Sophie is a strategist, entrepreneur & marathoner living between Amsterdam & Stockholm. In April 2023 she started a run group to share her passion for running & community, which grew to become one of the biggest run cubs in Europe.
This led her to become one of the co-founders of Philos Running. Greek in origin, her name "Sophie", means "wisdom". Her purpose is to spread Philos, "the love of wisdom", with the world. This is her story.
The start of a movement
“How it changed my life” sounds a bit soppy and I probably wouldn’t say that out loud - but the truth is it did. There was something missing in my life and while I was training for my first marathon I decided to form a run community around me with the help of my social media. The intention was never for it to grow like it did, now Sunday Run Club is one of the biggest run clubs in Europe. I nurture it because it means something to me, and that’s a lot to thank for its success. Running with community has brought a lot to me, it filled a void I always struggled to fill, and it ultimately led me to meet Greg and start Philos Running.
My inspiration
Running was always a part of my life – my mom used to bring my brother and me biking next to her along her runs. In my late teens I finally joined her running, and as she progressed from marathon to ultra-marathon and ironmans, I warmed up to my first half marathon. I ran it with her now husband in the woods in Sweden, where I’m from. My mom supported us with fuel, driving the car alongside us. Essentially, my mom got me started – and the community keeps me going.
Running for those who can't
My “why” has evolved over time, when I first started I was mostly concerned with body image and other shallow reasons, like it seeming cool to “be a runner”, whatever that meant at the time.
Now I run out of self-compassion, to connect and check in with myself and my body. It’s a way to be in nature and connect with others. Running makes me feel free. It also challenges me on a personal level, and it keeps me humble in my day-to-day life. When I struggle to get out for a run for whatever reason, I tell myself to be grateful and run for those who can’t.
A story about female inner strength
Philos tells a story about female inner strength and resilience that is true to women across generations and cultures. It’s being part of something bigger, and borrowing some of that strength from the women that came before us, that deeply resonates with me.
I want to play my part in contributing to women being treated with the respect and dignity we deserve in all areas of life, with everything it means to be a woman. As a runner I’m not the fastest and I don’t run the furthest, but I’m tough and resilient and that’s enough. Philos respects this approach, that it doesn’t have to be about going faster or further – just running in a way that feels intuitive, to you.
My Philos picks
The tights and tight shorts are my favourite Philos pieces. The material is the best on the market and it shows. Love the double compressive cinching waist, raw cut edges and the no front seam. No awkward thigh clenches, no riding up, no camel situation. Now that I’ve worn them I don’t want to run in anything else.
