Last week, I read something in passing that really got me pondering is running accessible to everyone?
I am incredibly guilty of saying that pretty much everyone can run. All you need is a pair of shoes and some road. Fancy gear is fun, but certainly not required, so if you want a simple, unstructured workout, get out there! No excuses! But it’s really not as simple as that, and my encouragement, though well-meaning, does come from a place of privilege.
Running can be cost-prohibitive
Even in its simplest iteration, running might be cost-prohibitive. To say “all you need is a pair of running shoes” makes the assumption that everyone has the time and ability to get properly fitted for a pair of good, supportive shoes, and then purchase the ones that feel best. Let’s not forget replacing them every 300-400 miles, too. Even on sale, a good pair of shoes can run about $80, which is a great price… for running shoes. But it could also be an electric bill, a car repair, next week’s groceries, or part of a rent or mortgage payment. Sure, you don’t NEED the “proper” footwear, but now you’re looking at an increased possibility of injury, which can also become a non-starter.
It can also be unsafe
When you live in the rural burbs, you sometimes forget the world can be a dangerous place. Granted, my nemeses come in the form of bobcats and snakes, but that’s small potatoes in the safety realm (Real talk. Bobcats are terrifying. Avoid them.) There are plenty of runners who have sidewalks and streetlamps and friendly neighbors, but there are also people who live in areas that are hazardous. When you can’t roll out your front door and go for that run safely, it complicates things. Not everyone has access to a safe location, which can make running a complete no go.
But outside might be the only option.
For some, the streets might be the only place they can run. Treadmillls are certainly not a staple in every home, and not every neighborhood or apartment complex offers a gym. Membership in a fitness center is an added expense, even at establishments that offer an income-based sliding scale, so that means that some people who want to run might find themselves making laps of their living room in order to cobble together some miles. That’s not sustainable.
Children don’t watch themselves
At least not legally, until a certain age. Good childcare is a blessing, but it can also be hard to find, and expensive, especially when you might need care every day. The reality is that while some parents have flexible schedules, can trade off workout times with their partners, or even take their kiddos with them on their run, that is not a feasible option for many.
Prioritizing time to exercise is not always possible
Yes, technically you should be able to do anything to which you set your mind, but the reality is, there are only 24 hours in a day, and sometimes, we just. Can’t. Make. It. Work. When you have to clock in at a job, get the kids to school, grocery shop for your elderly parent, get Johnny to the orthodontist and Suzie to softball practice, while helping Bobby with his diorama… well, a run would be a nice reprieve, but so would five minutes of silence in a dark room.
How can things change?
Everyone deserves to have time for themselves. People who want to run, should be able to do just that. Fitness leads to healthier people, which leads to so many benefits for individuals, their families and friends, and all their relationships and commitments. In no particular order, here are ways we can help make the changes to open up safe running (and fitness) to more people.
Small ways to help (in no particular order
If you have a friend who keeps saying they want to run, but they just can’t, gently probe to see if there’s any way you can offer support. There’s a difference between someone who can’t run due to extenuating issues, and someone who can’t run because they don’t have a babysitter or is nervous about being alone. In those cases, maybe you an offer childcare or babysitting swaps, or even suggest a meetup.
Look for groups like She Runs This Town, Black Girls Run, and the November Project in your area. Most of these groups are free and offer support, a sense of community, which can be vital to the accessibility of the sport.
Donate your gently used athletic shoes and gears to local organizations, or even offer them up on your neighborhood Buy Nothing group. Many local running stores have a shoe donation program as well. What might not be working for you anymore might be just the thing for someone else, trying to get started.
Support local running programs in your areas. Girls on the Run is just one well-known organization that does great things with girls and running. In our area, Marathon High works to support at-risk teens through running. Groups like these welcome volunteers and financial donations.
Take a self-defense class. If you’re afraid to be out for a run, take the steps to protect yourself. While it’s unfortunate that people need to worry about defending themselves while trying to do something good for their own health, the reality is that sometimes we need to go that extra mile. Check with your local police department, too: sometimes they offer complimentary classes.
Stay close to your local politics. This way, you can help effect change on topics like greenways, public tracks, and improved security in unsafe areas.
Is running easily accessible to you? Do you work to make it more so for others?
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This is a great post! We often overlook the things that come easy to some of us, that don’t come easy to everyone. I used to think that everyone could find the time to run if they really wanted to, but after becoming a parent I know that’s not true. If it weren’t for my treadmill, jogging stroller, and my husband, I wouldn’t be able to run. And safety is such a huge issue too. And when you combine some of these things- like if you can only run at 4am alone and your neighborhood isn’t safe, then what are you supposed to do? I love the ideas your shared about how to help!
Exactly! And what if you’re a single mom who can only run at 4AM? I mean, that’s another layer on top of everything else. It’s a nice thought that running is for everyone, but we still have so far to go.
Excellent points, Jenn!
Yes to donating running shoes!
Just the other day I saw a photo on Twitter that a runner from Johannesburg, South Africa, had posted. It was a photo of his running shoes…. a completely worn-out pair of Converse.
In the comments, somebody told him that these were not running shoes. He said he would go to the running store to see if they had a donated pair of shoes in his size.
Donated items are very much needed and used in third-world countries.
That breaks my heart, but it’s a reality. We have so many opportunities for shoe donation here, and I know they go to some great causes.
Such great points! And so true. I especially like the suggestions to help make changes. Thanks for sharing!
Well, no point in bringing up the issue without looking at ways to fix it. I get lots of messages about how I’m not afraid to go out in the dark mornings, and recommendations for places to run, and I try to help out in some way, if I can.
Nice topic! It’s easy to forget, but not everyone has access to childcare, a treadmill, a safe place to run… which is such a shame because everyone SHOULD be able to run. Donating shoes is a good start… thanks for posting this!
Absolutely agree. It’s so easy to say “everyone can” but can they? I don’t think so. I’d love to get to where everyone really can.
I feel very lucky to have a safe place to run, outdoors, year-round. Believe me, I do not take that for granted, since I don’t often have the option of waiting for daylight. I also have a treadmill (albeit an old one), so I have that as a back-up if need be. Thankfully, I have a great friend, who is also a runner, and she’s ALWAYS willing and eager to join me (and I her) on my antics. Life is good, and I’m quite grateful 😉
I am so lucky to have and grateful for the same.
Wow, great post. And great reminder of how much we might take for granted — and how we can change that.
I don’t ever like to complain or criticize without trying to be part of the solution.
I love the resources that you provided to help people find help if they want to run. You’re right, running is inexpensive compared to many other sports but it does have costs, both monetary and time.
I’m sure there are so many more, but sometimes, it’s just a matter of getting connected with a community who can help guide the path.
Great food for thought here! Having young children with no childcare would be a deal breaker without a treadmill. I volunteer at a shelter for abused women/children and have formed a running group there. It is amazing to get them out running.
That is so amazing. I love that. In our area, some of the recovery programs have founded running clubs, but I’m not sure about the domestic abuse shelter.
I always meet women so say they can’t run. They have reasons that are valid.
But I always try to offer them ways that they can if they want to.
You have to be creative sometimes.
You absolutely do. But even creativity and a can-do attitude doesn’t help every situation. Which is sad. I wish things didn’t always have to be complicated.
I think often about the safety aspect and childcare. I am fortunate that we have a treadmill, live in a safe area, and have a jogging stroller so I can get my run in. Donating shoes is a great idea…especially since lots of runners now have tons of shoes. We only need one or two good pairs and could donate the extra!
Yes too all of these things!
Donating shoes is definitely something we can all do, to help. It’s not a huge thing, but it’s something.