Meet Your Friendly Runners
It can be hard to find a workout routine that works for you. Finding the motivation to actually do the workout routine is often even harder.
Our friends over at Your Friendly Runners had the same problem, and their solution has been successful in keeping them active. To inspire you to start your own journey, we asked them a few questions on how they got serious about their running routines.
We’ll let Oliver Hooson take it from here, to explain how they got their initiative up and running.
Q: What significant changes have you seen with the evolution of the running scene since the pandemic started?
A: The pandemic meant that gyms were shut so people had to find other ways to get exercise in. I’ve seen so many friends and people I know invest in smartwatches and enter half marathons / marathons since the pandemic. Running is such a great way to reintroduce some of the control that the pandemic might have taken away.
Q: Tell us why you love to run?
A: Running gives me a sense of routine and is a form of meditation for me. I love the structure it provides and that it gives me a constant challenge and goal to work towards. The fact it’s become more of a social thing is a plus too.
Q: Tell us about your favorite place to run?
A: The city - London wall and Barbican. You don’t get tired of it and there’s always so much to see, so many characters around that area - especially in the mornings.
Q: How did Your Friendly Runners get started?
A: It actually started as a depop transaction between me and Matt (co-founder).We decided to start a small group of runners we knew in the area and it’s since grown to 70+ members. It’s crazy!
Q: Running seems to be very addictive for many people right now. Why do you think there is this obsession with running?
A: I think with the world we live in, technology etc, we’re all looking for something that allows us to switch off and running is perfect for that. I guess since the pandemic too it’s been people’s excuse to get out of the house and add routine to an otherwise unpredictable time in everyone’s lives.
Q: What significant changes have you seen with the evolution of the running scene since the pandemic started?
A: The pandemic meant that gyms were shut so people had to find other ways to get exercise in. I’ve seen so many friends and people I know invest in smartwatches and enter half marathons / marathons since the pandemic. Running is such a great way to reintroduce some of the control that the pandemic might have taken away.
Q: Where do you think the Friendly Runners community will be in 5 years?
A: I never could have predicted what it has become now. Matt and I have ideas for growth of the club, including memberships and something even more special, a physical space/place for runners to chill but it’s still a pipe dream rn… watch this space!
Q: What's your ultimate running playlist?
A: It’s difficult because I have such a broad music taste. Anything hardcore/Metal to be honest.