Running Then vs Now: 25 Years of Change in One Sport

Running has changed dramatically over the last 25 years—and so have I. In this video, I look back at five major changes I've witnessed since I first started running seriously around the year 2000. From handwritten training logs and basic stopwatches to GPS watches, super shoes and online running communities, the sport has evolved beyond recognition. As a competitive masters runner now aged 56, I reflect on how these changes have shaped not only the wider running world but also my own approach to training and racing. In this episode I discuss: 🏃 How runners recorded their training before GPS and smartphones 🌍 The rise of online running communities and social media 👟 The revolution in running shoes, watches and technology 🎯 How my own running has become more specialised over the years 🧠 Why my mental approach is now more relaxed and enjoyable than ever Whether you've been running for decades or are new to the sport, I'd love to hear what changes you've noticed and which developments have had the biggest impact on your running. Thanks for watching. If you enjoy running stories, race reports, masters athletics and reflections on the sport, please like, subscribe and join the conversation in the comments. Running Coaching from Dawn and John costs £50 per month. For this you get an initial consultation and athlete profiling, discussion of your goals and analysis of how best to maximise your training time. You get a personalised plan, updated on a regular basis on Training Peaks, a weekly check-in and open and regular availability to discuss / ask anything via WhatsApp. Where possible we like to meet up with our athletes intermittently too. Follow John on Strava here -   / strava   Follow Dawn on Strava here -   / strava   Join our online Facebook Community here -   / 787595085928039   We are both qualified England Athletics coaches with a wealth of running and coaching experience behind us. Having both been coached by high-level coaches ourselves, we have developed the skills, expertise and approach to support people towards their running goals. As we have both worked in education for several decades, we know how to get the best out of individuals. Coaching is far more than telling people what to do, just as teaching is about far more than imparting information to learners. We listen, analyse and plan to support you to improve and enjoy your running. Personalised monthly coaching costs £50 per month, for which you get a bespoke training plan towards your running goals, advice on supplementary issues to support your running, a weekly check-in via email and a regular exchange of information via WhatsApp. Please get in touch at [email protected] if you would like to enquire about personalised running coaching.