Running wild

Today, we're exploring running's renaissance — beyond logging miles and burning calories.

Plus: 

• SoulCycle master instructor Gina Meyers shares her go-to health and wellness products.

• New drops for runners, lifters, golfers, and more. 

Let’s go!
- Ash Read and Joe Niehaus

The rise of running 

Last weekend, 13,000 people ran a 5K with Diplo in San Francisco — and then stuck around for a post-run music festival hosted by the DJ. 

The running revolution. Almost 30% of runners say they laced up for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic, and run club membership has soared by 25% in recent years. 

But why? Turns out, running’s not just about fitness anymore.

A report from Running USA reveals that Gen Z runners, in particular, are hitting the pavement for more than just cardio benefits — they're seeking fun, social experiences to boost mental well-being. 

Ben Morrow, founder of NYC-based running brand MILER RUNNING, has a theory: “The uptick in running and running clubs has coincided with a desire to counterbalance the increased time we spend online, particularly with social media.”

More than miles. Morrow's observation points to a larger trend. In an era of remote work, endless scrolling, and what’s being dubbed a "loneliness epidemic," running has emerged as a powerful antidote to our increasingly digital lives, showing a positive impact on our brains and moods:

• Running in general alleviates anxiety

• Outdoor running lowers depression

• Group workouts reduce perceived stress levels (by > 26%)

New friends. The social aspect of running goes beyond casual interactions. "I have met many of my closest friends through running,” Morrow notes, adding that running fosters a unique environment for conversation. “I feel more articulate and curious [when running], but also more open and vulnerable, which are great starting points for connection,” he explains.

Something for everyone. Running is both accessible and diverse in its disciplines. From city 5Ks and Park Runs, to trail runs, ultramarathons, and skyrunning, there's a running niche (and community) for almost everyone.

The bottom line: This rise of running reflects a growing desire for real-world relationships in our hyper-connected—yet isolating—digital era. Running has become a social experience, a mental health tool, and for many, a way of life.

My Health Stack by Gina Meyers

Each week in our Health Stack series, Wellworthy taps into its network of health and fitness experts to offer personal insights and recommendations.

This week: Gina Meyers. Gina is a master instructor at SoulCycle, a high-intensity, indoor cycling workout designed to “strengthen your mind, body, and soul.”

After more than 15 years in the fitness industry, she sees self-care as a first step to helping others grow stronger. “We cannot pour from an empty cup,” she says. 

Here’s Gina’s Health Stack:

• Lypo-Spheric supplements: Every morning, Meyers takes a trio of Lypo-Spheric supplements, starting with Vitamin C to boost her immune system, followed by B Complex to unlock energy, and finishing with Magnesium to nourish her brain and body.

• Arbonne GutHealth: With a clean, gluten-free, and vegan formula, Arbonne’s Digestion & Microbiome Support powder blends enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics to support the healthy digestion of nutrients and a balanced microbiome.

• Arbonne Daily Greens: This dairy-free, superfood powder mixes 36 fruits and vegetables to deliver vital prebiotic fiber and phytonutrients. With a naturally sweetened formula, it can be easily added to juice, water, or a smoothie.

• Arbonne Energy Fizz (with ginseng): These low-calorie, effervescent sticks blend B vitamins, ginseng, antioxidant Coenzyme Q10, and natural caffeine to improve energy levels, relieve fatigue, and boost cognitive performance.

• Apothékary tinctures: Meyers considers recovery an essential component of her daily regimen and likes to wind down in the evening with Apothékary’s Take the Edge Off and Wine Down tinctures.

• Headspace: For Meyers, wellness also involves mental health practices. Besides therapy and journaling, she uses Headspace for regular meditation sessions. 

Go deeper: Check out our full interview with Gina here.

Just Dropped: “Made to move” performance wear

Our weekly roundup of the latest product launches and drops in the health and wellness space.

while on earth™, a new performance brand founded by former NOBULL exec Todd Meleney and CrossFit athletes Brooke Wells and Mat Fraser, is set to debut its first footwear collection on September 18th at 12:00PM ET. The brand's inaugural apparel and accessories line will follow in early October.

The Move Trainer, while on earth™’s debut footwear product, promises performance for whatever you do, and a timeless style for wherever you go. It will retail for $150. Sign up before the public release for a chance to win a free pair. Enter here.

More drops perfect for:

• Winter-ready running. HOKA released the Speedgoat 6 GTX, featuring GORE-TEX waterproof technology to tackle wet conditions. Get a pair here.

• Weighted workouts. Micro-weighted apparel brand OMORPHO introduced The Heather Collection, a capsule of apparel and vests for an extra challenge during your workouts. Check it out here.

• Golfers. Eastside Golf, in collaboration with Nike, released the Everyone’s Game Collection featuring two classic models with some luxurious details.  Pre-order here.

• Sober curious. Ghia, the popular mocktail brand, dropped Le Fizz, a refreshing strawberry and orange blossom tonic that’s the new alternative to red wine. Buy here.

• Cola fans. Poppi released a new soda inspired by the classic, refreshing taste of Cherry Cola. Shop here.

• Race day. Puma introduced the Deviate NITRO Elite 3 Marathon Series Running Shoes, featuring a responsive construction for enhanced propulsion and performance. Find it here.

• Staying hydrated. Cadence released its Ultimate Hydration System earlier this week. It has three electrolyte sachets designed to support hydration, energy, and sleep. Read more on Wellworthy.

• Lifting. Naturally sourced sports nutrition brand Protein Rebel launched Power Up, a new seawater magnesium citrate powder for improved muscle cramping and better sleep. Buy it here.

• Casual comfort. On just released the Cloudnova 2, a casual, everyday shoe that implements all of the best running technology that On uses for its other footwear. Order here.

• Refreshing protein. Animal introduced Clear Whey Isolate Protein, a mix that uses pure isolate (the fats and lactose are filtered out), resulting in a lighter product compared to traditional protein mixes. Buy now.

Today’s newsletter was brought to you by Joe Niehaus and Ash Read.

P.S. We’d love to hear from you! Send us your favorite gear, personal health stack, or feedback on the newsletter.