Running in the United States currently is and has for the past ten years been in a state of transition. Websites like Flotrack have coined the term, “track is back” while others call it the running boom of the 21st century. In any case running has not only become increasingly popular, runners are also getting faster. Elite and professionals alike, are running faster times in almost every distance in greater numbers than in any other time period. I want to argue that there is dual reasoning behind this trend. The first reason is a postmodern need for these runners to find their identity. In doing so, their training becomes fragmented as they search for all the right components, whether shoes, watches, training areas, or coaches, to make them the best they can be. This search for the tangibles create a subject in process. Much of the time this search is done in obscure, secluded areas which helps contribute a necessary narcissistic nature. The runner only has himself to look to. For most runners, this largely postmodern need for an identity helps propel them to untold successes.

Training methodologies have become so necessary for runners that schedules are no longer optional. Each coach writes up formulaic calendars for their runners to follow. Oftentimes the coaches are not present for almost any of the training. With advances in shoes, watches, physical therapy, all a runner really needs is a place to train and a training method they are confident in. In this sense, more people will have access to effective training and with advances in all realms of running technology, times should continue to improve and a steady rate.

Due to a postmodern need for identity, and running being evolved(or devolved) into a mathematical equation, the times and performances of elites and professionals have improved and will continue to do so.