Kevin Hart is always running around, whether it’s touring the country doing stand-up, working on the reboot of Jumanji or launching a new digital VOD network called Laugh Out Loud. The 37-year-old actor and comedian has also become an advocate for the sport of running – and wants his fans to lace up their sneakers and hit the road with him.
Kevin, who graced the cover of Men’s Fitness last month, is one of two cover models for the 50th anniversary issue of Runner’s World magazine, which hits newsstands on October 18. The magazine features six covers, three with Kevin and three of Olympic runner Alexi Pappas. Both recreate iconic looks from the running booms of the 70s and 80s as well as a contemporary look. I personally think Kevin rocks that Kid ’n’ Play hi-top fade.
Inside of the magazine, Kevin admits that he runs two to three miles a day, but doesn’t consider himself an athlete, saying his goal is to “bridge the gap between what we consider a pro athlete and that person that doesn’t consider themselves to be an athlete at all.” He hopes having his fans see him out getting fit can serve as an inspiration for them to hit the road to fitness. He told the magazine, “I’m not getting rewards or accolades for running, but if I show people that you can do this at the highest level for you, then I think it becomes contagious.” He went on to say something I need to get embroidered on a pillow:
A lot of people think to themselves, ‘Well, I’m not a runner.’ I just feel like there’s no such thing; you are what you say you are. So in my mind, I am a runner now. I love to run. Who stops me from giving myself that title? I embrace it and I wear it proudly.
[From Runner’s World via People]
Amen, Mr. Hart. I started running in 2006 (with 2 bad knees, mind you) and since then, I’ve run over 25 half marathons and countless 5 and 10K races. It is definitely contagious and really rewarding.
Kevin may not have received any rewards or accolades for his running (yet), he did recently receive a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. On Monday Kevin, joined by his new wife Eniko Parrish, daughter Heaven, 11, and eight-year-old son, Hendrix, received the 2,591st star on the famed walk. Rapper Ice Cube was on hand, as was Halle Berry, who has a cameo in Kevin’s upcoming concert film, What Now?, which will be released this Friday. If you have 50 minutes to spare, you can watch the whole ceremony. Kevin shared photos of the honor on Instagram, posing with his star.
He also posted a photo with his family, expressing, “Words can’t explain the feeling that I have right now…..God is good. look momma I made it.”
I love Kevin’s stand-up, his non-concert movies…not so much, but I really admire his commitment to fitness and his efforts to encourage others to get off the couch and improve their cardiovascular health. I do think most of his fans will be spending at least part of their time this weekend sitting in a theater though because What Now? looks like it’s going to be a scream. I’ll be taking a little time off the road to check it out myself.
Photo credit: WENN.com, Art Streiber/Runner’s World
I never run unless someone is chasing me, and even then I have to decide if running is the best course of action lol. Congrats on the star Kevin, glad to see that he include his ex wife in that process that was adult of him.
I never got into running although I love walking. Not strolling but a fast paced walk. I prefer it to the treadmill. Even with magazines, music, tv I tend to want to stop after 20-30 minutes but when I’m outside I have no problem walking 60-90 minutes.
I love runnig, but never in the treadmill. It’s too monotone and boring. But outside? It’s probably the only type of exercise I actually enjoy.
Lol, I started running again several years ago because I was working so hard on my walks it was a relief to break into a run!
It has to be at least 65 deg for me to want to run outside. And fall has finally descended upon us, so that threshold is no longer met. But we just bought a treadmill, and I love it. I made my husband set it up in front of the windows in his office. We live in the Country (with a capital C), so I can look out over the field and the woods.
I prefer running when it’s colder.
Optimal running conditions are around 50-60 degrees, maybe a little cooler. When you go warmer, your body actually starts to have to work harder to keep your body temp down, so it takes away from the energy you would use to run faster. It may be a more pleasant day when it’s 70+ degrees, but it’ll be a slower run. 75+ and it starts turning into a miserable run.
@Bridget I just did the conversions and dear god, I cannot get out for a run at 10’C to 15’C, for the two nights a year it gets that cold where I live. Anywhere near that and my body is working overtime to warm up. 22’C to 26’C (72’F – 79’F) is about my ideal. Must depend on what you’re used to.
I love running, have been doing it for over 30 years now. It’s one of my front line tools in my ongoing battle with anxiety and depression. I think a lot of people don’t realize that in addition to the physical benefits, running (and exercise in general) can do so much to improve your mental health, too.
I also don’t compete anymore at all. I realized that races stress me out too much and the training is the fun part for me.
Love the retro RW covers! Glad Hart’s encouraging people to get out there and run. He’s so right, anyone can call themselves a runner.
I have lived with panic/anxiety disorder and am now 42. Running, meds, eating well and avoiding alcohol/drugs are what keep me healthy emotionally and physically. I actually have a treadmill at home, as I have 2 small kids and work full time, so need the flexibility, but use it for an hour at least 5 days a week.
Like you, I have no interest in competing – I love the solitude of it, and we anxious people need fewer reasons to get nervous, not more! I wish that the docs and therapists I saw over the years made this connection for me. While all the cognitive behavioral therapy and meds helped, the heavy cardio (yoga NEVER helped my anxiety, I need to physically wear myself out) was the final piece of the puzzle.
Glad to hear you’ve got a plan that works for you, sounds very similar to mine. I’m lucky my doc made the connection between my well-being and exercise a long time ago, so she stays on top of me. Not that I really need it but it is good to be reminded.
And while some types of yoga and pilates have worked for me in the past, I agree that strenuous activity is ideal, especially the older I get. I just joined a gym where I do really intense cardio-strength interval training twice a week that really works me over. I love it. I also do a spin class once a week to give my knees a break from running. I do have a treadmill but generally avoid it except in the worst weather. It is a good way to get hills and sprints in, which is a lot harder to do while running outside. Wishing you continued good health!
@Esmom: it’s the endorphins that are released when running like that. I’ve seen theories that regular running (am hour plus a day) is similar to taking an antidepressant because of that.
Esmom, I love those retro covers too!!! Huge smile! I heard that Kevin Hart will Instagram when he’s going for a run and crowds of people will meet up to join him! Love that.
That would be super fun. Enthusiasm like that really is infectious.
He’s got a little to spare, doesn’t he?
I joined a running group 2 years ago and was surprised how much I have enjoyed it. I did my first half marathon this past February. Running helped me cope with the unexpected death of my father 2 years ago. I hope more people get out and run/walk/jog/wog. There is a real health benefit to it.
That’s great ! You don’t need to be winning marathons to be a ‘runner’! It’s such a great sport that you can do anywhere and the community is so great and supportive.
I ran 65-75 miles a week for years and was a ranked runner. When you are in peak condition there is no high like it. It completely controlled my anxiety and depression too. Now I just walk in nature and I love that too but the runner’s high is something else. Endorphins are the best!
I like Kevin. His family is also adorable.
I do not miss walk mans though. Or those track suits.
Agreed on the endorphins!! That’s my anti-anxiety medication in my 40’s. (Couldn’t handle the hair loss with prescribed meds).
Great, positive message from Kevin. And 2-3 miles a day isn’t exactly marathon running….but it’s certainly enough to get your blood pumping and isn’t too intimidating for beginners. I’m making my way through the couch 2 5k (again) this fall and enjoy the gentle push each week. The cooler air and changing leaves are therapeutic as hell.
He used to do a “run with hart” thing where he would do free5ks with Nike in the cities hi tour stopped in. I did his nyc one and it was so fun! He just ran with everybody and chatted and was super nice.
He is a FOOL for these pics, i Love his lil Fun sized self!, Also Love his fashions!
Mitch Supreme.
….never mind the running….how about some more ad campaigns…I seriously cant get enough of Kevin’s looks at the moment…💖