Simply put, plogging is the act of picking up litter while jogging.
Many runners use the outdoors as their “gym.” Local trails, parks, sidewalks and roads are where we exercise. We enjoy the feeling of our feet hitting the pavement or moving along the trail. We are distracted by our scenery or perhaps inspired by nature along our routes. As we show gratitude for the planet that gives us so much, one act of respect we can do is pick up any trash that litters our running routes.
Several years ago, we started reading about this trend in the news and a Big River customer, Tim, reached out about trying it at a group run. So we did! We’ve been celebrating the act of plogging every Earth Day since 2018 and spreading the word to the running community in St. Louis. Many members of Big River Nation plog year-round.
Yes, stopping to bend down and pick up trash can mess with the continuity of your run, but think of the other benefits. Built in strength training as you carry a bag of trash with you. An opportunity to do a fartlek-type run, where you run quicker in than your normal run pace between trash pick-ups. Oh, and if fartlek is a new term for you, it is Swedish for “speedplay.” Goes nicely with the Swedish term “plocka upp,” meaning pick up which is where the plogga comes from! And the best benefit of all, you’re showing respect for our Earth.
Check out our 2021 Plogging events at our Monday Night Group Runs on April 26 at 5:45 p.m. at South City and University City. Click the location links for more information.
