Our Mission
Hi there! My name is Anthony and I am a small business owner and graduate student from Toronto, Canada.
In September of 2022 I decided to start Runners High Group - a Canadian company with the mission of fighting loneliness and early death.
Living in the multicultural powerhouse that is Canada I have noticed that
Read on to find out how we define these problems and our solutions.
Loneliness.
Loneliness does not come from having no people around you, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to you [Jiddu Krishnamurti]
Our perspective
Not feeling like you matter, as though your goals, dreams and aspirations are too far out of your reach, carrying the world on your shoulders. No shared journey. Suffering without meaning.
Most of us are familiar with the sting of loneliness. This negative feedback loop tends to separate humans from each other.
With increasing technology this means that if someone wanted to, they could work from their 1-bedroom apartment remotely, not leave the house, order in food and not speak with others face to face for months at a time. This self-reinforcing cycle makes people self-criticize, become more angry, sad and explosive. These negative emotions make things worse, makes reconnection with others harder and so on.
Worst of all; these feelings hurt, while they are widely experienced they are not mandatory for the human experience.
Solution
Loneliness is combatted through Tribes - a mobile phone application that turns solo runs into shared journeys by creating real-world connection.
That is a dense set of words, what does it mean in practice? Great question! It means that by sharing your runs in a safe digital environment that maximizes your privacy you can find other people in your neighbourhood to run with.
If you live in a big city you'll see both running clubs and Tribes - small groups of runners between the size of 2-5 that show up on a repeated schedule for a specific distance at a specific day and time. Think of it like blind speed-dating for runners.
What's in it for us? We make money here by charging individual users for the opportunity to use our premium service and large runnings clubs for advertising on the platform.
Early End.
Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good [Marcus Aurelius]
Our perspective
The body only continues to live if it is put under physical stress. If the body stops being asked to perform it falls apart. By exercising and increasing your cardiovascular fitness you can reduce your risk of brain disease, and live better for longer. Early death means being unable to try new things, feel the sun the on your face and forget yourself.
Death is something that we see in movies, news and religion and social circles. Death may be caused by disease, injury and weakening of the body and brain. Overeating could mean weight gain and an increased risk of cancer. A lack of physical fitness means that you could more easily break bones, get heart attacks and age. If you do not take care of your body it could mean a long term care home by 60 years old. This means that while most people are hopeful about living until they are 80 or so many will not remember their own names by 70. That is absolutely terrifying.
Early death is not defined as dying when you are 50 but instead not enjoying your life past 50. At Runners High we want to help you play the long game and live a healthier and more mindful life for much longer.
Solution
Early Death is combatted through Runners High Handbook - a free and accessible approach to running meant to be quick to understand, easy to follow and implement. It takes the latest physiotherapy recommendations and scientific findings to create a running approach that anyone can use to build themselves up to a great running. By following our guide, runners can enhance the health of their heart, muscles, bones, brain, and lungs. A healthier body means that people are likelier to live longer, more joyful lives.
What's in it for us? We make money here by developing strategic partners with brands we respect to provide runners the best in class experience. This might include things like clothing, events and partnership.