This is an interview of a conversation about running with ADHD with Ultra Runner Megan Alvarado

The power of group running while chasing your running goals!

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’ve “earned” the right to call yourself a runner, you’re not alone. For many of us, the hardest part of the running journey isn’t the training—it’s identifying as athletes and being proud of our accomplishments.

For many of us, running isn’t just a sport. It can serve many purposes: a way to stay healthy, a coping mechanism, a community. It’s how we connect with our bodies, clear our minds, and carve out space for ourselves in a noisy world. But as the climate crisis intensifies, running, one of the most adaptable sports, one that requires no gym, no machines, just our legs and the open air, is being threatened.

This article will break down the hidden costs of running, how social media has changed the perception and expectations of what someone actually needs to be a successful runner, and simple ways to keep the sport more affordable and joyful without maxing out your credit cards or feeding into consumerism.

Running is about so many things: community, health, stress relief, purpose, the list goes on. But, to me, running isn’t about my outfit. And yet, increasingly, the sport feels like it’s morphing into a fashion show.

Discover the 10 life-changing lessons I’ve learned as a runner. From breakthrough moments that happen when you least expect them, to the importance of self-compassion, these reflections will inspire you to embrace the journey—whether you're training for your next race or navigating life's challenges.