As professional athletes gather for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for track and field, a notable trend is emerging: a surge in amateur runners participating in the sport. This increase in popularity is reflected in several key indicators.
Running’s Rising Popularity
Strava, a leading physical activity app, reported that running was its most uploaded sport in 2023. The London Marathon organizers have also observed this trend, with a record number of ballot applications for the 2025 race. Despite this growing interest, questions remain about how inclusive the sport is for beginners.
The Journey of Martinus Evans
Martinus Evans, an eight-time marathoner, is a prominent advocate for inclusivity in running. Evans, who shares his journey on Instagram as @300poundsandrunning, recalls a pivotal moment during the 2018 New York City Marathon when a spectator shouted, “You’re slow as f—.” Although the comment initially made him feel angry, it also inspired him.
“Once I finished the race I was like, ‘You know what? I’m going to do something to prove him wrong,’” Evans said. This motivation led to the creation of the Slow AF Run Club, an online community promoting inclusivity for runners of all paces, which now boasts over 25,000 members.
Advocating for Inclusivity
Evans recently published “Slow A-F Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run,” a part-memoir, part-manual aimed at encouraging new runners. “One of the things I hope people take away from this book is that they can do it, they can run,” Evans explained. His story is about defying odds and demonstrating that anyone can run, regardless of their body type. “All you have to do is get up and start,” he said.
Tips for Beginner Runners from Martinus Evans
Evans shares several practical tips for beginners:
1. **“It’s you versus your mind”**
– “First thing we have to do is train our mind to let ourselves know that we’re a runner,” Evans said. “Look in the mirror and say, ‘I’m a runner.’”
2. **“Get some good shoes”**
– Investing in a quality pair of running shoes is crucial. Evans recommends visiting Fleet Feet for help in choosing the right fit.
3. **“Start out slow”**
– Evans suggests beginning with simple intervals, such as running for 90 seconds and then walking for 90 seconds, to gauge your pace and endurance.
4. **Body Glide**
– To prevent chafing, Evans recommends Body Glide, an anti-chafe balm. “It will prevent what I call the chafe monster: you’re out there running and then you take a hot shower and feel like you’ve been cut by a thousand blades,” he said.
Embracing Inclusivity in Running
The rise in amateur participation and the advocacy of figures like Martinus Evans highlight the importance of inclusivity in running. As more people lace up their running shoes, the sport continues to evolve, embracing runners of all levels and backgrounds. Through communities like the Slow AF Run Club, beginners can find support, motivation, and the encouragement needed to pursue their running goals.
