Running’s 4th Boom

In the summer of 1972, U.S. runner Frank Shorter shocked the world by winning the Olympic Marathon in Munich. In the years that followed, and as the Vietnam War drew to a close, the country started running. Some ran from their past and others ran towards their dreams. Regardless of the reason, and with the advent of Nike’s cushioned running shoe, ordinary people took up running as a form of recreation. It was no longer just a training regimen for serious athletes.

In the 90’s, everyone, including Oprah, went out and ran a marathon just to say they did. And with it came the beginning of a billion-dollar business. Races, sponsors, elite runners, and all the candy that comes from mass-marketing came along for the ride. A new form or recreation and fitness was readily available, requiring no special equipment or high-priced gym memberships, so everyone could do it. Besides - it was cool to be a runner/jogger!

Following, September 11, running kicked up once again. This time, new entrants started to migrate towards the trails. With softer ground, tons of variety and no cars to dodge, trail running became one of the fastest growing sports in America. With it came new trails and more female participants. Women now make up approximately 35% of the trail running community.

It seems that for the past 45 years, every time our nation has needed a psychological boost, we have turned to running. Will COVID-19 spur the 4th boom? I believe it already has. Ever since this pandemic hit our Nation, daily migration to the trails has been occurring. Trailhead parking areas I usually have to myself are full. Families are out hiking together, playing in the creeks and spending the day in the woods with their dogs. Sitting in my office, I see 4 or 5 runners a day go by when for years I only saw 1 guy by go by a few times a week. My friends in more urban areas report busy trails and sidewalks and my Strava notifications are non-stop!

For those of us who are runners, we get it. Running is somehow therapeutic. As the heart beats faster and the sweat begins to trickle down our backs, it’s almost as if our anxiety and stress goes with it. I have personally used physical exertion as a means of therapy my whole life, but especially since returning from Iraq in 2006 and losing my Dad to Leukemia in 2015. Running gives me time to think, to suck in deep gulps of clean country air, to be truly grateful that my lungs are working at full potential and to feel alive!

So if this is running’s 4th Boom, then great! I welcome you to go out and explore somewhere you’ve never been. Join us on the trail and get up close and personal with nature. One final note, and using one of the first Swedish phrases I learned - Plucka up after er (pick up after yourself). In trail-speak - Leave No Trace!

Good running!