Sure, social media can be a distraction—even a time drain—but in its best moments, it can also be a source of inspiration and motivation. The right accounts can help you see that others understand and commiserate with your struggles, as well as inspire you to train harder, run better, and be stronger. After all, social media is “social,” and we’re all stronger together. Here are 13 inspiring social media accounts that every runner should follow:
Alexi Pappas
Instagram: @alexipappas
Twitter: @AlexiPappas
Pappas is one of the few Olympians who is also a writer and filmmaker, meaning she looks at the world of elite running like few other professionals do. Her posts are often as philosophical as they are motivational, and will have you pondering as you run.
Here's a behind-the-scenes video of Kevin Hart & Alexi Pappas at the Runner's World magazine 50th Anniversary Cover Shoot.
Runners Be Like...
Instagram: @runnersbe
The name on this Instagram account says it all. Runners Be Like ... is solely dedicated to hilarious memes about runners—“because real runners know how to make fun of themselves.” Whenever you need a good laugh or a reminder to not take something you love so seriously, all you have to do is pull up this account and start scrolling.
RELATED: These “I Hate Running” Memes Are Hilarious
Meb Keflezighi
Instagram: @runmeb
Twitter: @runmeb
It shouldn’t be a surprise that is on this list. The beloved American distance runner recently completed his last Boston Marathon—and he’ll retire this fall after the New York City Marathon. You won’t want to miss a second of his racing journey as it winds down—or whatever he decides to do next.
RELATED: Meb Keflezighi Is 13th in His Final Boston Marathon
Roxie The Aussie
Instagram: @roxietheaussie
Roxie is an Australian Shepard who is a service dog for veteran Desiree Rincon. Roxie tags along with Rincon as she runs roads, trails, and even obstacle races to insure her mom competes safely in case of a seizure. This amazing pooch does it all, and is a huge hit everywhere she goes. Her Instagram account follows her and Rincon’s lives as they make their way from one race to the next, and is sure to put a smile on your face and warm your heart.
RELATED: The Best Types of Dogs for Runners
Mirna Valerio
Instagram: @themirnavator
Twitter:@TheMirnavator
Mirna Valerio is a badass—she’s an ultramarathoner, a mother, a teacher, a coach, and an author. Standing at around 245 pounds, Valerio doesn’t necessarily conform to the conventional idea of what a runner should look like. But that doesn’t stop her from pursuing her running and racing dreams. She is one of the most down-to-earth runners, filling her Instagram account with extremely honest training pictures and videos, bound to make you want to give your next run or cross-training workout your all.
RELATED: Listen to the Runner’s World Show podcast episode featuring Mirna Valerio
Shalane Flanagan
Instagram: @shalaneflanagan
Twitter: @ShalaneFlanagan
Four-time Olympian Shalane Flanagan’s Instagram account is almost as awesome as she is. She is very honest and open with her followers when it comes to documenting her running and racing journey, so runners are always kept in the loop. Along with her training and race updates, Flanagan also posts scrumptious pictures of food, mostly from her cookbook Run Fast. Eat Slow., with recipes to try.
Josh Campbell
Instagram: @joshcampbellphoto
Josh Campbell is a Boston-based professional photographer who specializes in active lifestyle imagery—and he posts tons of amazing photos from professional athletes to everyday runners doing what they do best. Though he doesn’t only post running photos, the pictures are amazing—and may inspire you to take up snow boarding or boxing as well—you know, just to cross-train.
Kara Goucher
Instagram: @karagoucher
Twitter: @karagoucher
Amanda Sullivan Love
Instagram: @crutching_tigress
Amanda Sullivan Love is an inspiration. She’s a Spartan race pro team adaptive athlete, a marathon runner, and a motivational speaker. Love competes in a variety of races on the road as well as at obstacle course races—all on crutches. Her husband, Todd Love, is a wounded veteran who also competes competitively. They are the definition of #couplegoals, and proof that no matter life’s obstacles, anything is possible with a little grit, determination, and love.
Dorothy Beal
Instagram: @mileposts
Twitter: @MilePosts
Dorothy Beal is a writer, a mother of three, and a running coach, as well as a 33-time marathoner. But she is inspiring because she is so relatable. Many of us know what is like to juggle a busy life schedule and still make time to train and race—but it is always reasurring and grounding to follow along and see how others get it all done. She is also a huge advocate for body positivity. On a bad day, Beal’s posts will remind you just how awesome you are.
Crystal Seaver
Instagram: @crystalseaver
Crystal Seaver is a competitive trail runner, trainer, and adventurer—and that’s what makes her account great. She often shares scenic images of herself on the run along some beautiful trail—and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good scenic running picture?
RELATED: Out on the Trails, He Found Something He Didn’t Expect
Lanni Merchant
Instagram: @lannimarchant
Twitter: @LJM5252
Because programs do not exist for athletes in Canada like they do in the U.S., Olympian Lanni Merchant juggles two careers. In one, she is a professional Canadian marathoner (she currently holds the national record, with a time of 2:28:00). In the other Merchant works full time as an American criminal appeals lawyer—which will make you think twice about complaining about your schedule. She is also an advocate for the importance of women and girls in sport. She is a great role model, runner, and following her is totally motivating.
Michele King Gonzalez
Instagram: @nycrunningmama
Twitter: @nycrunningmama
Michele Gonzalez’s Insta is filled with photos from her Ironmans, marathons, half marathons, and more. She’s a U.S. Army veteran who spent six years and three tours in Iraq, which is where she discovered her love for running. On busy days, when you need a little bit of extra motivation to get your training run in, you will be glad when one of her posts shows up in your feed.
Sage Canaday
Instagram: @sagecanaday
Twitter: @SageCanaday
Sage Canaday is a mountain ultra marathoner and trail runner living in Boulder, Colorado—an extremely beautiful state with varying terrains and ecosystems. And what makes Canaday’s account really interesting are the scenic and beautiful shots he takes and shares while he is out on the run. He also often posts pictures of his food and fueling tips. Who knows? He may have the inspiration you need for your next post-run meal.
RELATED: Why I Run 100 Mile Races Solo—and 5 Tips for Doing It
Runner’s World
Instagram: @runnersworldmag
Twitter: @runnersworld
We couldn’t resist! Follow us for pretty much everything to do with running. From hilarious memes, to the latest news and inspiring stories from the website and magazine, there is something for every runner on our account.
