People
ON SOCIAL RUNNING
with Oliver Hooson
People A slower pace of the mind is often achieved by increasing the intensity of conscious body movement. Like many of us, Oliver Hooson has found running to be his practice of choice to do so, but what started as a strict practice slowly evolved into a gentler routine. That’s how Your Friendly Runners But came about: the London-based collective he founded five years ago is a manifestation of Hooson’s enthusiasm for shared experiences, fun workouts and a kind community.
‘Since I started running with a coach years ago, I’ve slowly relaxed a strict schedule for more social runs, and it’s such a nice balance. Social running, for me, is removing myself from the everyday and allowing myself to open up and be vulnerable. Now, most of my running is social. I haven’t learnt so much, but I think I gained much more empathy and gratitude in life.’
‘I’m by no means the quickest but running is the one thing I can control and grow amidst an ever-changing career. For me it’s about my mind, pushing boundaries with my running. Even though it’s only micro-progression, it really affirms confidence across all other aspects of life.’
Oliver Hooson Creative and runner
Born in Chester, Cheshire, in the UK, but based in London, Oliver Hooson works as a creative within the fields of fashion, wellness and design, creating content and experiences across multiple media. With such a dynamic career as a base for day-to-day life, escapes to the outdoors and running provide a grounding sense of calm easy to crave while based in a hectic cityscape.
‘For me, changing settings from urban to natural brings the balance I need to maintain a life in London. I think it’s the best city in the world, but it moves fast. I leave to slow down.’