Now more than ever we need to be focusing on our social connections with others. Seems a little ironic, right? Luckily we are living in a time when it is easier than ever to connect with others virtually. Even a few years ago this type of lifestyle would be significantly more challenging. Over the last month as COVID-19 has caused cancelled races and solo runs, a virtual running community has become more important. However, having a virtual running community has always been helpful for me, even before all of this started. Let’s talk about why it’s important to have a virtual running community and how it can help your running.
Thanks to some of my blogging friends for sharing their photos and experiences for this post!
Why It’s Important To Have a Virtual Running Community
As someone who prefers to run alone, I’ve never joined a running club or run with a group. Back in 2010 or so I discovered that there were running blogs where I would read about others’ running journeys. I enjoyed reading the details about what other runners were experiencing, especially as I started training for my first marathon. I remember Ali on the Run was one of the first running blogs I started reading. Her first marathon was two months before mine. I loved being able to follow along with her training. (And then 7 years later, she had a baby two months before me! So once again I got to follow along on her journey of pregnancy and new motherhood!)
Back then I felt the need to share my own story, which was why I started a blog in 2013. It wasn’t because I necessarily had a unique story to share, but it was a way to connect with others. To know that you’re not the only one feeling a certain way. To relate to others’ experiences. To learn other ways to do things and to share what worked or did not work for you. To complain about the good, the bad, and the ugly runs. We often have common themes in our running posts- the hot weather, the cold weather, racing season, running during the quarantine. It somehow makes you feel like even though you may run alone, you are not alone in what you experience.
Kim shared:
It’s been awesome staying connected with my online tribe! I’ve had some FaceTime walks & chats and ZOOM calls. We’re all coping with this unique situation differently, so it’s great to have so much support and encouragement from my fellow fitness friends.
Kim from Running on the Fly
Here are a few specific ways that I have found a virtual running community to be helpful:
Support
Whether I am training for a race or dealing with an injury, I always feel supported by the other runners I have connected with through my blog and Instagram. It’s easier to share my experiences with others who can relate, and they can offer true support because they know what it’s like to have these experiences. No matter what injury you are experiencing, there is a pretty good chance you will be able to find someone online who has had a similar injury, experience, or comeback story.
Jenn, who is currently coming back from an injury, shared a little about her experience:
I’m so grateful for the virtual running community because it’s a way for me to stay motivated and connected through injury and Safer At Home mandates. There is so much support and encouragement and I wouldn’t be able to keep moving forward without it.”
Jenn from Runs with Pugs
Motivation
I easily find motivation when I am reading other blogs or scrolling through Instagram. Seeing other runners achieve their goals makes me think that my goals are within reach as well. I’ve learned that hard work pays off and that we need to stay focused and eventually good things will happen. I don’t think I would have ever felt so motivated without being able to follow other “everyday” runners who share their journeys.
Shatiso had a good example of this:
I have always felt really supported and encouraged by the online running community. But never have I really needed that more than now. One of the biggest reasons I’m able to run at this difficult time is because of the energy, the support, the enthusiasm and the motivation from the online running community. There are so many days when I dread getting onto my old treadmill that malfunctions every 3km but I remember how others are struggling too but making it happen. So I really am indebted to this community.”
Shathiso from The Gaborone Runner after a run shortly after social distancing started
Encouragement
There’s nothing like going for a run, posting about it on Instagram, and getting feedback from others. When I have a tough run or I am feeling like my training isn’t going well, the other runners who have been following my journey are able to encourage me to keep going. 
Laura from Team Norris Running
Different Perspectives
By connecting with other runners virtually, we can get a lot of different perspectives on things. Every day I read about other people’s runs and what they are doing and what is working on not working. It helps to give me some insight into my own running and training. There is not necessarily one right way to run/train, so it’s good to see things from different angles. 
Marcia from Marcia’s Healthy Slice
New Workout Ideas
There are also plenty of workout ideas to be found within a virtual running community. This includes both running workouts and other kinds of workouts. I’ve learned so much about what else is out there, like Orange Theory, Pelaton, and other workout programs just from reading about them online.
Deborah from Confessions of a Mother Runner
New Learning
Not only do I learn about what others are doing specific to running, but there are other things to learn about people as well! We all end up sharing more than just our running. How else could you follow and connect with runners from all over the world? Just in our Sunday link-up alone we have runners from Botswana (Shathiso!) and Switzerland (Catrina!) 
Catrina from Keep on Running during her virtual half-marathon!
Some run in cities and others on trails or in the mountains. Some run on treadmills more than others, some are early morning runners, some work out every day, others do crossfit. I’d say none of us follow the same routine which is why it is so great to see what others do! It doesn’t mean we need to change what we are doing, but we can learn from them and maybe try something different if we find that what we are doing isn’t working. 
Wendy from Taking the Long Way Home during a winter trail race
Here are some ways to connect with a virtual running community
Blogs
There are so many running blogs out there! If you are looking for information, you can go to Pinterest. However, if you really want to connect with others, you should join one of our weekly link-ups. Here are a few to consider:
Runners’ Roundup (this one!) hosted by myself, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Runs with Pugs, Running on Happy and Organic Runner Mom
Weekly Rundown hosted by Confessions of a Mother Runner and Running on the Fly
Tuesday Topics hosted by Kooky Runner and Zenaida
Runfessions hosted by Marcia’s Healthy Slice (last Friday of each month)
Friday Five hosted by Fairytales and Fitness
Ultimate Coffee Date with Confessions of a Mother Runner and Got2Run4Me (first Saturday of each month)
Follow any of the runners above or look for runners using hashtags! (I can be found at @milebymile)
Strava
To be honest I am still just getting started on Strava and haven’t completely figured it out. It’s a great way to share your specific workouts, with paces, distance, etc. Once you are following people you can give “Kudos” on their runs.
[Tweet “Having a virtual running community is more important now than ever! Join us for the Runners Roundup this week! @milebymilerun #runnersroundup #runchat”]
Facebook groups
You can also look into Facebook groups. The biggest running group I am a part of is Running For Real Superstars. You can ask questions about running, connect with other runners, and share race experiences.
There are probably plenty of other ways to connect virtually but this should be enough to get you started! Even if you have a running group in real life, connecting with other runners virtually can really give you a different experience. There is so much we can learn from others and there is a lot of power in social connections, especially during this time of social isolation.
How long have you been a part of a virtual running community? (If you are new to the world of virtual running communities, welcome!)
What is your favorite way to connect with other runners?
What have you learned from other runners who you have met online?
RUNNERS’ ROUNDUP
Now it’s time for the Runners’ Roundup! Link up your running and fitness posts below!
Welcome to Sandra who will be joining us as a co-host!
Join myself, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Runs with Pugs, Running on Happy and Organic Runner Mom to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas.
What a timely post, thank you!
I am so happy I started to connect with other runners online – I only started about half a year ago. My favourite way of connecting virtually is by other runners’ blogs. I love reading how others are training and how they enjoy running. As you write, it’s inspiring and motivating.
One thing I have learned is the importance of cross-training!
Yes there are so many things to learn from others blogs! Its interesting to see the different ways that everyone gets in their cross-training.
Thank you for including me! I’m so grateful for running communities right now, especially blogs and Strava.
I definitely agree! Its so nice to have such a consistent way to connect with others.
I have a lot of great local friends, but few of them share in my love of running, so my online tribe (as I love to refer to it LOL) is vital! We all do things our own unique ways, but we “get” each other despite our differences 😉
Even though my husband is a runner I’ve always felt like I needed others to talk to about running. Even he gets tired of hearing my ramble about my workouts!
I feel so fortunate to have connnected with so many amazing runners through my blog. Some of them have become my dearest friends–these are women I wouldn’t have met any other way. Our love of running has connected us and for some reason, that is a really strong bond! I guess we get each other. Thank you for featuring me in this post–I hope someday we’ll get to meet IRL!
Totally agree! Its crazy to think how long I have known some of you. We have shared so many experiences even though we have never met! I also hope we get to meet someday!
I’m in the same boat as Kim, I just don’t know that many runners IRL. Online there’s a whole wide world of wonderful people who are sharing their journeys and I have learned so much. You nailed the two biggest things that I’ve found in the WRD group: there’s more to fitness than just running, and though I love runners, it’s good for me to see those who have, shall we say, a more balanced fitness life. Some of the best posts are the ones that deal with injury, since that’s a reality that many of us deal with and we need the resources – special shout to Jenn there.
Yes exactly! Its been so helpful to see how others fit everything in even when their lives are busy.
Love this so much! I feel so very lucky to have such a strong connection to my virtual running friends as well. Having a chance to meet some of them in person the last few years has been such a cool experience.
I hope I can meet more of you in person at some point! (We just need to be able to start racing and going out in public again!)
When I started my “online journal” of Boston Marathon training back in 2009, I had no idea of the community I’d come to love. I too am very solitary with running but the tribe of people who “get me” is so amazing.
Isn’t it crazy to think about how all of this blogging stuff started? I can’t believe I have stuck with it for so long but now I can’t imagine not connecting with all of you regularly.
What a wonderful post! Reading all the fitness-related blog posts does make me feel connected and hopeful. Now that I can’t go to my IRL running club, connecting online with other runners is more important than ever. Thanks for hosting this link up!
I’m glad that the online community has been so helpful for you! Its nice to have a way to keep in touch when we can’t see people in person.
The virtual running community is amazing! I’ve been blogging here almost 5 years. Blogs are actually my preferred way to get in touch with everyone — I have to kind of force myself to use regular social media. 🙂
I like Instagram but its really nice to get the full story in a blog post. I just find it a little harder to keep up with as many people on their blogs.
I am so grateful for the running blogger community and I’m glad that I’ve gotten back in the swing of things, especially with everything we’re going through now! I love the virtual community – it’s motivating and we have just so much in common!
I’m gad you are back too! I think its more important than ever right now to stay in touch with other runners.
Love this post! When I started running ten years ago I never thought I’d find the kind of virtual tribe I have – they have been such a great source of motivation, encouragement, and friendship!
Its weird to think about how many people we have gotten to know through this community! But everyone is so supportive and it really does provide motivation.
I truly value all the friendships and connections I’ve made through the virtual running community. There’s no way I would be mentally surviving this without them.
It really has helped so much to have other runners to stay in touch with through all of this!
Stumbled on your blog while browsing for some running motivation and community during this time so needless to say, this post was perfect. Thanks for all the tips and inspiration!
You are welcome! I’m so glad you found this post!
This is great and so fun (and important right now). I’m not following Catrina and will have to check her blog out. Thanks for the introduction!
It’s always nice to come across new runners to follow online!
I just got on Strava for some extra motivation. It has been enough to keep me motivated and going through these really tough times.
I am new to it as well. Its a fun way to share workouts and see what others are doing.
There are so many incredible runners in this virtual community, and I consider myself so lucky to have connected with so many of them, even if only through the internet. It’s amazing that we have the technology to come together in this time of isolation <3
Could you imagine what all of this would have been like before the internet (or before it became as easily accessible as it is now)? I try to remind myself of that often. It would be so much harder to stay in touch with people!
A very well written piece Lisa and thank you so much for including me in it! It’s as you said at the very start it’s not like we necessarily have such unique stories to share, but sharing our running lives and experiences, creates a sense of togetherness whether you are in the US, Europe or in Africa.
Yes exactly! I am so glad you enjoyed it and thank you for contributing!
I so enjoy my virtual running community. The connections that I have made through blogging and instagram are awesome for the connection and the inspiration!
It really is wonderful to have so many like-minded people to connect with through social media!
Thanks to my never being caught up, reading this on the heels of my favorite current part of the running group, the Zoom chat. It’s such a great new tradition and glad to “meet” you there today, It’s about two years since I joined the Run Down. Such a great family of runners in all of these linkups
It was fun to see everyone! Isn’t it so nice to have such a fun group of runners to connect with every day?