THE LONELINESS OF the long-distance runner. Forrest Gump’s slog across America. Hitting the wall. For years, when we thought about running, it was a solo pursuit, often involving suffering, sometimes pain, and occasionally glory. Of course people ran for the health benefits, and recent research confirms cardio fitness is critical to longevity, but often, striving for those benefits felt like an uphill struggle.
Recently, there’s been a vibe shift. And running—jogging with a buddy or two, joining a club, training for a half, gunning for your marathon PR—has started to feel a lot more fun. And it all starts with getting out there. “Consistency trumps all else,” says coach Steve Magness, author of Win the Inside Game. “More than half the battle is just showing up and doing the thing. It doesn’t guarantee success, but it gives you a shot.”
New technology, innovation, and, most important, old-fashioned people power is inspiring this movement. Over the next few pages, you’ll meet running’s change-makers and discover new training tactics, shoe upgrades, and smarter apps. We’re not saying running is easy, but thanks to some kind of social alchemy (and your improving fitness), dread can turn to joy, and the more you run, the easier and more fun it becomes.
The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of Rawdawg, America’s Wildest Run Club
Meet Six Pioneers Making Running More Fun for Everyone
The Newbie Diaries: Five Runners Riff On First Races, from 5K to 550K
A Top Trainer Reveals Four Moves to Run-Proof Your Body
The Best Running Interval Workout to Boost Your VO2 Max
MH’s Resident Runner, Brett Williams, Reveals His Favorite New Shoe Picks
10 Best Running Shoes for Men in 2025, Tested by MH’s Fitness Editors
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