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12 Social Media Accounts Every Runner Needs to Follow
Written by
Danielle Zickl
No, it’s not great when your endless Instagram scrolling prohibits you from getting enough sleep or makes you late to meet up with your run squad, but following the right people (and some screen time self-control) can help you become the best runner you can be. Think about it: If you constantly see running-related posts, you’ll be motivated to log some miles of your own. Here are 12 accounts—from people who have competed in the Olympics to runners like us who post hilarious memes—that will inspire, entertain and make you proud to be a part of the global running community.
1. Shalane Flanagan
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Instagram: @shalaneflanagan
She competed in the Olympics four times, wrote a cookbook and was the first American woman in 40 years to win the New York City Marathon this past November. She regularly posts photos of her meals and training, and isn't shy about talking goal-setting and strategy.
She competed in the Olympics four times, wrote a cookbook and was the first American woman in 40 years to win the New York City Marathon this past November. She regularly posts photos of her meals and training, and isn't shy about talking goal-setting and strategy.
Find:
Your Next Race2. Runners Be Like…
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Instagram: @runnersbe
The bio says it all: "Because real runners know how to make fun of themselves." This account knows you too well and if you scroll far enough, chances are high that every running-related thought you've ever had is represented pretty darn accurately.
The bio says it all: "Because real runners know how to make fun of themselves." This account knows you too well and if you scroll far enough, chances are high that every running-related thought you've ever had is represented pretty darn accurately.
Find:
Your Next Race3. D.C. Dog Runner
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Instagram: @dc_dog_runner
If you want to see more dogs on your social media feed—because who doesn't?!—D.C. Dog Runner is your guy. If you're lucky enough to live in the D.C. metro area, you can hire him to run with your dog and keep them active if you can't or don't have the time. If you live elsewhere, you can follow along and see tons of photos and videos of the happiest dogs on the East Coast doing what dogs love to do—run in a pack. Bryan Barrera is the entrepreneur behind D.C. Dog Runner. The four-time marathoner loves posting pics of the doggos on their adventures. All new canines get an intro post so followers can show them love and encouragement.
If you want to see more dogs on your social media feed—because who doesn't?!—D.C. Dog Runner is your guy. If you're lucky enough to live in the D.C. metro area, you can hire him to run with your dog and keep them active if you can't or don't have the time. If you live elsewhere, you can follow along and see tons of photos and videos of the happiest dogs on the East Coast doing what dogs love to do—run in a pack. Bryan Barrera is the entrepreneur behind D.C. Dog Runner. The four-time marathoner loves posting pics of the doggos on their adventures. All new canines get an intro post so followers can show them love and encouragement.
Find:
Your Next Race4. Dorothy Beal
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Instagram: @mileposts
This writer, running coach, 34-time marathoner and mom of three believes that anyone can be a runner, and spreads positivity and encouragement to her followers. Seeing Beal's posts on your feed will no doubt motivate you to sign up for that next race you've been eying.
This writer, running coach, 34-time marathoner and mom of three believes that anyone can be a runner, and spreads positivity and encouragement to her followers. Seeing Beal's posts on your feed will no doubt motivate you to sign up for that next race you've been eying.
Find:
Your Next Race5. Desi Linden
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Instagram: @des_linden
This two-time Olympian and self-proclaimed whiskey connoisseur is your go-to if you enjoy dogs, coffee, donuts and, of course, lots and lots of running. Her game is all about grit and hard work, so if you need a little tough love in your running life, Desi is the woman to follow. You might even get some book and music recommendations, too.
This two-time Olympian and self-proclaimed whiskey connoisseur is your go-to if you enjoy dogs, coffee, donuts and, of course, lots and lots of running. Her game is all about grit and hard work, so if you need a little tough love in your running life, Desi is the woman to follow. You might even get some book and music recommendations, too.
Find:
Your Next Race6. Lindsey Hein (Podcast "I'll Have Another")
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Instagram: @lindseyhein626
Hein has created buzz in the podcast world by being one of the best interviewers in the sport of running. Her guests range from running's champion of women's rights, Kathrine Switzer, to elite athlete and female runner emoji advocate Molly Huddle. Who is Hein? Just an everyday runner with a knack for getting others to open up. On her Instagram and Twitter feeds, you'll get a sense of her life in Indiana with her husband (also a runner) and ever-growing pack of kids (who love to be chased).
Hein has created buzz in the podcast world by being one of the best interviewers in the sport of running. Her guests range from running's champion of women's rights, Kathrine Switzer, to elite athlete and female runner emoji advocate Molly Huddle. Who is Hein? Just an everyday runner with a knack for getting others to open up. On her Instagram and Twitter feeds, you'll get a sense of her life in Indiana with her husband (also a runner) and ever-growing pack of kids (who love to be chased).
Find:
Your Next Race7. Noah Droddy
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Instagram: noah_droddy
Yes, he's known for his long locks, but Noah Droddy is way more than just a great head of hair. He burst onto the scene at the 2016 Olympic Trials and has gone on to PR in the 5K, 10K and half marathon. He also digs drinking beer and his greyhound named Sarah. Elites: They're just like us!
Yes, he's known for his long locks, but Noah Droddy is way more than just a great head of hair. He burst onto the scene at the 2016 Olympic Trials and has gone on to PR in the 5K, 10K and half marathon. He also digs drinking beer and his greyhound named Sarah. Elites: They're just like us!
Find:
Your Next Race8. Meb Keflezighi
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Instagram: @runmeb
If there's one word that can be used to describe Meb Keflezighi, it's legendary. He's won numerous marathons, all while being one of the most down-to-earth athletes around. Follow him to see what he's been up to post-retirement, including tons of heartwarming posts of him running with his kids. Who knows—maybe they'll go on to make history in their father's footsteps.
If there's one word that can be used to describe Meb Keflezighi, it's legendary. He's won numerous marathons, all while being one of the most down-to-earth athletes around. Follow him to see what he's been up to post-retirement, including tons of heartwarming posts of him running with his kids. Who knows—maybe they'll go on to make history in their father's footsteps.
Find:
Your Next Race9. Sarah Attar
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Instagram: @sarahattar
This two-time Olympian was the first female to represent Saudi Arabia in the 2012 games, and is now also a photographer for the Mammoth Track Club. Her photography of the places she travels—Iceland, Chile, Dubai, you name it—might elicit wanderlust of your own. So go book a flight somewhere exotic. You might even run into her. Literally.
This two-time Olympian was the first female to represent Saudi Arabia in the 2012 games, and is now also a photographer for the Mammoth Track Club. Her photography of the places she travels—Iceland, Chile, Dubai, you name it—might elicit wanderlust of your own. So go book a flight somewhere exotic. You might even run into her. Literally.
Find:
Your Next Race10. Cross Country Probs
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Twitter: @CrossProb
Whether you ran cross country or not, anyone who runs at all will relate to the absurdity of these posts. If you've ever suffered an injury, thought your shorts tan lines were getting out of control, or experienced every emotion possible while training for a race, you'll get a kick out of what this Twitter account has to offer.
Whether you ran cross country or not, anyone who runs at all will relate to the absurdity of these posts. If you've ever suffered an injury, thought your shorts tan lines were getting out of control, or experienced every emotion possible while training for a race, you'll get a kick out of what this Twitter account has to offer.
Find:
Your Next Race11. Lottie Bildirici
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Instagram: @runningonveggies
Do you love food pics and nutrition inspo? Then Bildirci's veggie-licious food art is a must-follow account. This runner develops recipes for athletes, and her Instagram provides recipes for you to try as well. Hits include homemade energy bars, curry and pizza. Scroll through for tons of delicious options that you'll want to meal prep for the week (or whip up post-run).
Do you love food pics and nutrition inspo? Then Bildirci's veggie-licious food art is a must-follow account. This runner develops recipes for athletes, and her Instagram provides recipes for you to try as well. Hits include homemade energy bars, curry and pizza. Scroll through for tons of delicious options that you'll want to meal prep for the week (or whip up post-run).
Find:
Your Next Race12. Alexi Pappas
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Instagram: @alexipappas
She triples as an Olympian, writer, and filmmaker (her movie "Tracktown" premiered in 2016). Catch her posting everything from original poetry to video blogs, all of which will inspire you to be a "bravey" and tackle even the toughest of trails.
She triples as an Olympian, writer, and filmmaker (her movie "Tracktown" premiered in 2016). Catch her posting everything from original poetry to video blogs, all of which will inspire you to be a "bravey" and tackle even the toughest of trails.