Lately, it feels like social media is flooded with active users joining the running trend. 

This could be tied to failed New Year’s fitness resolutions or simply to how accessible running is compared to other workout trends. 

What once was a personal habit has slowly turned into a social lifestyle rather than just a workout. 

That shift feels contradictory, since running is about pushing your body by running faster, longer and at different paces – yet it is now often created by outside validation. 

It makes me question: would people feel as motivated to run if social media were not involved? 

If there were no pressure to post pace, distance, outfits, routes or to fit into the “aesthetic runner” stereotype, would the habit still hold the same attractiveness compared to someone who runs purely out of passion? 

I am a true believer that all sports are a powerful way to take care of both the body and the mind. 

However, activities that begin as trends rather than from genuine interest or the willingness to change often set people up for failure. 

Fitness trends move quickly, indoor cycling, barre, pilates and now running. When motivation comes mainly from the fear of missing out, it rarely lasts. 

That kind of motivation fades and turns into short-term effort with no real goals behind it.  

In today’s society, people often put a lot of energy into superficial ideas like New Year’s resolutions or the excitement of fresh starts after setbacks. 

For some reason, this feeling is often linked to physical activity as a way out of a low point. While that can be a positive step, it only works if people look at the bigger picture. 

Starting to run because you want to build a habit, set goals, and grow over time is different from jumping into a routine that demands more than running requires consistency. 

The importance of falling in love with the process and accepting imperfection along the way is what creates lasting life changes. 

It is true that running is a way for many people to support their mental health, connect with the outdoors and find peace. 

That is how it should be. 

The sense of community and the personal benefits are real. Still, those positives are often overshadowed by a public performance mindset rather than the idea of running as a personal escape. 

Short-term motivation leads to short-term satisfaction, and that rarely lasts. 

Social media often sugarcoats the reality of physical exercise. It shows sunny runs, perfect weather, and awesome views, but rarely the consistency behind it, the long training days, sore legs, aching knees and tired feet that come along with getting used to the routine. 

I am not saying running should not be a trend. 

However, the way people engage with it should shift toward something more genuine and simple. 

Running should go beyond comparisons, unrealistic expectations, and fitting into an unrealistic group. It should be something people return to for clarity, not something done to fit into an invisible social box.