Not Your Grandpa's Running OR: It's Just Running, Chill Out

Runner Aesthetic

I've seen posts about fashionable running attire recently. Like it's a new thing. But I always thought that was the move. Running shoes have been part of an aesthetic for a while now. I know I bought my fair share of running shoes for just walking around in style.

And isn't gorpcore a running adjacent fashion trend?

Dan Pettitt talked about the break from the clean, sameness of traditional running gear to a more individual look (provided by high end running brands). Highlighting Satisfy. To paraphrase: Satisfy isn't about gains but freedom and feeling. About a form of self expression. Closer to a punk scene or skateboarding.

Now, maybe it's because I stared running in college in the early 2000s but the sport always seemed like a dirt bag sport. You weren't going to be sitting on gym equipment or making contact with anyone so ran in your dirtiest shorts and shirt. My best friend had this grody pair of grey shorts that just barely hung together.

Satisfy and other brands are all just marketing. The rebellious look stolen from high and low fashion and sold back to the masses for mucho dollars $$$$. A tale as old as time or as old as fashion. Word on the street is there is no innovation in running attire. So I guess it just comes down to marketing.

Don't Run Marathons

I've never wanted to run a marathon. The only running event I've entered is the Bolder Boulder 10k a few years ago which was fun, but I was tremendously out of shape and hadn't addressed a near decade long injury. Also, I'd just moved back to the area after spending a few years in the midwest. So I was eating shit the whole time.

However, it always feels like you need to run at least one marathon to really mark down runner in your bio. I think even you skip it and run an ultramarathon, people would consider you more of a masochist than a runner. I'm happy to see Philly Bowden arguing against marathon running. I see running like zen or skateboarding. Better to just do it and not really make a big to-do out of it.

If I ever do run a marathon, it won't be for the street cred, it'll be because it's something to do.

Remove the Branding

Speaking of anti-running attire, hit the thrift store and take off branding. Nike makes some good stuff but no need to be a billboard for them. Event better. Remove the branding and get a heat press to put your own branding on it.