Social media influencer offering fitness training on TikTok
The Runners' TikTok Revolution: A Blend of Inspiration and Anxiety
Stepping out for a jog with phone in hand, reflective sunglasses, and a hydration vest, Mireille Boutin is one of the many content creators on TikTok sharing their running workouts. Hailing from Montreal, Mireille's videos, with over 20,000 views, are just a small part of a growing trend among young adults who are finding solace and motivation in running.
This trend, apparent across Quebec and beyond on TikTok, mirrors a resurgence in the popularity of running, especially among the younger demographic. In fact, a staggering 67% of race registrants at the Montreal Marathon are aged between 18 and 39 years old, a testament to running's newfound appeal.
For Caroline Pomerleau and Anouka Tremblay, their foray into sharing their running lives started back in 2022. As experienced athletes – Anouka Tremblay being a runner and coach, and Caroline Pomerleau a Canadian marathon champion – their goal was to show women that sports can come in many forms. Warts and all, they document their workouts and day-to-day lives, promising to provide quality advice that goes beyond the usual punchy, straightforward clips that often dominate TikTok.
This authentic and nuanced approach can help dispel misconceptions about running, like the idea that it's only about speed and competition. Their responses to subscribers' queries and the humorous take on the pros and cons of accessories they test also make their content stand out.
But, the rising trend of showcasing running on TikTok isn't without its pitfalls. By comparing themselves to influencers who might be further along in their training or have different physical conditions, runners could feel discouraged or pressured to exceed unrealistic standards. Alexandre Rathé, producer of the Montreal Marathon, cautions against this, reminding us that our races are unique, and it's essential to understand our training plans before diving in.
Sadly, there's also the issue of false information propagated on social media by those without the necessary expertise to talk about running. Blaise Dubois, physiotherapist and founder of La Clinique du coureur, emphasizes this concern.
Mireille Boutin, too, addresses this issue by making a point to show her subscribers that everything isn't always perfect. Nonetheless, there's a fair amount of authenticity seen online, which goes a long way towards democratizing sport, as Alexandre Rathé notes. It's just important to remember that not everyone shares this authenticity, and some may feel pressured to perform or conceal injuries to avoid disappointing their community.
While you can find all sorts of running content on TikTok, from questionable advice to over-the-top displays, turning to experienced and credible content creators can help you find both motivation and useful insights. As long as you don't get too caught up in comparisons, taking inspiration from others is worthwhile, agree Mireille Boutin and her contemporaries. "When I see someone running, even with oversized shoes, I tell myself there are myths to debunk, but as long as the person is moving, I'm happy," says Mireille.
Comparing Notes: Staying Authentic on TikTok
- Follow Mireille Boutin: @mireilleboutin
- Explore Anouka Tremblay's account: @anoukatremblay
- Discover La Clinique du coureur's account: @clinicoudcoureur
- Check out Tout-Court.ca's account: @toutcourt.ca
Sports are a significant part of the content shared by many TikTok users, with some focusing on running in particular. Mireille Boutin, Anouka Tremblay, and Caroline Pomerleau are experienced athletes using TikTok to inspire others and share tips about running, aiming to show that there are various forms of sports.
