Taylor Swift's influence led me to establish a running group, and I now consistently follow my running routine without missing a day.

In 2020, an individual embarked on a running journey during the UK lockdown, casually lacing up their sneakers and hitting the pavement. However, progress in improving their 5K time proved to be a challenge.

Fast forward to 2022, the same individual, now a regular runner, decided to tackle this obstacle head-on. They founded and launched a running club called The Tortured Runners Department, a low-pressure, fun group aimed at meeting fellow Swifties who share a love for running and the music of Taylor Swift.

The Tortured Runners Department runs at a steady 6:45/km pace, with regular breaks taken during runs to make the group inclusive. The club's approach to running is based on the 'Easy' zone 2-style runs, which have helped improve individual paces.

Social running, as the club promotes, offers numerous benefits. It improves nasal breathing and oxygen flow, helping runners maintain consistency and progress. In addition, joining a run club can help achieve fitness goals without guilt, and existing friends can join, providing opportunities for new friendships.

The individual has also incorporated a bi-weekly strength-based gym routine into their training regimen to complement their running. They've found that tracking their pace, time, and distance while running, along with their favourite tunes from Taylor Swift, has been instrumental in their progress.

For those looking to join The Tortured Runners Department, the Mizuno Wave Rider 27 sneakers are currently on sale for $120, with a regular price of $140. These shoes have been the preferred choice for the individual for most of their runs.

Despite extensive online searches, no information is available about who founded The Tortured Runners Department. However, the individual became a regular runner in 2022 after a breakup, marking the start of their transformative running journey.

The Tortured Runners Department is more than just a running club; it's a community of runners who share a common goal - to improve their 5K times while enjoying the camaraderie and music they love.

Taylor Swift's influence led me to establish a running group, and I now consistently follow my running routine without missing a day.