Since lockdown began, the UK has experienced a running boom. Citing data from its RunKeeper app ASICS notes that… ‘more of us ran, more often than during the same period in 2019, with there being a 13% increase in active runners in the months of June and July.’
Research commissioned by ASICS amongst people who started or restarted running during lockdown also found that 90% of lockdown runners plan to keep running or to run more in the future.
The research went on to highlight that 67% of people said that mental wellbeing was the main reason Brits headed out for a run during lockdown as well as to de-stress (51%) – both factors especially important for women when compared to male runners (66% vs 51%).
The results also revealed further personal benefits of running – including over half (56%) who admitted it gave them an escape and headspace, 34% who said it helped with their sleep and a third (31%) stating it made them a happier person.
However, the research also revealed that over half (68%) of lockdown runners admitted they hadn’t received any support or guidance on key elements of running, putting them at risk of injury or giving up on their newfound passion. The main areas runners identified as key to needing more help with were:
- How to stay motivated (47%)
- How to avoid sore muscles and joints (47%)
- How to find the right running shoe for my needs (46%)
- How to avoid injury (43%)
- How to set realistic goals (42%)
- How to create a training programme (30%)
In response to the research, ASICS created some simple tips and running hacks for each of the key areas, to help runners continue their running journey. These are:
- Be Prepared and Playful
- Get Hydrated
- Know your foot
- Chop and Change
- Be SMART and Celebrate
- Surprise yourself
English television presenter Katie Piper, who restarted running during lockdown, said “I was inspired to get back into running during lockdown and it has reminded me of why I love to just get out and go on a run.
“As I look ahead and plan to keep up running, I’ve realized how little I actually know about some of the key parts of it – like am I wearing the right shoe? Or how can I make sure I stay motivated when life starts to get busier? That’s why all of the tips and advice ASICS has created have been a real help for me and making sure I can continue to get out and run.”
Linda van Aken, Vice President Running ASICS, added “Running is one of the easiest sports to get into and the mental and physical benefits are incredible. However, all runners, especially those just starting out, need some essential support and guidance to help keep them motivated, injury-free and running with a sound mind in a sound body.
“That’s why we’re committed to providing runners with useful and easy to understand tips and advice to help them on their running journey.”
