Wellness powerhouse Kic has partnered with New Balance to launch a new Kicrun 8-week challenge, designed to bring back fun and freedom to running.
Part of that means ditching unnecessary metrics that “can feel like a barrier and make you stop,” Kic co-founder, Laura Henshaw says. “You don’t go to the first class of language school and expect yourself to be able to put together ten sentences. It’s about accepting that beginner’s mindset.”
Laura continues, “Social media has made women believe that there’s a specific way your body must look to run. There are many women who worry about going for a run around their home, because they’re embarrassed someone might see them.
This program is about undoing the story – that they’re not a runner, or they’re not fast enough – they’ve told themselves, and reminding them that if you are able to run and you want to run, you are a runner.”
“This challenge isn’t about how far or how fast—it’s about that joyful endorphin rush that takes over and finding the fun in your run,” Laura says.
The 8-Week Challenge
From 22 September to 17 November, participants will be guided towards their chosen goal of 3km, 5km, 10km or 21km, with audio-guided runs and structured training plans. Kicrun’s 0-3km Return to Running Postpartum program is also available within the challenge, giving new mums a gentle and fun way back into movement. Kic co-founder Steph Claire Smiths says, “it can be extremely daunting getting back into any physical activity post-pregnancy, but I am beyond excited to be leading this for the Kic community.”
Enrolments are open now through the Kic App, and the 8-week Challenge begins on 22 September.
Kicrun Club
To compliment the expert-designed 8-week program, Kicrun hosts Kicrun Club on Saturdays, which are inclusive morning runs in Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. The sessions are open to runners of all abilities – and no one is left behind.
“What’s really important to us at Kicrun Club is that it’s a place where people can come and build confidence around a group of people where it feels safe and inclusive,” Laura says, noting that this confidence translates into everyday running and life outside of Kicrun Club.
Laura’s Top 5 Tips to Stay Motivated
- Forget the metrics and focus on joy. Don’t underestimate the power of short, consistent runs.
- Stop the comparison. Whether that be comparing with others online or comparing to ourselves – not every run will feel or look the same, so stop comparing and focus on today.
- Join a run club. It’s a great way to make new friendships and it also helps hold you accountable.
- Listen to your body. You don’t have to push yourself to 110% every run – and doing so when you’re not feeling it can hurt your progress. We want to have a sustainable, long-term relationship with running!
- Follow a program. Kic’s 8-week program is expert-developed by physios and coaches, giving new and evolving runners extra support and encouragement on their journey!
Neon Green New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Adding an extra boost is New Balance’s launch of the Neon Green FuelCell Rebel v5, a lightweight, propulsive shoe built to adapt to both steady efforts and spontaneous sprints – bold in both colour and performance. “Having the right shoes is so important,” Laura says. “The New Balance Rebel’s are amazing, and especially with the very bright colour, it’s so fun. I’ve loved running in them.”
Get involved
Enrolments for the Kicrun 8-Week Challenge are now open through the Kic App, with the program running from 22 September to 17 November.
Find out more at kicapp.com
