#RunnersCommunity: How Instagram Has Elevated Running
Hands up. I’ll admit it. I’m a full-blown Instagram stalker (but hey, I'm a millennial! Can you blame me?)
After my recent half-marathon, I proceeded to Instagram search a few of the girls that had beat me. Why?
I wanted to know if they were training on running teams (information that people sometimes include in Instagram bios/ evident in photo’s posted)
Being a millennial, I have the inherent trait of being a semi-professional social media stalker and wanted to put good skills to use
I was surprised to see that many of the girl’s accounts were solely dedicated to running – photos of them during training, cross-training, and post/pre-workout meals. One particular girl’s account had over 4000 followers, and majority of the accounts she followed and that followed her were also devoted to journaling running.
I delved a little deeper. I noticed these accounts seem to belong to an unspoken community (and no, not just because they all used the hashtag #runnerscommunity on every post). They regularly interact with each other via post, commenting encouraging words, providing praise, asking how injuries are, comparing workouts, and asking for advice.
Any disconnect between runners due to geographical separation, pace, or experience level has vanished. It’s evident that no longer are elite runner’s the only runner’s celebrated or looked to for inspiration. Instagram has allowed users to find runners just like them – from the runner who just wants to complete 5km, to the mid-pack runner who is aiming for a BQ – relatable, real people.
Since my revelation I created a “running account” (separate to my personal account), to journal my training and keep myself honest. My “running account” has only been active for a few weeks, but instantly I have noticed multiple positive aspects of using Instagram to document my running journey.
Comfort
Users talk about their training: How’d they feel? Was it a struggle to complete the workout? Did they push through an injury and regret it? Reading posts that depict the raw and real emotion experienced during workouts comfort me. It’s a reminder that everyone has “off” days, and that all runners are subject to the highs and lows training puts us through.
Motivation
My goal is to run my first 42.2 and qualify for Boston. Personally, I know that now that I have publicised those goals via my Instagram bio I’ve created an even greater intrinsic motivation to follow through. Further, I’ve been able to connect with runners with similar goals. Sharing this journey with others keeps me accountable and provides a (virtual) shoulder to lean on.
Support/Advice
The exchange of information is incredibly valuable to the running community. Being a runner is more than just running; it’s nutrition, gear, doing a variety of workouts, incorporating a social life…
Having a plethora of knowledge at your fingertips can shape you into a well-rounded athlete and elevate your running – and thanks to selflessness and generosity the running community exudes on social media, being that better runner is possible.
Bragging
Of course, (tasteful) self-promotion takes place on Instagram! Users share their PR’s, awesome medals they receive, milestones they hit, and cute new gear they purchase.
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With all this said, I am happy to say journaling via Instagram has positive experience these past few weeks. I’ve gained new connections, been given incredible advice to help me reach my goals, and have felt the love and encouragement that defines the running community.
