Running in the city
How running has impacted my perception of urban spaces
One of my New Year’s Resolutions this year is to log a total of 1,000 exercise miles. For an avid mid- to long-distance cyclist, this is a relatively easy feat. However, I decided to approach the challenge earnestly; only two-thirds of my miles logged can come from cycling— short-distance social bicycle rides and long-distance rides where I’m logging over 20 miles. The final third, totaling roughly 30 miles a month, have to be logged on foot at an elevated pace; running, if I may.
I have a mixed relationship with running. I revere the ancient exercise we as a species once relied on for our very own survival while also dreading it. The mile-run event in middle school gym class inspired my on-and-off cross country and track & field career in high school. I’d run the occasional mile around campus during college to stay fit, and I’d run with my friend Anthony along Chapel Hill’s Bolin Creek Trail during the COVID-19 pandemic to stay sane. My post-college life saw all but the disappearance of running from my exercise repertoire, then exercise altogether from my daily repertoire. Now, I’m training for a four-mile event in Chapel Hill this spring and am excited to build up my training while getting to explore Durham with a new yet familiar method of transport.
As I incorporate running into my weekly routine, I find myself learning more about our relationship to the urban environment as residents. For one, running can serve as a method of transportation in our everyday lives. Especially in a city like Durham where even downtown is somewhat spread out, a walk to the post office might be 20 minutes or longer. You could drive, but then you have to find parking. If you don’t have a car, you’re dependent on a bus route or sufficient cycling infrastructure to safely reach your destination by either of those methods. But a run to the post office is generally time-efficient. Now, you’re getting your cardio in with a two-mile run while accomplishing your errands in a timely manner with limited external impact. You’re quite literally running your errands.
My feeble attempt at staging an artsy picture of my new running shoes with a mural in downtown Durham (I did pull my hamstring in the process)
Another relationship between the urban space and the runner I’ve observed is that the shortcomings in pedestrian infrastructure are magnified when you’re running. Poorly-maintained sidewalks, lack of sufficient tree coverage, limited streetlights, and any number of hazards all increase the risk of injury, heat exhaustion, collision or other maladies when running compared to walking. The feeling of invincibility that shrouds you when you’re deep into a run clashes with the heightened sensitivity to the dangers surrounding you.
Finally, running has emerged as the premier social activity among American urbanites by way of the run club. Bars, breweries, or restaurants might host run clubs for regular patrons and newcomers alike to run in a group for three to five miles before ending with drinks and food at their establishment. The run club arrangement is understandably popular in that it’s beneficial for all parties: the establishment secures returning patrons on a weekly basis, runners can find motivation in running at a set time with a group of friends to keep them accountable, and community is built within this establishment among the participants. I myself frequent a run club in town with friends that have kept me consistent in my training.
The run club at Durham’s Daily Beer Bar takes us 3.5 miles every Wednesday at 6pm!
Like many recreational activities in urban spaces and beyond, running has socioeconomic barriers to entry. Running requires a certain level of physical fitness and time dedication to participate in, which generally improves with income level. Wealthier neighborhoods also tend to have the many infrastructure-related amenities that keep runners healthy during their workout. Finally, the establishments that host run clubs might be cost-prohibitive or might cater to a specific sub-sect of the population.
Run clubs and the popularity of the sport in general demonstrate the significance running plays in establishing social networks in urban environments. I’ve found the past couple months to not only boost my physical and emotional health, but my awareness of my community and those around me. Running is just another way for us to utilize the great gift of the outdoors and expose ourselves to new opportunities for community-building.
"The feeling of invincibility that shrouds you when you’re deep into a run clashes with the heightened sensitivity to the dangers surrounding you." well said, applies to bike riding too!
I think a lot about streets and land use while I’m running. I’d like to get some folks together and talk about how running relates to urbanism and policy.