By Tara Campbell
Running is good for the mind, body and soul. It’s also relatively easy on the wallet as compared to, say, a Peleton bike that runs well into the thousands, not including membership fees. Running is also convenient and, since the onset of the pandemic, safe. Hence, the recent running boom that has seen millions of new participants as well as those who rediscovered its joys.
According to a 2020 Sports & Fitness Association survey, about 50 million Americans (roughly 15 percent of the population) participated in some form of running. A Runner’s World annual survey backs that up, noting that the sport is more popular than it has been in years and being fueled by pandemic newbies. A recent Run Repeat survey of nearly 4,000 runners, found that about 29 percent started during the pandemic. What’s more, they like it. Since most gyms have reopened, studies show that many are sticking to the great outdoors for their runs.
Here, Long Island runners discuss why they choose to run—and what they wear when doing it and where they might go to buy that next pair.
Brian
Wearing: Nike
Purchased at: Dick’s Sporting Goods
How many miles a week? Three to five.
Next pair? Nike, again. I’ve been very happy with these, and probably at Dick’s, again.
How long have you been running? Ten years.
Running more during the pandemic? Definitely more. I have more free time.
What do you love about running? The endorphins.
Lori
Wearing: Saucony Type A
Purchased at: RunningWarehouse.com
How many miles a week? About 35 to 40 miles.
Next pair? Probably the same pair and likely online. I get the best price online.
How long have you been running? I ran cross-country in high school and then took did other types of exercise. I got back into it about 10 years ago.
Running more since the pandemic? The same.
What do you love about running? I love to move my body, and I love the scenery on Long Island.
Arielle
Wearing: Asics Dynamic Duomax
Purchased at: The Asics store at the Tanger Outlets. They help me get the best fit because I have very flat feet. In certain brands, I’m a size up and others it’s a size down. I’d rather not have to return stuff.
How miles a week? About 15. When I was training for a half marathon last fall it was 30 or 40 a week.
Next pair? Back to the Asics store because they were super helpful and these have held up well. Plus, they have a huge selection and you get a good deal. I also really don’t know where else to go.
How many years have you been running? About eight years. I started in college when I had to run a 5K and couldn’t do so without stopping. I’ve been increasing my distances since.
Running more since the pandemic? Definitely more. There was a lot I couldn’t do, but I could always go for a run.
Keith
Wearing: Brooks Adrenaline
Purchased at: Super Runner’s Shop (now closed).
How many miles a week? About 55 to 60 miles.
Running more since the pandemic? Yes. Before that I was running 30 to 35 miles a week. I have double the time at home.
Next pair? New Balance 1400, most likely online.
How many years have you been running? I ran in high school and then took some years off but picked it up again about eight years ago.
Love about running? It’s a great stress reliever.
Tiana
Wearing: Nike Max Zoom
Purchased at: Online, a gift from my sister.
How many miles a week? I walk, run or jog three miles about four times a week.
Next pair? I usually wear Asics or Nike, but I don’t have a particular brand in mind. I usually try to shop a small business first, like the Sport Runner’s Club in Northport.
How long have you been running? Since I was 14, so about 8 years.
Running more during the pandemic? More. I started in March and ran because there was nothing else to do. Now that it’s summer, I’m running more.
What do you love about running? That I can totally Zen out after working 9 to 5. It’s nice to get outside and do something good for my body.
Chandler
Wearing: Nike Pegasus 35
Purchased at: The Nike store at the Woodbury Outlets. I shop there or Dick’s Sporting Goods because they have a wide selection. I’m not brand specific and looking for what has a good price tag.
How many miles a week? About three times a week and probably 5K intervals.
Next pair? No particular brand or style. I just want a versatile shoe with a somewhat narrow fit that’s breathable and somewhat waterproof. I’ll probably look at the same stores.
Running more since the pandemic? I took a step back because I wasn’t able to compete in any Spartan races.
What do you love about running? It’s an opportunity to disconnect—like going into a dream-like state where I can forget all the stresses in life.
Madi
Shoes: Nike
Purchased at: Dick’s Sporting Goods
Next pair? I might buy Nike again, but I’m also looking into Hoka and a few other brands.
How long have you been running? About six years. But I seriously got into running during the pandemic.
How many miles a week? Ten to 15 miles. More if I’m training for a half marathon.
What do you love about running? It brings me to another place and gets my endorphins going. I’ve been working from home during the pandemic, so going for a run in the evenings is just a good way to leave my house and go into the outside world.
Scott
Wearing: Nike Flex Run
Purchased at: The Nike store in the Tanger Outlets. I like to try them on first before buying.
Next pair? Probably the same pair; they’ve been very comfortable. And probably the same store.
How long have you been running? I started running outside since the pandemic, because I couldn’t go to the gym. I run three to four times a week now, and it’s more fun than going to the gym.
What do you love about running? It keeps me in shape and gets out frustrations I might have.
Renee
Wearing: Hoka One One
Purchased at: Smithtown Running Company
How many miles a week? About 20-plus. I run 7 days a week.
Next pair? I’m usually a Brooks girl, so probably those, and again at the Smithtown Running Company.
How long have you been running? Ten-plus years.
Running more during the pandemic? Absolutely more. I have more free time and want to get outside, because I’m still working in an office.
What do you love about running? It makes me feel good. I do a lot of good thinking when I’m on a run.
Paul
Wearing: Reebok Zig Wild TR 6
Purchased at: At the Reebok store in Tanger Outlets.
How many miles a week? About a mile a day.
Next pair? This is the first time I ran in these and they’re pretty good, so I’ll probably buy these again. Same store, too.
How long have you been running? I started in high school and it’s going on 50 years now.
Running more during the pandemic? I’m just getting going again. When the YMCA pool closed, I stopped swimming and then running. But I’m coming back.
What do you love about running? Being in shape and feeling good.
