Five Things Running: Issue #105
Run more. But read this first!
Heya and welcome back to Five Things Running!
So, to make it short: I only ran 6km last week. Let me explain. I had a great plan! On Monday the so called ski vacation started in Hamburg - two weeks which are perfect for people who ski, because down in the Alps the offseason starts and no other German state is on vacation. Well, if you don’t ski and don’t have time for a vacation or not the budget to fly to some place outside of Europe with a lot of sun, you’re stuck in Hamburg in March, which is rarely wonderful. So basically instead of getting up early in the mornings to get my kids fed and ready for school - and to go running as soon as they left the house, I slept longer, had coffee in bed, got up, walked the dog and found out that it’s too late for a run before my first meeting. Also, it was too cold outside and I didn’t feel like running at noon or in the afternoon or in the evening. So I just did carbloading and resting instead.
On Thursday morning we did a quick trip up to Denmark to have one of the world-famous Danish hot-dogs with rød pølse, red sausage. Also, we went the museum of modern art in Kolding, but basically because my wife thought that just getting a hot-dog for me and the kids would not really justify a trip to Denmark.
Anyhow, enough of my ramblings, here’s this week’s Five Things Running!
The Digital Treadmill
“The relationship between runners and social platforms, above all Instagram and Strava, has evolved into something that often feels more like an obligation than a choice.
I'm not talking about technology or social behavior. I'm talking about what happens to our fundamental relationship with running when it becomes inseparable from public validation.” - and funnily enough: if you don’t run for whatever reason, nobody seems to care at all…
The Truth About Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport
“In 2014, the International Olympic Committee unveiled something it called “relative energy deficiency in sport,” or REDs. The link between eating disorders, missed periods, and weakened bones was already widely known as the “female athlete triad.” But REDs adopted a broader view. Failing to get enough calories to fuel both normal metabolism and the rigors of training were associated with a wide range of problems in 14 categories: not just poor bone health (it turns out that a stress fracture in the pelvis or sacrum is considered a primary indicator of REDs), but also impaired immune function, digestive issues, disrupted sleep, even urinary incontinence. The syndrome could afflict men as well as women, and it wasn’t limited to athletes with eating disorders. Some who’d been struck by it simply didn’t realize they weren’t getting enough calories to support their training.” - so, what is REDs exactly and how can you prevent it?
What We Learned from The State of Trail Running Report
“The report is titled ‘The State of Trail Running’, and its goal is to shed light on “runner’s habits, motivations, and economic impact.” At its core, the study is built around a survey of US-based trail runners, designed to explore “participants’ demographics, spending habits, preferences, and emerging trends.” In total, the survey gathered responses from over 2,000 runners across a wide range of backgrounds and life contexts.
However, the report doesn’t stop at numbers. To add depth and nuance to the data, the authors conducted in-depth interviews with seven professional trail runners and two experienced race organizers. These conversations provided a more personal look into the experiences, challenges, and motivations of those deeply embedded in the trail running community.” - I had only glanced at the numbers, so I enjoyed reading this more thorough breakdown of the report.
How Gen Z is turning to running to make friends
“"I didn't really know where I was going in terms of my friendship group – everyone was spread apart," says 24-year-old Katie Moys.
For many Gen Z women it's a familiar story.
Starting a career, a new family, or moving back home after university can be isolating.
But a running club for women under-35 is bringing people together, not just for fitness, but also for friendship.” - I think this is so cool. I love how Run Clubs pop up everywhere and form new social connections.
What Runners Wear
“I’ve always had a little cross over with my running fits, back before we called them ‘fits’ and it was just ‘stuff you wore running’. I’m not a fan of synthetic fabrics and have always preferred the soft feel of a vintage cotton tee, so much so my friends would often tease me for running in the rain in Vancouver, the irony being that I worked for a very popular, very stylish activewear brand and owned the least functional running gear. I’ve always erred on the side of comfort, and used to show up to races (back when I showed up to races) looking as unserious as possible. I prided myself on being fast without looking it.” - this. Also: neon must die. Can we please finally get rid of all this synthetic neon performance gear from the 80s and 90s? Thanks.
I’m grateful for the partners of Five Things Running: Acid Running, New Balance and Coros!
If you missed last week’s edition, you can read it here:
Now, go running!
— Nico
🏃🏻♂️
I'll spend €100 on a hotdog