The running revolution

“Am I a JOGGER? No, I am a RUNNER!”
Few things are as insulting to a runner as to be asked about jogging. Jogging can be done at your own tempo, wearing pale gray cotton bottoms with a drawstring waist, something no self-respecting runner would be caught dead in. Running trails are more crowded than ever and the number of new competitions is growing.
That running burns calories is certainly not a secret. And at a time when so many people have tired of quick-fix diets, a body that has a more shaped and toned look is now the ideal.
Psychological health is also attracting fans to the sport. These days, more and more doctors are just as likely to prescribe exercise as they are happy pills, because a vigorous run triggers similar positive chemical reactions in your brain.
Naturally, celebrities are jumping on to the bandwagon. Rock stars who used to gorge themselves silly on sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll are now singing the praises of running, while celebrity chefs are eschewing rich food in their determination to achieve better 10K times.
A greater awareness of what we eat – whether that is Fairtrade bananas, organic meat, locally grown tomatoes, or raw food biscuits – has given running a further boost.

A consumer sport

What makes running nearly perfect is that it can be done at virtually any time of the day or night, at any time of the year, anywhere on the planet. When and where is up to you.
Running has also become a consumer sport. Headgear, goggles, compression wear, hydration systems, pulse monitors, and at least one if not three different pairs of running shoes are standard items. It seems every week there are new and simply MUST-HAVE items, such as shoe chips, FuelBands, advanced watches, and wireless earbuds.
Now, there is only one question left – what sub-time are you aiming for?

Text: Katarina Sjöström