will occasionally have to do a little stalking. Trust me, you’ll quickly be able to spot what is and isn’t real.
Run Clubs
Interestingly, the concept of run clubs (a common runfluencer trend) can be more about facilitating meet-ups than actually exercising. This is all part of the social media draw, which promotes feel-good endorphins whilst meeting like-minded people.
Run club promotion is one of the most positive aspects to come out of the ‘runfluencers,’ as people are getting out of their comfort zone and exercising — and most importantly, having lots of fun.
Although they have questionable intentions at times, the running influencers have undoubtedly revolutionized how we approach exercise. Whether you love or hate them, at least you can watch some aesthetic running and save outfit inspo for your next trip to Lululemon.
Although it’s unlikely that the fake influencers are going away anytime soon, at least the majority commit to sharing their passion and helping others reach their fitness goals. Running is never going to be an easy pastime; it’s something you have to work on. And now you can run with the comfort that the ‘runfluencers’ are running too.
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