I fell in love with running, because it unlocked a world I had not previously known. That first run I mention in my story – the one where I pounded the pavement for 5 miles without looking back – changed my life. Of course it did, because years later I’m still talking about it.
I started this blog, because I wanted to share with you the potential running can unlock in your life. Yes, you’ll most likely get in better shape. Yes, you’ll find yourself with an almost unacceptable amount of socks (most of them missing their significant other). Yes, you’ll start waking up earlier and going to bed at a more reasonable time… probably.
Most importantly, you’ll smile a lot more. That’s what happened to me and has happened to TONS of people across the world (link to article on running making you happier). Running has helped me work through extreme bouts of anxiety and depression and has helped me learn how to love my body no matter its size.
That’s the beauty of running – it welcomes all. And throughout my journey of self-discovery as a runner, I’ve watched other runners with much admiration. Runners come in all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life. You don’t have to look or act a certain way to be a runner. You can simply just be one (and I mean “just” in the most positive, simplest way).
With all of that being said, there is a list of runners I love to follow. These people inspire me, make me laugh, and keep me going in my running journey.
Here’s a list of some of my favorite runners (of all backgrounds) to follow. In no specific order. And I know I’m forgetting A LOT of wonderful people.
Ryan Light
I talk about running and anxiety… a lot. So does Ryan. In fact, Ryan is a running and anxiety coach, and I love his work. He talks about mental health with ease, grace, and in a non-threatening way. When I’m having a bad moment, it seems like a tweet from Ryan is perfectly placed in my Twitter feed to remind me, “Hey, it’s alright.” Follow Ryan for the same dose of energy and positivity that I’ve found within his mission.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYO3FR_Aaa1/?taken-by=realrunryan
(P.S. – how AWESOME is that shirt?)
Lindsey from Lindsey_Runs
Lindsey has one of my favorite running Instagrams. Why? Her stories are hilarious. She’s extremely real, which is always refreshing, and she’s kind. You can tell she’s being genuine with everything she says and does, and ya know what? We need more of that in this world. Follow her on Instagram (below) and Facebook to watch her journey.
Casey Cline
I may be a bit biased, because she’s a good friend of mine, but I love following Casey’s journey as a runner. Not only is she a marathoner, triathloner (I think I made that word up), track Tuesdayer (definitely made that word up), and constant source of inspiration, she’s also an incredible artist. In fact, she’ll be giving a TEDx talk here in Charlotte in October. Not only do I love being friends with her, I love following her social media accounts, because she shares her ups and her downs. She shares what she does to fit everything into her day and live a productive, and happy life.
Monica Olivas from Run Eat Repeat
I respect anyone who can mix humor with running. And Monica does that with ease and grace. She’s real, y’all, like really real, and I can’t get enough. Creator of RunEatRepeat.com, Monica started the blog to document her running and weight loss journey, and it’s surely blown up into something big! For daily inspiration, follow her!
Erin from Beervsfitness
I love beer. And I love fitness. But it’s a balancing act that sometimes feels like walking on a tightrope. You know who does it well? Erin from Beervsfitness. She’s so much fun to follow, and I love her work, because she’s honest and relatable. Check out her Instagram below!
(Also, look at her sweet little nugget. So cute.)
Peter Sagal
I’ve been reading Runners World for years. There’s been one columnist throughout my reading journey who I’ve enjoyed reading each and every time, because of his ease with words, his humor, and his ability to make me think, “Yessssss, you get me.” THEN, much to my surprise, I stumbled upon this podcast. The Hilarious World of Depression – a podcast about depression (obviously) with comedians as guests who walk through their journey with mental illness. But it’s funny. Like, really funny. And Sagal was a guest on this episode.
Sagal is the host of Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me, columnist for Runners World, and overall a really cool guy (I presume, from what I’ve seen, of course). And he shares his journey with running in a way that’s approachable, light hearted, and downright funny.
I’d like to personally thank Sagal (hopefully, you’re reading this right now) for so much inspiration over the years.
You can find him on Twitter and here at Runner’s World.
Alright, there you have it folks. My list of some of my favorite runners to follow for a daily dose of inspiration. Thing is, I know I’m forgetting lots and lots of people. Who do you follow? Comment below!
I follow Ryan but I didn’t know the others, great follow list, thanks for sharing! More motivation coming in! Cheers, Vic
Thanks so much!!