During the half marathon The Big Half, a participant described the event as a vibrant celebration filled with music, confetti cannons, and a strong sense of community. Held in London, the race featured a tunnel decorated with a party atmosphere, where supporters handed out water and gummy candies to runners. The participant noted the contrast between their own performance and the often idealized images shared on social media, which frequently highlighted faster times and personal records. Running has experienced a significant resurgence, with many road races in 2026 reporting record enrollments. The London marathon in April 2026 attracted nearly 60,000 participants, while the Hamburg marathon was fully booked seven months before the event. The Berlin marathon was expected to surpass 80,000 participants by the end of September 2026. This boom is partly attributed to the influence of social media, which encourages people to take up running but can also create pressure to meet unrealistic standards and compare oneself to others. Julia Ryan, a content creator and runner, shared how running has been a consistent part of her life, offering a place of refuge and self-reconnection. She has participated in ultra races, including a 472.28 km journey through the Mojave Desert in 2026. Ryan pointed out that while social media can inspire people to take up running, it can also normalize extreme running without proper preparation. She emphasized the importance of focusing on the present moment and the joy of running rather than solely on performance metrics. Ryan also noted the accessibility of running, which allows people of all skill levels to start together on the same line. However, she acknowledged the growing trend toward extreme formats, such as "99 Laps" and "Last Soul Ultra," which test the limits of human endurance. Despite this, she believes that pushing these limits can be a way to challenge norms and promote diversity within the ultra-running community. The discussion also covered the role of content creators in presenting a realistic view of running, highlighting the daily effort behind the numbers and the importance of not comparing one's progress to others. Ryan shared her experience with a New Balance campaign where she ran without a watch, focusing on presence rather than performance. The article concluded with reflections on the balance between striving for personal bests and enjoying the present moment while running. It acknowledged the value of celebrating achievements while maintaining the joy of the activity and not losing sight of its personal and communal aspects.