Tuesday, June 9, 2026 – Booming

Hey Gang!

I had somehow forgotten to mention in my newsletter last week that it was Global Running Day on Wednesday. So happy belated Global Running Day to all who celebrate! And what I’m noticing is that that includes more and more people than ever. There was definitely a “running boom” that was created by the pandemic, and it seems to be continuing to “boom”. I love this – for our sport, our communities and our collective mental and physical health.

I’ve been thinking about this. As someone who identifies as having been a runner for pretty much my entire life, I don’t question why other people do it. I do wonder why they all never did in the first place. How are people just now discovering running? That is funny to me. But as with all trends and behaviour, what influences people is hard to predict. We are all swimming in the same water and think we’re making unique, individual choices, but really we are all reacting to the same environmental cues. And right now the social, environmental and cultural cues are getting many people to try or take up running.

There are some growing pains that come with this. We experienced congestion and accessibility issues finding indoor spaces to run this past winter, and now local outdoor tracks are restricting access to runners as a reaction to volume problems. I was trying to get across the city this weekend and was rerouted all over the place to make space for a huge crowd participating in a race. And then I encountered another mass participation event the next day in a different area of the city. Major marathons are now almost impossible to get into because demand is so high, and even our local races sell out in days. I used to plan my race schedule days or maybe weeks in advance, not months and now sometimes years (ppl planning for Tokyo, if you know you know).

This might sound like a complaint but it is not. Yes, we might be at a pain point right now with demand outstripping resources and opportunities, but this is what leads to growth and innovation. I still firmly believe that the world would be a better place if more people were runners, and we’re moving in the right direction! Races will innovate to accommodate more runners, new races and events will appear, we’ll see the growth of once niche running areas like trail and track (for adults), and with enough demand I do believe we can invest in more spaces to train and run (an 8-lane rubberized track in Riverdale Park would be a great start!)

Another huge benefit to being in a running boom is that our needs and wants are being addressed and catered to by companies who want to sell us things. For those of us who are Gen-X’ers AND runners, we are used to going through life a little bit invisible. When I was a teenager, there wasn’t such a thing as a bra made specifically for running. And gym shorts and running shorts were the same thing – don’t get fussy. Cotton socks, Cotton Ginny sweatpants, and a K-Way jacket if it was cool out. Running gear was basically re-purposed general clothing. But now! There are so many running specific bras and they are all so beautiful and cool and they match the running specific shorts in whichever length you like with pockets and wicking material and a flattering cut. There are running specific hats and socks and jackets and shirts and of course the shoes! So many shoes to choose from. This is all because we find ourselves as part of a large market – this is what Baby Boomers must have felt for their whole lives! It is wonderful to feel like the centre of the universe.

So let’s keep inviting others in. Yes, there might be a little pinch at first while there are more runners than track availability or race entries. But that will sort itself out. Running is always better with others – whether waving as you pass them or running side by side. And the world is becoming better because there are more of us in it.

On to tomorrow’s workout – Lakeshore and Leslie – 6:05 drills, 6:15 GO!

Let’s do 800’s but “cruise” 800’s. So robust Half Marathon pace. Up to 8 of them with 90 seconds rest. But one twist: rep # 3 and # 6 should be harder – just outside comfort zone. Closer to 5K effort. This will ensure we don’t go too hard on the others.

I am planning to be there but I have a race tonight so will probably just jog and cheer.

That is all – see you in the am!

Seanna