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Anecdotally, we’ve heard all about the club sign-ups that fill up fast, the crack-of-dawn meet-ups that become cherished rituals, and the genuine friendships that form along the way. But being the data people that we are, we were compelled to complement these heart-warming stories with some cold hard facts.

Enter: the 2026 Run Down—our survey of 100+ runners that tells a rich picture of the running landscape today, from the gear people swear by to the states leading the charge. Most notable were the figures that spoke to community. A snapshot of our findings:

These insights came to life in participants like Mallory Kilmer, founder of No More Lonely Runs, one of New York's most beloved running groups.

Community has been part of Mallory’s relationship with running since she first laced up in middle school, long before run clubs popped into our social feeds and long before anyone thought to put numbers behind them.

Basically, Mallory is the Run Down report in human form, and graciously, she offered to share her story below.

Finding community on the track

Mallory didn’t come to running with a training plan or a race goal. She was 12 years old, had just quit the school play, and her dad said she needed to fill her time with another activity. Why not track? she thought, and signed up.

What surprised her wasn’t the discipline or the competition. It was discovering what she was actually capable of. Despite being, as she’ll tell you herself, “on the shorter side,” she took on the 200-meter hurdles and the triple jump. She was fast. And she was, without quite realizing it, in love with the sense of belonging.

“It’s a team sport, but at the same time, there are so many individual events,” she says, “so you feel a lot less pressure to perform, especially in the beginning.” That low-stakes entry point, she believes, is what makes track such a powerful on-ramp for kids. It holds space for you to figure out what you’re good at before asking you to prove it.

Throughout high school, Mallory stayed close to running while she spent more and more time playing softball, filling the off-seasons with easy miles—nothing serious.

What happens when the team disappears

Running had always been the background music to Mallory’s athletic life, with softball taking center stage. She’d planned to keep it that way and was set to play in a Division III college program. But when she decided not to go, the whole structure disappeared overnight.

To stay active, she continued hitting the gym, going on leisurely jogs outside. Her favorite past time was now solitary in a way it hadn’t been before. “It felt really weird and isolating, no longer being part of a team,” she says. Her identity as an athlete was still there, but the community wasn’t.

In 2013, she moved to Florida looking for a fresh start and quickly got a job working at Orangetheory. “I wasn’t looking for a community,” she says. “I was looking for a job, but lucky for me, I ended up with both.”

Orangetheory gave her the camaraderie she’d been craving, and around the same time, she got back into racing. She fell hard for it but identified another gap almost immediately: run clubs were scarce where she lived, and the ones that existed skewed too fast, too competitive to feel welcoming. So, Mallory trained alone. She got better, she kept going, and then, she moved to New York City.

The city where everything clicked

New York was the catalyst. Mallory had always known, somewhere in the back of her mind, that she would start a run club one day. She just hadn’t figured out the how or the when. Soon after her arrival, both questions answered themselves.

New York is a city built on proximity—millions of people sharing sidewalks, subway cars, and apartment buildings—and with that density comes a natural sense of connection. For Mallory, it was tangible, and almost as an invitation, she started sharing her runs on social media. The DMs flooded her inbox, mostly from women who wanted to join in. One day, she put up an Instagram Story telling people where she’d be posting up pre-run on Saturday. Six people showed. By week three, there were over 100 runners.

And that’s how No More Lonely Runs, began, not from a business plan, but from a spur-of-the-moment call to action.

Building a place where everyone belongs

“I’ve realized it’s not about how many people show up or about being the biggest run club,” Mallory says. “It’s about making the biggest positive impact.”

What No More Lonely Runs became, in practice, is a pace-inclusive community that is now made up of sub-groups running anywhere from 7-minute miles to 11-minute miles. That range wasn’t planned, though. It evolved because the people kept coming, and because Mallory understood, early on, that pace transparency isn’t just a logistical detail. It’s the thing that makes someone feel like they fit in before they’ve even laced up.

“I fear runners think they won’t be able to keep up with others,” she says. “That’s why it’s so important to be transparent and intentional about pace.” When a new member shows up for the first time, Mallory has one hope for what they feel: “Comfortable. Like they found a place where they belong.”

The ones who keep you coming back

No More Lonely Runs has grown into something Mallory couldn’t have predicted, but in another sense, it’s the most logical ending to her story that started on the middle school track. Mallory fell in love with running for its consistency, its ability to always be there when your life is filled with unknowns.

Her relationship with gear has followed a similar arc. “I’m very much the same girl I was when I was younger,” she says. “When I find something I like, I buy it in every color.” Her daily trainer of choice? The Nike Pegasus (she owns every version since 2015).

Running, shoes, people—for Mallory, the instinct is the same across all three: when you find something that works, you hold onto it. She realized that earlier than most, and the data caught up to her eventually.

The Zappos Run Down Report:

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Their lives, too, are upended by the late-night shifts, the emergency diaper changes, and the social isolation that comes along with having one’s world rearranged overnight. In many ways, the sense of struggle is a sign that dads are stepping up, but without a cultural blueprint, even the most present fathers can feel like they’re doing it all wrong.

This was certainly true for Joe Gonzales, who found himself simultaneously infatuated with and disoriented by the birth of his son in early 2024. On a quest for camaraderie, Joe went looking for spaces where new fathers could gather, but nothing fit the bill. He had an amazing circle of friends, but most of them weren’t parents. So, six months later, he brought coffee and donuts to McCarren Park in Brooklyn, NY and posted a TikTok inviting any dad to show up and go for a walk. Over 20 did.

Whether he knew it or not, Joe had tapped into something fundamental about how many men prefer to socialize: not face to face but shoulder to shoulder, connected through activity. And thus began Brooklyn Stroll Club, a community that now holds monthly in-person meetups, attracts press coverage in the likes of The Cut and The New York Times, and boasts a vision that extends well beyond Williamsburg.

Just over one year and 3,000 dads later, we caught up with Joe about what it means to start a movement and why fatherhood doesn’t have to be solo act.

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Let’s talk origin story. What do you remember about that first hour—what did it feel like to realize you weren't the only new father craving more connection?

What I remember most is feeling seen. I had spent so much of early fatherhood wondering if anyone else was experiencing what I was, and within minutes, I realized I wasn't alone. Every conversation came so naturally because we were all in the same season of life. We talked about everything from routines and anxiety to all the little wins that feel unexpectedly meaningful. It wasn't networking or small talk. It was genuine connection between dads who were all trying to figure it out together. I left feeling like I wanted to do it again.

Brooklyn Stroll Club started as a way to make dad friends, but it's grown into something closer to a movement. Where's the line for you between "meetup" and "community," and when did you feel it cross that line?

A meetup is something you attend, and a community is something you belong to. I think BSC crossed that line when dads started showing up for each other outside of our events. They were grabbing coffee together, checking in when someone had a new baby, and celebrating birthdays. It stopped being about me organizing events and became about dads creating relationships that existed with or without me. That's when I realized we had built something much bigger than a series of events.

Before Brooklyn Stroll Club existed, what did the loneliness of new fatherhood actually look like for you day to day?

It was definitely a slow realization. I had amazing friends, but most of them weren't dads yet. My entire world had changed overnight, and I didn't really have anyone who understood this new version of life. My wife naturally found spaces where moms were connecting, but I realized there weren't many places where dads could do the same. I wasn't looking for advice as much as I was looking for people who could simply say, "Yeah, me too."

You've talked about watching your wife embrace motherhood and how it pushed you to want to be more "in it" as a partner. How does BSC talk about partnership and co-parenting, not just fatherhood in isolation?

We've always believed that showing up as a great father starts with showing up as a great partner. BSC isn't about creating separate worlds between moms and dads; it's about giving men the confidence and support to be fully engaged at home. A lot of our meetups are intentionally dad-and-kid focused because it gives moms a chance to rest or simply have time for themselves. When dads feel more confident parenting on their own, the entire family wins.

A lot of the language around fatherhood has undertones of silence, emphasizing stoicism and figuring things out for yourself. What does it look like when that silence breaks at one of your meetups?

It usually starts with something really simple. One dad will say, “We’re really struggling with sleep,” or “I’m honestly overwhelmed.” Then suddenly, five other dads jump in and say, “Us, too.” That’s the moment everything changes. The pressure to have it all together disappears. I’ve watched dads exchange phone numbers after conversations like that, check in on each other weeks later, and form real friendships because someone was willing to be honest first. Vulnerability is contagious.

Walk us through an actual stroll. What’s the pace, the terrain, the choreography of a group of dads and strollers moving through a park together? Why does movement, specifically, unlock conversation in a way that sitting across a table doesn’t?

It’s honestly pretty chaotic in the best way. Usually, it’s a walk, and you just never know what a kid is going to do or how they’re feeling that day. Other times, we gather indoors in a space with activities. Often, it’s half-conversations and saying, “I’ll be right back!” while chasing my son. The constant is that we try to create a forum for dads to feel safe and supported, where dads and kids can just enjoy each other’s company. There’s something beautiful about all of us parenting in the same vicinity together.

Let’s talk gear. You’re logging serious sidewalk miles—with a stroller no less. What are you reaching for on your feet? Is there a shoe or brand that’s become your go-to for stroll days, and what matters most to you in a shoe when you’re keeping up with your son?

Lately, I’ve been reaching for my ASICS. Between filming, community events, and chasing my two-year-old around Brooklyn, I’m on my feet all day, so comfort matters. Above all, my priority is keeping up with my son. Fatherhood has taught me that the best gear is the gear you stop thinking about because you get to be fully where your feet are.

You’ve grown to a community of thousands of dads through in-person gatherings as well as Discord. How do you make sure the online space still feels like an extension of “just showing up” in person, rather than the thing that replaces it?

For us, Discord has never been the destination. It’s the bridge. It’s where dads ask questions at 2 a.m., celebrate milestones, or find someone to grab coffee with on a random Tuesday. The goal is always to bring those relationships into real life. Technology should make community easier to access, not replace it.

You’ve mentioned wanting BSC to eventually become an app. Tell us more.

I don’t want to build just another app; I want to build infrastructure for fatherhood. Imagine moving to a new city and instantly finding other fathers nearby. You could find a stroller walk this weekend, join a pickup basketball game with other dads, ask a parenting question and get answers from people who genuinely care, discover local family events and resources. The vision has always been bigger than Brooklyn. I want to make it easier for fathers everywhere to find their people. I don’t know what the timeline for that is, but it’s a dream for sure.

In your own words, "Fatherhood is bigger than Brooklyn," and you've said the BSC community is showing up in other cities now. Is that something you can actually export, or does every city have to find its own version of it?

The mission is universal, but every city should have its own personality. The lifestyle around fatherhood looks different in Brooklyn than it does in Dallas, Nashville, or Los Angeles, and that's a good thing. What we're trying to export isn't a format; it's the belief that fathers deserve community, too. If another city builds something that reflects its own neighborhoods and culture while helping dads feel less alone, that's exactly what I hope happens and we want to support them—not come in and slap our name on it.

If a dad is reading this right now, feeling like he's the only one figuring it out, what should be his first move?

Remember that you're not alone. The hardest part is usually being the first person to reach out, but chances are there's another dad waiting for someone else to make the first move, too. Go to the playground. Start the conversation. Join a local dad group. Come to a Brooklyn Stroll Club event if you're nearby. Parenting was never meant to be done alone, and asking for community isn't weakness. It's one of the strongest things you can do.

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About Joe Gonzales

Joe Gonzales is a first-time father and community builder based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He founded Brooklyn Stroll Club in early 2025 with a simple belief: fatherhood was never meant to be figured out alone. You can follow BSC's journey on Instagram and Substack.

Then, in 2007, Rauf rediscovered his love of running and reoriented his creative career entirely. Running became the art, and he became obsessed with the “why” behind the sport—in particular, why are so many people attracted to an activity that’s notoriously uncomfortable, a sport that, by his own admission, “kind of sucks?”

It’s a question that feels especially topical in this moment, as run clubs reshape urban social life, technology transforms how we train, and more people than ever are identifying as runners. To dig deeper, we invited Rauf for a chat.

Below, read our conversation on all things running culture, his unique coaching mentality, and the “hidden figures” worth paying attention to right now.

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Your own Substack is called Running Sucks, but you’ve dedicated years of your life to the sport. What does that tension actually feel like from the inside?

Embracing discomfort is essential. We all accept and understand “feeling the burn” during weight training and “powering through” during a 400m sprint. Why would long-distance running be any different?

I think it’s a pretty universal truth that runners are always trying to improve. And purely from a coaching standpoint, training adaptations occur in response to training stimuli. You need to add a little bit of pressure if you want your body to change for the better. Getting out of your comfort zone and adding that pressure usually sucks at least a little bit. The results, however, are always worth it. Ultimately, for me, it’s just the beginning of the sentence: Running sucks...but I love it.

You came up as a music journalist writing for the BBC, Kerrang!, and Classic Rock before pivoting to running. What did covering music teach you about covering a sport?

The music industry is where I learned that I like learning about the people behind the subject as much as the subject itself. I love music—it’s still a major passion in my life—but reviewing records or concerts never really sat well with me. Judging someone’s creative output seemed rude, even. Understanding the reasons why and how an artist creates their art was the aspect I found far more fulfilling.

We’re all just trying to understand how we fit into the universe, and learning about other people’s journeys is such a fun way to get there. The way musicians engage with their art and their peers is the fabric of music culture, and it’s exactly the same for runners. I love listening to the stories about what motivates people to run, because those reasons are often unexpected and worthy of celebration.

You’ve said you identify as a writer first and a runner second. How does that hierarchy shape the way you move?

I’ve been a professional writer since I was a teenager and qualified as a journalist after completing my master’s degree. I’ve never competed professionally as a runner, in the same way I’ve never been in a heavy metal band, but I’ve had a decent career covering some of the best in the business. That’s why I say I’m a writer first and a runner second, even if it’s a close second.

Through my recent writing process, I’ve been thinking more deeply about my running, and that’s actually informed how I run, rather than the other way around. It’s quite easy to get stuck in a rut when you have a routine running practice, so sitting with my own reasons for running—or not running—has helped me enjoy it more deeply.

Your book This Is Running weaves together personal storytelling, reporting, and running culture. What inspired you to write it, and what did you hope readers would take away from it?

The book is a snapshot of running culture in the 21st century and somewhat of a memoir, since that’s the period in which I’ve been running. The sport has changed enormously over the past 25 years, and so has the world. The digital revolution has made everything move faster than ever before, and with it has come a real hunger to understand where we fit in. With more people identifying as runners today than ever before, I hope This Is Running can help them make a little more sense of the landscape and themselves.

You’re a USATF-certified running coach, but you’ve also said you have zero interest in racing a marathon yourself. How do you hold space for athletes chasing goals you’re personally not drawn to?

I’ve always been more attracted to middle-distance running. I use running as utility, for physical and mental health, and I’ve never run a marathon. It’s never been on my bucket list, I don’t envy marathoners, and proving that I can run that distance isn’t something I need to do. When I started joining my local run club for their long runs, I ended up in their marathon training program almost by accident, but I wasn’t really enjoying it. Writing about that, and exploring what kind of running matters to me, was the part of the experience I valued.

The most important part of coaching is placing the person first. Just as I don’t enjoy how I feel after a 15-mile training run as much as I do after a 5-miler, I know that for someone else it’s the other way around. Everyone’s goals are different, whether that involves a marathon, a triathlon, or whatever fits into their lives. Finding out what a runner is aiming for is one of the most fun parts of building a training regimen.

That said, there’s another critical side to coaching, which is pure theory. Whether it’s the incremental increase of weekly mileage, nutritional requirements, or calculating lactate threshold to maximize training. It’s just science, and it’s not about me. I find real joy in helping someone else achieve their goals.

You’ve written about running crews and clubs as one of the biggest shifts in the sport over the past decade. What do you think the rise of run clubs says about what people are actually looking for when they lace up?

People are looking for human connection, and I think it’s as simple as that. In a time when nightlife is becoming too expensive for many, and other social spaces are becoming inaccessible or disappearing altogether, a free, regularly scheduled event that also makes you healthier is an easy thing to say yes to.

The mental health benefits of running have also been incredibly well documented, at a time when talking about mental health has become normalized. There are few things better for a brain boost than running with your friends.

Super shoes, performance optimization—you’re clearly interested in the relationship between sport and spectacle. Where do you think that line is, and has technology made running more or less interesting to watch?

I love watching sports. Watching athletes compete is my favorite version of reality TV, though I think the line between sport and spectacle is different for everyone. Running is rooted in competition, but as soon as there are spectators, entertainment enters the equation.

Technology has genuinely changed the sport. We can measure carbs and electrolytes with incredible precision now, which has transformed marathon racing. Finish-line technology has changed how photo finishes are handled. But I don’t think tech makes the sport better or worse.

You’ve compared running to skateboarding as culture. You said skateboarding is still “so f*ing cool” in a way running hasn’t fully cracked. Say more.

Running is cool; we just look less cool while doing it. Skaters look cool because they perform their sport in streetwear, so the transition from skating to the rest of their day is seamless. That’s a little more difficult when you’re wearing silly “fast” sunglasses and skimpy little singlets—neither of which look inherently cool at lunch. Then again, I run before breakfast, so I’ve already changed, showered, and finished my work for the day by the time lunch rolls around. I’ll eat my words when 3-inch split shorts are adopted by mainstream fashion. And only then!

You’ve built Running Sucks around “hidden figures” rather than those stars we typically see in the spotlight. Who’s someone in the running world right now that nobody’s paying enough attention to, and why do they matter?

When I find them, I write about them, so take a look at Running Sucks ;) I think it’s too difficult to highlight a single person, but a few names spring to mind:

• Sarah Ackland brings brilliant, important perspectives to running through cities as a woman with her project Taking Space.

• Vivek Gowri is the first South Asian owner of a running store in the USA. San Francisco Running Company is at the heart of NorCal’s trail running scene.

• Mike Saes, the godfather of the modern running crew scene, should be a superstar household name. Go run with Bridgerunners in NYC.

Running is having a real cultural moment. From footwear innovation and wearable technology to run clubs and social communities, what trends and gear are you most excited to see shaping the future of the sport?

It’s already started happening. As the current crop of brand-new runners graduate to being seasoned runners, we’ll see the culture shift again. Fresh perspectives will move the needle on how we do things: how we train, dress, eat, what tech we use, who we run with—everything. It reflects wider society as much as it reflects how our growing subculture reacts and evolves.

What running “is” has been different every year that I’ve been running, and I love that. I can’t wait to experience the next 25 years of this glorious sport.

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About Raziq Rauf

Raziq Rauf is a writer and USATF-certified coach. Before turning his attention to running, he spent years covering music for The BBC, Kerrang!, and Classic Rock. He is the founder of Running Sucks on Substack, where he spotlights the underground voices shaping the sport, and the author of This Is Running, a cultural snapshot of running in the 21st century. Right now, you’ll find him logging miles in his beloved pair of Brooks Glycerin Flex.

With eight games taking place in our backyard (hey, New Jersey 👋), nearly every city block has been dotted with looks nodding to the most popular game in the world—a Mexico kit here, an adidas Samba there. Soccer core is everywhere, and while some may call it a trend, we consider it more of a movement. It’s an expression of a once-in-four-years phenomenon that stands for something well beyond the brightly colored jerseys and the cleat-inspired sneakers.

Sports fandom—and the sartorialism surrounding it—boils down to community and connection. Call us sentimental, but who wouldn’t want a hand in that? In case you want to hop on the bandwagon along with us, we compiled three of our favorite ways to bring a taste of “the beautiful game” into your wardrobe. Scroll below to see them (no shin guards required).

Tip 1: Lace up a pair of soccer-inspired shoes.

Name one person who doesn’t look amazing in adidas Sambas. We’ll wait. This wildly popular sneaker is universally appealing, thanks to its low profile and classic design. Keep yours on everyday rotation, or wear them more with elevated pieces for a stylish, chic high-low combo.

For him: In other words, we love Sambas for their versatility. In the context of muted ensembles, they’ll read as statement sneakers, but they can also serve as a quieter complement to more trend-forward looks, like this one centered around a tie-dye T-shirt and a statement cap.

For her: For summer plans that involve walking, standing, chasing your children—you name it—Sambas are your savior. Slip them on along with a one-and-done sun dress, and accessorize with a pair of two-tone earrings, sunnies, and a bold bag. Low effort, high impact.

Note: When it comes to slim sneakers, like the adidas Samba, you can absolutely wear the designated “Men’s” version. To convert, simply add 1.5 to your Men’s US size. Prefer a women’s-specific style? Try the adidas VL Court Bold. The subtle platform and more prominent gum sole add fashion-forward flair.

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Tip 2: Swap your favorite tee with your favorite jersey.

Enter: the most obvious way to incorporate soccer spirit into your outfit. Pop on a jersey and your outfit immediately has 50% more street cred. No team allegiance? No problem. Grab a kit that boasts an iconic brand logo instead. We like this one from PUMA, because its stripes and gold accents lend texture and visual interest.

For him: A jersey with camo pants—welcome to streetwear at its finest. Amp it up even further with a Ferrari hat, eye-catching PUMAs, and sleek sunglasses.

For her: To bring balance to the oversized shape you have going on up top, go with a hip-skimming style on bottom. This slip skirt does the trick and creates a leggy silhouette along with your favorite kitten heel sandals. Add warmth with gold hoops and texture by way of a faux croc bag.

Tip 3: Let the shorts do the talking.

We love this strategy, because it’s basically a cheat code for staying in your pajamas while achieving a high level of cool factor. A true win-win. Slap a sporty side stripe on a pair of relaxed shorts, and suddenly, you have an outfit that’s more streetwear than loungewear. This cherry red version from adidas adds a pop of color that’s right on trend.

For him: Consider this proof you can pull off soccer shorts in a business casual environment. Just be sure to pair them with sophisticated staples like a striped button-down, leather loafers, and the best watch you own.

For her: Some of the most interesting outfits come down to juxtaposition. For example, a feminine cotton tank brings an unexpected twist to your sporty shorts. We recommend bookmarking this statement look with pared-back accessories like these jelly sandals and go-to gold huggies.

Note: Since these are men’s shorts, be sure to go down a size or two depending on your preferred fit.

How have you been rocking soccer style lately? Share your tips in the comments below.

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Today, he leads a group of over 200 people—also known as Coconut Grove Run Club—who dedicate their Wednesday evenings to training in the Miami heat and boast experience levels that run the gamut. That’s no small feat in an era when community is elusive and free time is hard to come by.

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From the moment we met Christian back in 2025, it was clear he had something genuinely special going on—and we had questions. So the other week, after a special gathering in Ojai, we jumped at the chance to sit down with him IRL.

Below, our conversation about how he built a community from scratch, what motivates people to return, and why running is the sport that gives back everything you put in.

Tell us about your relationship with fitness and movement. How did your athletic background lead you to endurance sports?

Fitness has always been a big part of my life. Ever since I was young, I’ve been an athlete and played a range of sports, from football to tennis to baseball. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more focused on endurance sports, specifically running, triathlon, and hybrid training.

I really enjoy the mental aspect of running, as well as the movement itself. Running wasn’t always my favorite, but as I’ve become more serious about it, it’s grown into one of my favorite activities.

What role does movement play in your life these days, and what keeps you motivated to stay consistent?

For me, movement has always been one of those things that pushes me. Sport drives me to become a better person in every aspect of life, and that’s one of the reasons I enjoy getting into that flow on a daily basis.

It’s always come naturally to me because I genuinely enjoy sport. I know that at the end of the day, I want to get the work done and stay consistent. That helps me maintain motivation on a regular basis.

What inspired you to start Coconut Grove Run Club?

I started CGRC in 2022 with some of my best friends. We were craving more quality time with one another and thought we might as well fit in some exercise while we were at it.

We went into it with the mindset of creating something fresh and fun. Run clubs weren’t new. We certainly weren’t reinventing the wheel. But we wanted to build a space where people could show up, feel comfortable being themselves, and improve their health.

What do you think keeps people coming back to Coconut Grove Run Club?

People are really drawn to CGRC because of the vibe we create and the environment we’ve built.

We see people come out with little to no running experience, people who may have never run three miles in their lives. Six months later, they’re running their first 5K or half marathon.

How has your background in triathlon influenced the way you approach running and leadership?

Being involved in triathlon is fun because I’m not competing in just one sport. I’m competing in three. It teaches you how to balance multiple disciplines.

Having that triathlon and multi-sport background also helps with running the club because I’m constantly juggling a lot of different responsibilities. There’s always something you need to think about, whether it’s transitioning from the bike to the run, making sure you have the right equipment, or managing everything involved with the run club.

It’s a balancing act, and over time you learn how to handle it well.

What have running’s challenges taught you about perseverance and growth?

Bad runs are part of the sport. It’s easy to celebrate the great runs, but the difficult ones matter just as much, if not more.

What I’ve learned is that the days you don’t want to run are often the most important. Those are the days that help you improve. You build mental toughness by telling yourself to keep moving forward.

I’m not suggesting people run when they truly need rest. I absolutely encourage taking rest days. But when you have a bad run, waking up the next day and putting one foot in front of the other helps turn that bad run into something that’s behind you.

What advice would you give someone who wants to start running but doesn’t know where to begin?

I always tell people that running is truly the sport of life. You get out of it what you put into it.

Running rewards consistency, just like everything else in life. If you continue to show up, stay committed, and put in the work, you’re naturally going to improve.

For someone who has never considered themselves a runner but wants to build the habit, my advice is simple: start small. Go out and run for ten minutes. Then maybe ten minutes becomes twenty. Before you know it, it becomes part of your routine and a habit you look forward to.

Running has been an incredible release for me. It can take you places that other things can’t, and that’s what I would tell anyone just getting started in the sport.

What does your current running shoe rotation look like, and what do you look for in a great running shoe?

If you know me, you know I love shoes. I love both the function and the style behind them. Ever since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by the craftsmanship and design of shoes. I could talk about them all day.

My rotation is always changing, but right now I’m really enjoying New Balance. Over the past few years, I’ve had several models in my lineup. My daily trainers have been the New Balance 1080, and I’ve worn the last three versions. I’ve also really enjoyed the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5, which has been great for racing, along with the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5.

Another shoe I’ve enjoyed is the Brooks Glycerin Max. It offers a lot of cushioning and support. For an everyday shoe that also looks great, I’ve been a fan of the adidas adiZero Evo SL.

Overall, I’m always drawn to shoes that sit at the intersection of performance and style. That combination of sport function and fashion is what I look for most when it comes to footwear.

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About Christian Diaz

Christian Diaz is the co-founder of Coconut Grove Run Club, a Miami-based community that blends running with wellness. Think: 5K routes, HIIT sessions, yoga, ice baths, and breath-work. A marketing specialist and triathlete, Diaz connected with co-founder Amner Pereira while training at the Workout Spot Gym in Coconut Grove, and the two—along with fellow co-founders Caro Mengotti and Piper Francis—turned a shared love of movement into one of South Florida's most dynamic run crews.

In other words, shoes are more than shoes—and in short, “It’s not about the shoes, it’s what you do in them.” Couldn’t have said it better ourselves, Michael Jordan.

That’s why this newsletter won’t focus on footwear—not solely, anyway (see what we did there?). Rather, The Footnote will explore what happens once you lace up. Think of it as a dispatch from the world of movement, a destination for discovery and dialogue about what gets you on your feet, out the door, and in the zone.

Each month, you can look forward to athlete Q&As, expert advice, special guest essays, and insider insights from our very own Zappos teammates. We hope these stories inspire you in ways both big and small—whether you’re tackling your first marathon training plan, tinkering with your tennis serve, or reinstating the morning walk that used to be the best part of your day.

Subscribing is free, and feedback is encouraged. Ready? Let’s go.

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P.S. Happy Global Run Day to all who celebrate :)