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Run for Your Life: Why Running Is the Best Drug
How community, psychology, and better planning are transforming the way we run
Running isn’t just cardio. It’s chemistry.
In this episode of the Storm Fitness Academy Podcast, Jon Bond sits down with Mike Burgess from PacePal, a running app that’s helping people rewire their relationship with running — not through punishment or pain, but through connection, habit, and dopamine.
Whether you’re a PT trying to get clients into running, or you’ve never made it past Week 2 of Couch to 5K — this episode offers a powerful reframe.
Why Most People Hate Running (And What to Do About It)
Let’s face it. Most people don’t fall in love with running overnight. Mike gets it — he was one of them.
“I didn’t start running because I loved it. I started because I needed something to shift in my life.”
That shift became PacePal — a tool to help people go from dreading the run to craving it.
The key? Small wins, community connection, and consistency over intensity.
The Real Power of Group Accountability
Running solo can feel isolating. For beginners, it’s easy to quit without someone cheering you on.
PacePal taps into group psychology by building virtual communities that:
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Cheer for your progress
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Hold you accountable
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Make it social, not solitary
Behaviour change 101: We’re more likely to stick with habits when other people expect us to show up.
For coaches: if your clients keep falling off, stop prescribing more intensity — prescribe more community.
Rewards That Actually Work: Dopamine, Streaks & Feel-Good Feedback
Mike shares how the app uses dopamine-based psychology to keep people going:
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Streak tracking
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Progress badges
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Milestone celebrations
These micro-rewards help build consistency and give the brain the positive feedback it needs to form new habits — something especially important for clients with ADHD or low intrinsic drive.
“It’s not about loving every run. It’s about loving how it makes you feel afterward.”
How Beginners Can Start Without Burning Out
Here’s where most people go wrong:
They try to run like someone who’s already fit. That leads to shin splints, knee pain, and giving up before they even get going.
Mike recommends:
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The Walk-Run Method: intervals of walking and running to build stamina safely
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The 10% Rule: never increase distance or intensity by more than 10% a week
These techniques help people progress without overloading their bodies — or minds.
Coaches: This is essential if you train clients new to fitness, postpartum, or with a history of stop-start exercise habits.
The Emotional Payoff of Running
It’s not just about physical health. Running offers:
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Mental clarity
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Mood elevation
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A sense of achievement
“It becomes less about getting fit and more about feeling alive.”
Watch The Episode on Youtube:
Listen to the Podcast:
Coming in Part 2…
In the second half of the episode, Mike and Jon dive into:
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Mike’s marathon journey
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How to avoid data overload and stay grounded
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The surprising truth about what really keeps runners consistent
You’ll also learn how PTs can use apps like PacePal to help their clients build confidence and avoid common running mistakes.
Connect with PacePal
If you or your clients want to start running with structure, support, and science-backed motivation, follow Mike and the PacePal team here:
Website: www.pacepal.co.uk
Instagram: @pacepaluk
TikTok: @pacepaluk
Want to Turn Your Passion for Running Into a Career?
If running lights you up — why not make it part of your future?
Whether you’re looking for a side hustle, a career change, or to level up your coaching, we’ve got qualifications to help you get started:
✅ Level 2 Gym Instructor Course
✅ Level 3 Personal Training Course
✅ Level 4 Strength & Conditioning Course
Not sure where to begin? Get in touch and we’ll help you find the best path based on your goals and experience.
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