Social media has changed our sport. With apps like Strava and Instagram, we’re seeing more and more “groups” of runners who may never physically meet one another, but who inspire each other daily. I follow many folks on Instagram because their work ethic and dedication to a craft inspires me to work harder. (Have you ever looked at The Rock’s account? Good luck following him and not feeling inspired.)
However, my reliance on the phone has put me at a crossroads. While having a “network” of friends through social media certainly has its rewards, I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt so disconnected; I’m too attached to my phone. Fortunately, my work in running has revealed an amazing cure for this unhealthy compulsion. And I’m not the only one who knows it. In fact, I’m late to the party.
Our sport offers the opportunity to be truly social. It’s there for the taking.
On a recent visit to New York, I led a group of Westin runners on a run through Central Park and counted ten different running clubs training together. Some were groups of five; others had a couple dozen members. Each group had its own matching shirts. They were that committed.
I lived in New York from 2008-2013 and ran in the Park at least three times a week. There were not that many running groups back then. Not even close. So what’s happening to our sport and why is it happening now?
We are born with an innate desire to connect with others. I believe this is true. So does marathon American record holder, Deena Kastor. I also see it every single time I drop off my kids at school. Not one child is playing by himself. Not one child is trying to record their play to show others.
Have you heard of November Project? “Just show up.” That’s their motto, and they hold you to it. What they also hold you to is looking others in the eye before your workout, hugging, and saying “Thank you for being here.” It’s a radical idea, and one that we’ve all been craving whether we realize it or not. November Project now operates in 29 cities with no signs of slowing down. Why? Because they are using group exercise as a way to connect with what’s good in this world.
“Push it. You got this. Don’t give up.” Who else can say that by 8 a.m. on a Wednesday – before their Instagram feed is flooded and anyone has had a chance to “like” their photo - they had hundreds of people cheering them on to get the best out of themselves? Instead of the lone voice inside your head telling you to go harder in a workout, November Project puts about 200 other supportive voices in your ear telling you to do the same thing. It is a real community that has exploded for the very reason that we have become accustomed to imaginary ones.
My wife Rachel and I have started too many mornings with, “Did you see the news yet?” We are presented with more and more hardship in the world each day. Has there ever been a better time to foster real community to connect and support and cheer for each other?
Look around at all the group fitness popping up. The number of running clubs has never been higher; CrossFit has its own TV show; and Soul Cycle sells out in less than a minute in most cities. Why? Because we are all, consciously or subconsciously, craving human connection.
There’s a time and place for both types of runs: those with others and those without. But if you’re anything like me and you are feeling a need to restore your faith in the world and disconnect from your phone a bit more, I encourage you to try two things.
First, unplug. Put the phone away more often. You can do it. Instead of pulling out your phone to check on something, look around and notice your surroundings. Or, heck, strike up a conversation with the person in front of or behind you. Because why not. Human connection is just as powerful as exercise to lift your spirits.
Second, try running with others. Group fitness is more than a way to keep you motivated. It’s a way to look at each other again, encourage the good in each other, acknowledge one another’s existence, and be thankful that we’re here.
In my early years of running I assumed running was something to be done by yourself and only on race days do you get to share your passion with thousands of others. Now, through my job and my desire to run with as many people as possible, I’m running with others more than I ever have before. As a result, I’ve learned that running, like life, is so much better when shared.
