Power of Community

by Mike Nicolas

Running is often seen as an individual sport—a test of one’s endurance, willpower, and strength. Some run purely for performance, others for meditation, and some as a way to connect with friends. Today, I want to highlight the importance of a running community.

When I first started running, my better half and I would train on our own and sign up for local races to test our fitness. One day, we discovered a running club near our home, and our curiosity was piqued. They hosted a weekly social run, so we decided to give it a shot. That decision changed everything. It became part of our routine, and through these runs, I met incredible people who pushed me to new limits. Running longer distances became possible, and I learned invaluable lessons—how to dress for winter runs, how to recover properly, the importance of nutrition (something many new runners overlook), and different training methods. Without this community, there’s no way we would have evolved as runners the way we did. 

Beyond improving as an athlete, I’ve built meaningful connections that have taken me around the world to run some of the most incredible races. Now, when I attend a social run, I love sharing my experience with new runners—paying it forward, just as others did for me.

The impact of the running community goes beyond training. Last year, our local marathon was a massive success because of the people. The community showed up, cheered, encouraged those struggling, and celebrated every finish line. The energy was so contagious that this year’s participation is set to be even bigger. That’s the power of a collective spirit. 

If you’re a solo runner, I encourage you to try a local run club or participate in a group event at least once. You’ll likely find others with the same mindset and create a network that holds you accountable—a quality that extends far beyond running.

Lastly, as a community, we have a responsibility to keep our space positive, inclusive, and safe for everyone. Running is a long journey, but together, it feels less lonely.