Rookie Runners
During this lockdown period, many people who are unable to work have decided to take the opportunity to undertake more exercise. Many have taken up running.
Here in York the new runners do not simply don an old tee shirt and baggy shorts and venture outside. Both sexes have lycra or new branded sportswear, colour coordinated of course. I can understand the need to have new trainers but I wonder how long it will be before the aforementioned sportswear end up in a bag for Oxfam or Save the Children.
Today, whilst walking into York I passed a number of newbie runners, some were wearing full face make up, most were running slowly enough not to break sweat and one young woman was running with her son who was aged about 12. As they passed me I heard the boy say , “mum, this is turning out to be my worst nightmare.” It was difficult to say if the nightmare was due to the physical exertion or the fact that he was seen outside, running with his mum.
Running ought to be an inclusive and inexpensive sport but fuelled by branding and the desire of many people to look cool at all times it has become, like cycling, a pastime for those with more money than sense. I wonder how many people in places such as Redcar, Scunthorpe, or Doncaster have developed a new zeal for running.
Perhaps, the new passion for running amongst the middle classes is motivated by the need to shed the extra calories created by drinking too much Chablis during the long days trapped inside with their partners and kids