Brooks Running Company says its its third annual Brooks Run Happy Nation report shows 32 percent of Americans say they’d choose a friend as their go-to training partner, followed by 24 percent a digital fitness tracker, and 20 percent their dog.
The relationship-building extends from the trail to the bedroom. The survey finds pre-race romance with a significant other improves running performance for 35 percent of Americans (and for 48 percent percent of Americans under 40). And after a run? The after-run glow is contagious: 41 percent of Americans reveal they feel “frisky” after hitting the pavement.
“At Brooks, we live and breathe running, which is why it’s always exciting to learn more about what makes runners tick,” said Heather Snavely, Brooks Senior Director of Global Brand. “The results of our global Brooks Run Happy Nation Report reinforce the positive impact of running both on and off the trail. I couldn’t agree more with those surveyed; nothing beats some side-by-side sweating with friends.”
More juicy global revelations about go-to gear, celebrity inspirations and fantasy running destinations are revealed just in time to kick-off summer running season:
I see London, I see France
Runners carefully consider their gear, from head to toe (and everything in between):
- When it comes to running undies, 62 percent of American women prefer briefs, while only 8 percent admit to going full commando. In contrast, 72 percent of German women prefer granny panties for more coverage, while Canada tops the bottomless list with the most female runners (11 percent) revealing they like to go commando.
- Sports bras come in all shapes and sizes, but the survey reveals racerback styles are the most popular (47 percent), with crossback (39 percent) and front closure (14 percent) following.
- Who needs high heels and hiking boots when you have running shoes? Asked to choose one type of shoe to wear for the rest of their lives, 74 percent of respondents say they would don running shoes.
Star inspiration
The fit and famous inspire runners on- and off-screen:
- Along with the obvious health benefits of running comes the buff-ness bonus. Sculpted legs are the No. 1 benefit, with 37 percent of women surveyed saying they run to attain legs like actress Cameron Diaz, while 48 percent of men aspire to have muscular legs like soccer star David Beckham.
- When asked which award-winning running scene they most connect with, 32 percent of respondents relate to “Forrest Gump” and just keep running; 26 percent have the eye of the tiger like “Rocky”; and 18 percent want solitude á là “Silver Linings Playbook.”
Where to hoof it
Whether inside or out, at home or away, it’s all about getting in a good run:
- Ah, the great outdoors! Asked to pick their favorite running surface, 47 percent of respondents choose the fresh air of the trails.
- When your everyday trails start to stale, it’s time to hit the road for a run-cation. Looking for ideas? Running around the Grand Canyon is the No. 1 choice for 27 percent of respondents, followed by the Romantic Road of Germany for 24 percent, and the Great Wall of China for 23 percent.
- As the weather gets cold and frightful, runners prove their dedication to the sport: 43 percent of respondents reveal they would hop on the treadmill instead of missing their run. Runners in Germany are most likely to brave the temperatures outside (52 percent), versus 29 percent in the U.S., and 28 percent in Canada.
A runner's perspective
There are certain things runners just can’t live without (or with):
- Music takes the prize for the accessory runners can’t live without (53 percent); 18 percent say pockets are key, while performance socks (13 percent) round out the top three.
- Running pitfalls can hinder even the toughest athletes. Among the biggest annoyances for respondents: blisters covering feet (43 percent), nature calling with no toilet in sight (32 percent) and chafing everywhere (14 percent).
Toasting the trail
They say you are what you drink, and runners couldn’t agree more:
- Most runners (44 percent) classify themselves as wine runners they get better with time.
- Tied for second place with 24 percent each are beer runners, who have a little hop in their step, and cocktail runners, who like to shake up their routine.
Study Methodology
The Brooks Run Happy Nation Report is based on a survey of 1,000 adult runners ages 18+, defined as adults who run at least once per week, in each of the following countries: U.S., Canada and Germany. Data was collected from Jan. 20-30, 2015, using an email invit
