I started running occasionally in 2020 when I wanted to get out of the house during the UK lockdown, but it wasn’t until 2022 that I became a regular runner. After a breakup, I started lacing up my trainers two to three times a week and tracking my pace, time and distance while listening to Taylor Swift.
There are many benefits to running regularly, including improved sleep, weight loss, and better mental health. Although I made rapid progress at first, reducing my 5K time from 45 minutes to 31 minutes, I eventually hit a wall and couldn’t improve my pace any further.
I decided to focus on two things to improve my 5K time: a bi-weekly strength-based fitness program developed by my friend and coach, and starting a new running club.
I felt that the local clubs were a bit too fast for me and I wanted to be able to talk to people while running, so I founded and started The department for tortured runners.
How I founded The Tortured Runners
The idea was to create a casual, fun running club where I could meet other Swifties. The clever name is thanks to my friend, but the rest I did myself. I posted in a few local Facebook groups to gauge interest and soon had a WhatsApp chat with 85 eager members.
Before I knew it, I laced up my Mizuno Wave Rider 27s, loaded up Strava, and headed to my local park to meet other Swifties. Like Swift’s fanbase, we have a melting pot of characters that show up every week; from university students to new moms and dads to people getting back into running after injury.
How the Tortured Runners division helps me get fitter
1. I never miss a run
When you run alone, it’s easy to find excuses not to join in. Having others to hold you accountable will help you stay consistent and focus on making progress each week, even when the weather is bad.
2. My breathing is better
Taylor herself says, “I think I can finally breathe.” Talking to others while running helped me focus on breathing through my nose instead of my mouth, improving the oxygen supply to my muscles.
3. We go slow to get faster
We run at a consistent pace of 6:45/km and take regular breaks to make the group as inclusive as possible. More “easy” Zone 2 style runs have helped me improve my pace on solo runs where I push myself to go faster. Thanks to the club, I finally managed to run 5k in under 30 minutes.
Why I recommend joining a running club
Surrounding yourself with friends who have similar fitness goals can be really helpful. You don’t have to feel guilty about deciding not to drink or go to bed early. I’ve also found that my existing friends have joined the running group and I’ve made new friends in the process too!
So if you are thinking about joining a club or even starting your own, I highly recommend it.
