One of the many things I have learned over nearly 5 years of running is that there is something special about the running community. We have a shared sense of values and experiences that connects us to each other in a way that few others can understand. In an attempt to demystify the reason why someone would voluntarily engage in an act the majority of others find painful, here is my opinion on running culture.

Running culture is defined by the passion shared among individual runners for the sport. There is a sense of belonging through the mutual understanding of the challenges and rewards faced by every runner. We all know what it feels like to run an incredible race. We also know what it feels like to be injured and temporarily unable to train. We also all know how to appreciate the little things, like a great training run or meeting split goals in the workout. These shared experiences build incredible empathy within the community, which is why the community is so encouraging.

The encouragement within the running community is shown through the excitement of the crowd. There is never quiet at meets and races while people are competing. The adrenaline rush experienced as runners pass by both friends and strangers cheering them on is indescribable. There is no greater feeling than this. Strangers cheer on strangers and competitors even offer words of encouragement as they pass by sometimes. Yes, some people are in it for the win, but everyone is there because they love the feeling of pushing themselves to their limits and testing their physical and mental strength.

Strength is a major shared value of the community. Runners are so physically tough. They endure weather of all types, even when they should probably stay inside for their own safety. Workouts and long runs test each person’s limits as they are driven to the breaking point and then keep pushing anyway. They run up mountains, sometimes just tough hills though, and don’t stop, regardless of the burning pain in their calves. Runners also have to be mentally tough to endure all this. They keep fighting through that voice in their head that tells them to stop. They conquer their own minds: their biggest opponent.

For that reason, running is freeing. Runners power up hills and through bad days and come back stronger. They work through their problems and release stress, all while staying fit. They unplug from their smart phones and stay off social media and focus on themselves. Some choose to run with others and take time to socialize without distraction and grow closer to their running partner(s). Regardless, all runners free themselves from the constraints placed on them by the rest of the world and take time to take care of themselves. In that freedom they find peace.

The peace and freedom of running is why people continue to go back to the sport in spite of all the challenges and pain. The endorphins remind them of how fortunate they are to be able to run. The feeling of accomplishment and belonging is the life force of the running community, and the familial bond in running culture.