Are you one of those runners who has to have the latest gear? The most efficient shoes? The coolest clothes? Do you download your running stats as soon as you walk in the door? Did you ice bath when it was cool? Foam roll until you can't feel your legs? Run in all the color runs and not lose your vision? Sign up for the races with the coolest medals? Do you dress in compression from head to toe?
Ok, that last one be might be a bit extreme, and even painful. The things we runners do to become faster, stronger, and really attractive...to stay on point with the latest trends in running.
Ok, there are probably a lot more than 5 signs that you might be a trendy runner, but for the sake of the Friday Five, I've chosen 5 categories that seem to change the most. Did you know you can actually track trends on Google? There's a search engine for that. It's called Google Trends. Yep. It's a thing.
Inquiring minds (well, at least my mind) wanted to know: am I a trendy runner?
Shoes
When it comes to shoes, it looks like Altras are the shoe of the moment. According to Google Trends, Altra is the most popular searched shoes for running. Those zero drop funky looking running shoes with the big toe box are on a roll. A few years ago, Hokas were the shoes that all the cool kids were running in. And of course, we all remember the Vibram 5 fingers trend. To which so many of us said: just say no.
When it comes to trendy running shoes, I'm a big fail. I still run in my Asics Gel Nimbus. In black. Why mess with success?
Races
Ultramarathons and trail races are what all the running hipsters aka dirtbag runners (it's a term) are doing right now. According to Ultramarathoning Magazine, the number of finishers in distances greater than the marathon has tripled in just 10 years. I joked a few weeks ago that 100 miles are the new 26.2, but so many runners I know are pushing the limits and running distances that are well....just crazy! It wasn't that long ago that a marathon considered "just crazy".
Actually, finishing a marathon is still a big deal. According to Running USA, only 3% of all runners finished a marathon in 2015. The most popular distance? The 5k. Overall, all distances saw a decline in the number of finishers, with half marathons still the most popular distance. Obstacle course races, which were all the rage a few years ago, are on the outs. Finisher totals for OCRs dropped 30% last year.
Another big trendy runner fail in this category--I'm going to stick with the marathon and the half marathon distances.
Medals
Runners continue to chase the bling. Rock N Roll offers a plethora of opportunities to collect heavy medals. The Little Rock Marathon, which just took place last weekend offered a medal that was as big as most of the runners' heads. When I searched on google trends, the top 5 results were for Disney Medals.
I've commented on this before and I'll say it again--I don't run for the bling. I run for the experience. I do love a medal placed around my neck at the finish of a half or a full marathon. The Schaumburg Half Marathon is always fun, fast race but the bling pictured below is blah. No matter. I came 2 seconds off my half marathon PR at this race. It's all about the memories, right?
Training
There are a lot of ways to train for a marathon, and I don't think that any one method is better than another. What I do think is that you need to find a marathon training plan that fits your life and your running. I've seen a lot of runners using high mileage plans like Hansons, and not getting good results. It's not that it's a bad plan, it's probably that it's not a good fit. Remember that training plans are not one size fits all. While preparing this post, I found this awesome article that compares all the training plans. There's a chart which helps the runner decide which one might be the best plan for them. Very cool.
When I looked at Google Trends, the first thing to pop up on the list was Cross Fit. Well, how about that? As you know, I do train with a Cross Fit coach, and while she does throw in a lot of Cross Fit-esque activities, she also has me do a lot of other types of workouts. I've had good results from my training with Becky. Oh, and having a coach is "trendy" right now too!
Clothing
This could be a whole blog post in and of itself! I don't profess to be a fashionista on or off the road. I cringe when I think back to the wind pants and jackets of the 80s--not to mention those thong leotards we wore to step aerobics. I like the streamlined looks that runners wear now. The big trend seems to be high visibility and neon, which is a good thing. High waisted tights are coming back. White shoes? Are they a thing again?
I do buy a lot of running clothes, so most of what I wear is pretty current. But I'm going to draw the line at the high waisted tights and the white shoes. Just say no.
Trend fail? Or Win? Does it matter as long as you cross the finish line?
Are you a trend follower? Or a trend fail? What's your favorite distance? Would you do an ultra? High waisted tights--yay or nay? White running shoes? Anyone still wearing 5 fingers?
This was kind of fun post! I'm linking up with Fairytales and Fitness and Running on Happy, who came up with the prompt.
OK you know I had to click on this because I thought: well I guess I'm a racer but am I TRENDY? And I walk :-) :-)
ReplyDeleteI am not trendy. Well :-) :-) except for the shoes.
I am not trendy either. Clearly! But I kind of want to be...
DeleteWe are so like minded it's scary!!!! Love this!!!!
ReplyDeleteRight? Trends? Not us! We make the trends!
DeleteI am anti trend. I would rather have less on the run than too much!
ReplyDeleteHa ha!! I love your take on the trends ;-) It looks like I'm following almost everything (except for the white shoes and the Altras LOL). Believe it or not, I prefer high-waisted tights over low rise because they actually stay in place on me and don't shimmy down....
ReplyDeleteI have no waist, so high waisted pants/tights don't appeal to me--they are uncomfortable!
DeleteI'll be trendy with fashion-related gear (print leggings) but when it comes down to shoes, training, race distance, etc., I do what works for me. Interesting the participant numbers are finally falling.
ReplyDeleteI thought the numbers were really interesting, especially the OCRs.
DeleteHmm I guess I am not as hip as I thought I was! The obstacle course races were kind of a one and done for me. I do still love to do a Ragnar though.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I didn't see any data for relay races, which seem to be growing in popularity!
DeleteHa - this is funny! I could use some wider toe box shoes - I've been fighting a recurring blister on the ball of my right foot. Grr.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm coming around to high waisted tights, but only for gym workouts...not for running.
I'm still holding out on the high waisted pants--too mom-jean for me!
DeleteI must admit I do move s good running outfit... and yes.... bling... all the bling!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm all about the clothes...
DeleteI'm a trend fail. I'm too busy to keep up with the cool kids. But I'm ok with that. My fave distance is 10k- long enough to feel hard, but not as demanding as a half. I try to stay fit enough to do a spur of the moment 10k. I run in Brooks, and low waisted BLACK tights. Code browns are a frequent threat for me. I would love to have time to train for an ultra...but not gonna happen soon. A peaceful trail race in scenic woods is what I'm currently crushing on. ❤
ReplyDeleteI hear you on the code brown situation--that's why you'll pretty much only see me in black or dark patterned tights. Camo, really.
DeleteI'm a huge trend fail mostly because I cannot afford many of the trends! I'd love to join a great gym with cross training classes available but around here they run about $175 a month. I'd love to have a coach but again, way too many $$. Also, I prefer basic black for my running pants/leggings/shorts. My one "indulgence" is my running shoes but like you, I stick to my Asics.
ReplyDeleteThat's outrageous! I haven't belonged to a gym for ages--I didn't realize they were so expensive!
DeleteHate, hate, hate white shoes -- but I've had them. Not for the looks, but because that's all the right shoe came in.
ReplyDeleteNo interest in an ultra and yes, I think a marathon is a big deal.
But when it comes to clothes . . .
I just finished up a pair of whitish shoes--they weren't bleach white but they were light colored! They were the only color left in my size of the Nimbus. Sometimes you just have to suck it up and wear the ugly shoes.
DeleteI am a trend fail when it comes to the sneakers (I'm a Mizuno girl) and races (no ultras in my future)!
ReplyDeleteNo ultras for me, ever. Grandma's may be my last marathon. We'll see how things go this year health-wise.
DeleteI love this post! I am a mix of tend setter and trend fail. I just cannot do the ultra thing. My body and time just won't allow it. And as for bling many of the races that I do in the sticks where I live don't even have medals but they do have fun raffles at the end.
ReplyDeleteI kind of like the smaller races for that reason! They're all about fun!
DeleteFun post! I thought we were all trend setters? No? :) I say no to the white sneakers too but the high waist is nice for yoga class I have seen a little to much crack lately in class if you know what I mean?! I am sticking with my Asics too- I think runners who know what they like are trendy! TGIF lady!
ReplyDeleteNo crack in my yoga class--maybe everyone is wearing high waisted leggings but me?
DeleteI needed this smile for the day!
ReplyDeleteI am completely un-trendy and low tech. All I want is good running shoes and my Garmin. A decent water bottle, a waist band for my i-pod (I still use the hip-sister I bought my second year of running). Everything else? Who cares?
I have three virtual 5K medals and a friend sent me one of her medals---what a huge heart she has; I treasure that one and keep in laid over my framed training plan---when I completed my one-and-only half. Never mind 26.2, I think THAT was a big deal ;) . so un-trendy there.
When I follow a training I am faithful and follow it almost to a T, so yes, trendy training
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Snowing here today, major storm expected next Tuesday, so my return is postponed, but reading this is getting me in the mood. Your blog posts ALWAY uplift.
Can't wait. Everything will be off the table except getting out there. No goals. Just run. (Insert heart emoticon here).
Have a great weekend, my warrior friend.
I finally threw out my very first SpiBelt. I got it 6 years ago when I ran the WDW half. The elastic was completely gone. Sniff...
DeleteLooking forward to your return!
I just took a yoga class that was a benefit for Girls on the Run in Rhode Island. There having a 5K in May at the beautiful park where I ran my first event, back in 2012. I decided to start training for it. Eyes on the prize. As you put so well, it's no fun sitting on the side lines.
DeleteDefinitely not so trendy over here! I've never been about the bling either, and the clothes are a mix of what's on sale and the trendy ones I do have are mostly from blog samples I've given! :-)
ReplyDeleteNo ultras or Crossfit in my future either. But I'm pretty happy with my un-trendy self!
I think being happy with your untrendy self is as good as it gets!
DeleteI don't follow any running trends, except trying to find the best running shoes for my needs. I have been running for 30 years (off and on) and about 5 years ago switched to Galloway running. I also moved out of "just running" into tri training (+ weights and yoga). I don't race and my fave distance is 3-5 miles 3-4 x per week. I just do my own thing. Keeps me happy!
ReplyDeleteIsn't being happy a trend these days? Bring it on!
DeleteSO I don't think I'm a trendy runner either! Lol! I have my bright cushy shoes and rocking my 3-5 miles. BUT I do love some good bling... however you are right the memories and experiences are more important.
ReplyDeleteI bet you look pretty darned cute running your 3-5 miles, tho! I would expect nothing else from you!
DeleteAs long as I can fold down the top of tights, I don't mind high waist. I just won't wear them as a high waist. When jeans were high waisted when I was a kid, I always chafed horribly on my sides because the jeans didn't fit right.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's a good idea! Thank you!
DeleteI'm all about the 12mm heel drop Asics Nimbus! If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
ReplyDeleteIt's like wearing high heels, right?
DeleteThis is funny!! I am all about the nike free big toe box... it might be a mental thing, but I love those shoes! and I'm aware that I'm the last one to arrive at the nike free trend, but I'm ok with that.
ReplyDeleteI haven't arrived at that trend so clearly I'm out of the loop.
DeleteHave you seen the ones with the built in sock?
I have tried those five finger shoes in the past and they were the worst! I have tried Altras as well and do not like them. I will stick with my Brooks! I have done one ultra- a 50k. I have been thinking about a 50 miler next. We will see. I think ultras are less competitive. You run at a slower pace for a longer amount of time. That's all:) Easier said than done right?
ReplyDeleteI hear there's a lot of snacks and good food at the rest stops. Kind of interesting!
DeleteNon trendy here! I do download my stats the moment I walk in the door. They eventually make it to Golden Cheetah so my data guru husband can analyze them and tell me, "you're trending ______ these days." The word has been strong since the first of the year!
ReplyDeleteOh fun! I love data--I wish I had someone to deeply analyze my stats for me!
DeleteI'm totally checking out Google Trends. I can't believe I didn't know it existed!
ReplyDeleteI don't run for the medals either. I think they're kind of annoying personally but I do like them hanging on my medal rack, so there's that. Ha! Plus my kids think they're the coolest. :)
I love my medals. I just don't want a lot of meaningless bling tho.
DeleteMight I just add a little plug for the high waisted leggings? Elongates the legs for those of us on the shorter side, and not to mention -- make you feel tight in the mid section! Great post!
ReplyDeleteI'm the waistless wonder, so they just give me a stomach ache! LOL!
DeleteI've seen the Altras advertised a lot lately so when I was in my local running store earlier this week, I tried on a pair. No thanks - they made my feet turn inward! It was a strange feeling...I instantly knew they were not the shoes for me, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteI'm trendy though, because I wear high-waisted capris...hey, they hold in my stomach, LOL!
I personally think the Altras look like bowling shoes, but that's just me, I guess!
DeleteI love my Altras... that toe box just works for my funky foot shape! Who knew I was trendy ;-)
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny the things we learn from each other?
DeleteApparently I'm a trend failure on all counts, though my running clothing is new and pretty (Skirt Sports Ambassador, you know?). I have (and never had) no interest in ultras, I've been wearing my Mizunos faithfully for years, I don't do crossfit, and don't have a coach. As for medals, unless they're an age group award, they don't mean much to me except more stuff to hang over the back of my bedroom chair. Fun post!
ReplyDeleteI would never think of you as a trend fail--you always seem to be up to date on everything running!
DeleteMy feet started hurting when I typed the section on the five fingers!
ReplyDeleteI dont think Im a very trendy runner-I focus more on finding clothing and gear that I will like! Some of that may be trendy (like my Garmin). Ive never done any other race beside a plain old road race.
ReplyDeleteI'm ok not being trendy!
DeleteThis is awesome! I guess I'm semi-trendy. I do love my Altras. And trail running. Even was training for an ultra last month (until my knees protested).
ReplyDeleteI think most of us are "semi-trendy".
DeleteLOL! I think we are very similair. I stick with shoes I know work for me, and I have no desire to do an ultra! I keep my race bling and love it, but do not choose a race based on the medal. I do like myself lots of running clothes, but I also like myself a lot of regular clothes... shopaholic is just a vice I can't kick
ReplyDeleteI think we are alike! I do love me some clothes...both running and regular!
DeleteI feel like at some point our interests are going to line up and at some point we will naturally like something that is trendy! I ran ultras back in the day. I did a 50k and a 50 miler. They were WONDERFUL experiences. Loved it. Very low stress and more like a long day in the woods rather than a RACE. While I do like trendy "normal" clothes, I am just not into trendy running clothes. No one sees me when I run so I really don't care what I look like. I have to be comfortable though.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you ran a 50 miler! There's so much you share on your blog and then I learn something new about you!
DeleteI wrote about it a couple years ago but don't really talk about it that much because it seems like a lifetime ago! http://meggorun.blogspot.com/2014/02/once-upon-time-i-ran-50-miles.html
DeleteHah! I feel like HMs are popular among the runners I know, but I'm good with 10M thank you very much. I would rather have higth waisted tights than ones that feel like they are sliding down ....
ReplyDeleteI wish there were more 10 milers around here--I'd do all of them. I do like that distance.
DeleteI've always done my own thing, so I'm sure that occasionally my preferences align with the trends, but it's always by accident. I've been in the Brooks Launch since 2010 and have no plans to switch road shoes. On the other hand, my former favorites, Brooks Cascadia have changed so much in recent years that I can no longer get the same wear time out of them. :( Most recently, I'm into Merrells for trail runs.
ReplyDeleteI know if I ran trail runs, I'd have to choose a different shoes--my cushy Nimbus wouldn't do well on the trails!
DeleteThis post has me laughing, Wendy. I do love that you don't follow all of the trends like so many other people do. You're your own person, and that's one of the many things that I appreciate about you.
ReplyDeleteAs Carla Birnberg says, unapologetically myself.
DeleteI'm definitely NOT trendy! With the exception of a running coach, I do not "follow" any of the trends, although I did sign up for a Hot Chocolate 15K because I saw the medal at another race expo a couple of years ago. (I had sworn off of the HC races due to poor traffic management by the local police before the race--nothing at all to do with the race organizers.) Ultra: no, thank you! Altras: I'll pass. Crossfit: not my thing. Clothing: I hate to shop, so I tend to have clothing way past it's "trendy time"!
ReplyDeleteI hate to shop too, which is why I love my Stitch Fix!
DeleteI'm an altra fan... but its not a new thing for me, I have run in them for years! Black shoes?! Boring ;)
ReplyDeleteCrossfit.. I think I would like, but I don't do burpees and I work out at home by myself. I don't really care so much about the medal... but I do love getting them. I do the race for the experience also.
Hey! I love my black running shoes! Plus...no one is wearing them now.
DeleteHigh waisted anything? NO. White running shoes? YES. I've recently become a convert. They are more versatile when trying to match your clothes (uh huh, a problem for me) -- and you can always put in funky shoe strings.
ReplyDeleteI just can't do white. I have. But I much prefer black....
DeleteI'm such a run for the bling gal! I want to know what I'm running for, that and well what I'm going to get to eat or drink afterwards. :)
ReplyDeleteI am liking the trend of multiply races in one weekend and extra bling. Now ask me again when the hubs wants to "race" the 5k before a half.... right now it's nice and easy warm up run before the big race on Sunday.
I've never done the 5k before a big race, but it seems like more and more races are offering it!
Delete