Running: The Power of Connection

According to recent research, more than one in four men (28%) under 30 reported having no close social connections and feeling lonely. The percentage worsens as men age. That might not sound ominous until you factor the effects of social isolation, which, a study published in the European Journal of Public Health points out, include chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

One of the reasons for this high rate of loneliness, demonstrated in studies published in the National Library of Medicine, is that men often struggle to find supportive environments where they can openly communicate and share their emotions.

The good news? There are plenty of ways to combat loneliness and start feeling connected again. The Mental Health Foundation recommends some strategies, like getting active, connecting with people who share your interests and spending time doing things you enjoy. These simple steps can make a big difference in lifting your spirits and bringing a sense of belonging back into your life.

In fact, a 2017 study at the University of Oxford showed that men bond better through face-to-face contact and activities. And according to a study in the journal Plos One, male friendships are more likely to flourish in groups, whereas women favor one-to-one interactions.

Happily, running – especially with a group – ticks all these boxes. While it might seem like a solo sport at first glance, the running community is incredibly welcoming, positive and inclusive. It's the perfect place to connect with like-minded people, make new friends and build meaningful connections – all while getting stronger and healthier.

Here, alongside L’Oréal Expert Men and Movember’s campaign to raise awareness about men’s mental and physical health, we uncover how to find and join a running group, with some helpful icebreakers for your first meetup. This will help to lessen feelings of isolation and loneliness, and ultimately change your life for the better.

The History of Running Clubs

The idea of running as a social activity goes way back. The first known running club, the Thames Hare and Hounds, was formed in London in 1868. What started as a way to promote competition among men soon became about much more – support, motivation, and most importantly, camaraderie. The club’s members, who, at the time, were all men, formed a joint connection over their love of the sport. Over the years, running clubs have attracted people of all abilities, from elite runners to those just looking for a friendly group to stay active with.

These days, social media and apps like Strava have made running clubs more accessible and inclusive than ever before. You can find local groups, track your progress and connect with other runners instantly. By joining a running group you’re not only improving fitness, you’re also minimizing those feelings of loneliness as you form meaningful connections, enhance your mental well-being and feel part of something bigger. But, where do you even start looking?

While the benefits of social running are clear and the idea of joining a running club might sound simple, finding the right group is key. In doing so, you’re more likely to stay consistent, push yourself harder and meet runners who align with your goals and mindset. Ultimately forging stronger connections and more easily kicking loneliness to the curb.

Start by asking yourself what you’re looking for: do you want to set a new personal record, or are you more interested in a laid-back social run? Would you prefer casual jogs, or are you aiming for serious track sessions? Once you know what you want, it’s time to start searching. 

A great place to start is Strava. You can find local running crews, clubs or teams, like the L’Oréal Expert Men Run Club, that match your interests. Whether you’re looking for a serious training group or just a fun crew to jog with, there’s something for every fitness level. It’s a good idea to try out a few different groups to see which one fits your style before committing.

You can also search online for running clubs in your area. Use keywords like casual, friendly, coaching or competitive to find a group that’s a good match for your needs. Don’t forget to check with local running stores, which often host running clubs, or talk to fellow runners at races and events.

🔗  Join the L’Oréal Expert Men Run Club on Strava

If you prefer something smaller, why not start your own group? You only need a couple of friends or colleagues to make it happen. Remember, a community doesn’t have to be huge, just two people with a shared goal can create something special.

Questions to Ask before your First Run

Once you have found a running group that looks like a good fit, consider reaching out with a few questions over email before your first run. This way, you'll feel prepared and confident when you join.

• What kind of runners are in the club? – Find out if there are people who run at a similar pace and distance as you. Share your pace in minutes per mile / kilometer, weekly mileage, recent long run, race times or any specific race or distance you’re working toward.
  

• How often and on what days does the group meet? – Does their schedule fit yours? Check if attendance is flexible or if they expect you to come regularly. Make sure their meet-up schedule works with your routine.

• Where and when does the group meet? – Clarify the exact meeting location, especially if it’s at odd hours, like early morning or after work. Ask if they offer different meeting times throughout the day for added flexibility.
  

• Can you join for a trial run? – Some groups have structured start and end dates geared toward certain races, so joining mid-season may depend on your current fitness. More casual, social clubs often have rolling enrollment, so you can join anytime.

Here are a few more helpful questions to consider:

• Are there bathrooms available? (Before, during and after the run)

• Is there a place to change before and/or after the run?

• Is there water on the route or do runners carry their own? Is water available afterward?

• What is the distance for that day?

• Is parking available, and where can you store valuables?

• Are running route directions or maps provided?

Groups taking on new members should be very open and welcoming, but don’t get discouraged if you feel a bit left out of the conversation at first. Before long, you will be part of the group and ready to welcome new members when that time comes for you. We just have one final question for you: So, run?