Elon's New A.I. Device is About to Shock the World

Edition #29   •  Nov 02, 2025

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Lace 'em up!

Welcome to The Group Chat, where sports and culture meet and mingle. Nearly 56K runners will toe the line at today's TCS New York City Marathon, one of the six world majors. It's not just the world's largest marathon, but a cultural touchstone and a field day for a rising group of social media stars: running influencers, aka runfluencers. If you've spent any time on RunTok, you know that these personalities have a real impact on their fellow runners, garnering thousands (or sometimes even hundreds of thousands) of followers and creating an entire subculture within the running world. So today, we're chatting with runfluencer Matt Zelaya about the art of pounding the pavement for social media, plus where you can find inspiration to level up your running, whether you're a true beginner or a marathon veteran.

👟 Runfluencers 👟

Source: Runner's World. Running with an audience isn't new — some would call friend of The GIST and women's running icon Kathrine Switzer the OG runfluencer — but in the past few years, accounts documenting runners' training and races have exploded in popularity. Why are people so obsessed with RunTok? The impact is real: Studies show a correlation between consuming fitness influencers' content and maintaining healthy habits. Sure, runfluencers make running look easy, but they also create community around running that encourages viewers to stick with it. Runfluencers are pros at balancing inspiration and relatability, making even the least enthusiastic runner feel like they, too, could finish a marathon.

Race Day Essentials
	1.	A coach-formulated training plan Hal Higdon's are a fan-favorite, but apps like Couch to 5K do the trick, too.
	2.	A running belt This one doesn't budge but is spacious enough to hold everything you need on the big day.
	3.	Starbucks' Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha Latte Whether you like it iced or hot, this vibrant matcha packs a protein-powered punch, all in a delicious, sugar-free sip. Plus, it's Instagram-worthy. Go on, try it yourself.* *P.S. This is a sponsored post. Sip, sip, hooray.
	4.	A Bandit performance top The preferred race top of GISTers and Bretty Chody alike.

Together With Starbucks ☕ Yes, there is such thing as a protein coffee order Source: Starbucks Runfluencers are major fitness inspo — but just like pounding the pavement, making high protein choices is easier said than done. That's why Starbucks created a line of Protein Lattes and Cold Foam Drinks, so you can easily add a boost to your routine. Here are our favorite protein-packed signature Starbucks sips: 😋 A Vanilla Protein Latte, available iced or hot. 🍫 The yummy Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew. 🍌 And when we're feeling adventurous, the Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha hits the spot. C'mon — you know you're curious. Best of all, each grande-sized drink includes up to 36 grams of protein. Level up your lifestyle and order a Starbucks Protein Latte or Cold Foam Drink today. ORDER YOUR PROTEIN BOOST NOW

No two runfluencers are alike. Some build their brands on humor or outlandish stunts, like Matt James; others focus on body positivity, like Martinus Evans of Slow AF Run Club, or lifestyle elements, like Lizzie Ramey; still others, like Brett Chody and the aforementioned Zelaya, lean into authenticity and transparency as a means of inspiring followers. Zelaya said, "Most of what I share is video documentation of what I'm doing day to day — training, racing, learning — while giving value and advice as if I'm talking to my younger self just getting into running and fitness." But there is a common thread throughout RunTok: Many runfluencers get really detailed about how far and how fast they're running…and sometimes, that can feel really vulnerable. "The biggest challenge of being a running content creator is doing what you said you'd do, no matter what obstacles get in the way," said Zelaya. "It's scary to chase big goals, and even scarier to put them out there for the world to see." Take the aforementioned Chody, who recently shared her disappointment with her Chicago Marathon performance . Falling short in front of 136K followers is…not ideal, but Chody's transparency has won her even more loyalty from her fans. Zelaya said, "The more you share those goals, the more people are watching — win or lose. You have to post with the mindset that whatever happens on race day, you gave 100% of what you had that day."

Together With Starbucks Source: Starbucks 👀 Ready for an It Girl life hack? Adding extra protein to your diet is as easy as upgrading your coffee order, thanks to Starbucks' new protein-boosted milks and cold foams. Just add a protein-boosted milk (for $1*) or a protein cold foam (for $2*) to your coffee or matcha. Place your order now and see just how good protein can taste. *Prices may vary by location.

Feeling inspired? Next step: Find a running buddy. No matter their approach to their content, all runfluencers demonstrate the value of a community motivating you to chase fitness goals. Their audiences help hold them accountable — and they encourage their fans in turn. When we asked Zelaya to share advice for leveling up your running, whether you're trying your first mile or your eighth marathon, he said, "Find someone who can help you get there. When I wanted to run a sub-three marathon, I reached out to a coach, and it completely changed my approach."

	At The GIST HQ ❄️ What (else) We're Loving: Holiday Edition ❄️
To help you cross every sports fan off your holiday shopping list over the next eight weeks, we're sharing gifting recs directly from our team and GIST Plus members. Obsessed. 📚 For your favorite bookworm: A Book Of The Month subscription that delivers new, unreleased reads to their TBR pile every month. — Ben, GIST Plus member 🎵 For the one who changed you for good: The "Wicked: For Good" soundtrack — only three weeks (!!!) until the release. — Lisa, newsletter producer 👚 For the subtle-but-stylish dresser: The cutest button top that brings a little extra to any outfit. — Nadia, client solutions 🍺 For the one who's obsessed with "House of Guinness": These incredible Guinness-infused chocolate truffles. Trust. — Raleigh, GIST Plus member

Today's email was brought to you by Katie Kehoe Foster and Nadia Ayoub. Editing by Lisa Minutillo. Fact-checking by Marga Sison. Ops by Marga Sison. Ads by Alessandra Puccio and Lisa Minutillo. Managing edits by Alessandra Puccio. Head of content Ellen Hyslop.

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