There’s something undeniably empowering about slipping into fresh activewear and stepping outside your comfort zone. For me, running has always been that elusive fitness goal — something I admired from a distance but never quite managed to embrace. I’d find excuse after excuse to avoid it. But recently, all that changed when I attended a media event in Melbourne hosted by New Balance and the Kic girls, Laura Henshaw and Steph Claire Smith.
Kic started as a simple idea to make health and wellness accessible to everyone. Today, it’s a thriving community of more than 2.5 million people who are all about embracing fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness in a way that fits into real life. What I’ve always admired about Kic is its focus on inclusivity and self-compassion. They encourage you to move your body in a way that feels good, rather than chasing unrealistic standards.
The event was part of New Balance’s ‘Run Your Way’ initiative, which aims to break down barriers and redefine what it means to be a runner. Naturally, it included a 4km run led by the Kic girls. As someone who has always felt daunted by running, I was both intrigued and nervous.
My immediate thoughts were, ‘What if I couldn’t keep up with the group?’ and ‘Everyone probably runs every other day; there’s no way I’ll get through this’.
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The Stigma of Being “a Runner”
Let’s be honest: there’s a stigma around the term “runner”. I used to think that unless you were clocking half marathons every other weekend, you didn’t qualify for the title. But here’s the truth: if you can run, you’re a runner. It took me a long time to realise that, and the turning point came during this Kic run. For years, I avoided running outside. I worried about looking awkward, feared the judgment of passersby, and convinced myself that wearing shorts in daylight was somehow off-limits. Treadmill running felt safer, but it never sparked the same joy. That was until I discovered the magic of run clubs.
Run clubs aren’t exactly new — they’ve even become a hotspot for singles — but for me, they were a revelation. They transformed my entire outlook on running, and I found that I actually enjoyed it. One of the most surprising things I learned is that you can go at your own pace. Shocking, right?
During the run, we split into three groups: faster runners, those who wanted a steady, slower pace, and those who preferred to mix walking with running. This meant that no matter your fitness level, you could participate and feel comfortable.
The Magic of Run Clubs
Laura and Steph made sure the whole experience was relaxed and encouraging. They were all about celebrating personal milestones, not comparing ourselves to others. Their enthusiasm was contagious and made the run feel less like a test and more like a fun adventure.
The route through Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens was a great distraction from any nerves. With every step, I felt more at ease, and the whole experience became a lot less about “I can’t” and more about “Wow, I’m actually doing this”.
By the end of the run, I realised something pretty amazing: I actually enjoyed it. The fear I once had was replaced by a sense of accomplishment and excitement. It turns out that sometimes, all you need to overcome a fear is a positive environment. A little encouragement from people who genuinely want to see you succeed can make all the difference.
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For someone like me, who once thought that 4km was unattainable — seriously, I believed there was no way I could run that distance without stopping — this approach was a game-changer. What I discovered during the run was that I wasn’t constantly checking the time or distance, and I wasn’t fixated on whether I could finish. Instead, I found myself just running and chatting with people I had met only half an hour earlier. The conversation flowed, and before I knew it, half an hour had passed, and we were at the finish line. It was a revelation — I had just completed a 4km run without the usual mental barriers.
So, here I am, embracing the title of “runner” and realising that it’s not about distance, speed, or how you look while doing it. It’s about the act itself — the simple, powerful act of running. So if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of running or any other challenge, consider joining a run club. Stepping out of your comfort zone and surrounding yourself with encouraging people can make all the difference.
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