The escape route: running from stress and towards yourself

I used to hate running. Somehow, I ended up in athletics and the cross-country club as a child, and I could not stand the cold, the boredom, and being covered in mud after my fifth slip of the day (clumsy girl problems!). So, I totally get that when encouraging my friends to run, I am met with the response of “I am not a runner” or “I hate running”. After my disastrous participation in the early cross-country club, I started to join my mum, a seasoned runner, on her runs. Whilst plodding, we would chat about our days, my stresses, and anything we could in between breaths. When I got back, I always felt calmer, more productive, and most importantly, I never regretted a run. I am glad to see so many of us now on the running grind: it is amazing how a few miles can make us calmer, more focused, and generally happier human beings, and I want you to get some runner’s high too.

There is no pressure because running is literally you versus you

At university especially, I believe running has become my secret weapon against stress. Instead of taking my breaks doomscrolling TikTok, running – whether outside in the fresh air or on the treadmill – has really helped me clear my head. While running, I have learnt so much from listening to podcasts I would never usually choose, or I’ll catch up on my academics by listening to an audiobook from my never-ending reading list, or an academic podcast on my subject. Most of the time, though, my brain stops its spiralling by just listening to the outside noises or confiding in a bit of Taylor Swift. There is no pressure because running is literally you versus you. You don’t need to sign up for a marathon or pound the streets; just start by running down the street, going with a friend, or joining a local running club. The mental space it creates is worth it!

Some even say run clubs are the new Tinder!

The social side of running is also thriving at the moment with the rise of run club culture. I have recently listened to a podcast from Psychology of Your 20s by Jemma Sbeg – one I would highly recommend – about the psychological benefits of run clubs, from fostering connections to creating a sense of belonging. Hey, some even say run clubs are the new Tinder! Leamington has also jumped on this trend. I would recommend The Pug Run Club at The Royal Pug pub, which meets on Wednesdays at 7pm, or the newly established Run Rave, where you run following the guys with speakers around Leamington, who meet on Tuesdays at 7pm. If you are on campus, Warwick Athletics Society also host social runs at all paces every Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm.

The point is, if you are feeling burnt out, overwhelmed or just in need of a reset, I cannot recommend running enough: lace up, step out, and find out how running can truly be an escape route.