A Change of Pace -- a serious runner short film

A very serious and reflective look at the state of running culture, the influencer marketing impact, and the question of achievement versus clout with regard to events like the Boston Marathon.

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Words:
"What has become of running culture?

There was a time when running was a noble quest,
Dedication and sacrifice made you the best,
Telling someone about my race, they would cheer:
“That’s the most impressive thing I’ve heard all year.”

Celebrating mediocrity gives me hesitation,
After all, Kipchoge is known for more than participation.

How is it that we no longer idolize the best,
and brands prefer influencers over all the rest.
They’re slower than me but get free product and shoes,
And speak on panels and do podcast interviews.

We’re told fixating on race weight is not okay,
Yet influencers objectify their bodies everyday
Even pros can’t compete with those who show some skin.
And, for the Boston Marathon, follower count should not get you in.

Staging run photos and buying speed I’m partly to blame,
I use ketones, saunas, boots, and all those games,
No one will remember my 10K split,
But they'll recall that my reel was lit.

When did we trade achievement for likes?
And allow influencers to race alongside bikes?
Does winning mean boosting my pace?
Or have I already lost because I lack a pretty face?

“Follow my running journey,” they proclaim,
Posting formulaic content predictably the same.
Yet, I too crave kudos and likes for each race,
So – yeah – I must admit, there’s been a change of pace."

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📲 Follow Stephen Gnoza here:

[VomaxProductions]

Genius! Really captures the current scene and running culture. You’ve got a real gift for storytelling and revealing the pulse of the community and greater societal forces 🙌!

[seatownfan]

The reason I come here is that there is humor, at least that was the rumor. 😅

[Ouga_Official]

This year's marathons were a bit too influencer-infested for my liking. This might be the first time that I lost my "looking-up to Boston". It seems one can no longer get in the zone to run because one is surrounded by vloggers and their entourage.

[michaelcaricoo]

Unironically thank you for saying this.

[philipking]

10k split, real was lit. superb. plus some very on point analysis. welcome to the trails....

[benjaminkuch]

A better poem than the lyrics most of todays rappers write.
Also, you deserve the tracksmith sponsorship.

[nberkel]

I gotta say, this was very touching without being overdone. 👍🏼

[mrrandom]

So true and many good points. I must admit I have fallen down few others holes. Thanks for sharing.❤🤛🏾

[matthiassventoest]

this video post is gonna chap more than a few.., but it is a solid view of the current culture. I have only viewed from a far, as my mom is the runner in our family.., but her persistence and her challenging me has led me to running as well. but to see the change in the last 5 years, and mostly the last 3, its been (and still is) crazy.




I mean, how do you have 5 of the 6 majors, under your belt, and you started running 10 minutes ago. what the what ?

[HuyNguyenLaTui]

Brilliant, poetic and very on point about the current running culture!

[Matt_Kraczon]

I’ve got to admit that watching a very new to running person that has a fairly large social media following get the VIP invite and treatment in Boston has tarnished that pinnacle of amateur running for me, but good for him to have the experience. If, I ever get there, I’ll have to earn it through performance and it seems the odds are pretty low that will ever happen.

[tomrankin]

Thank you for finding a way to tell the hard truth in a creative way.

[jonathansharp]

The best satire hits close to the bone

[PoetWithPace]

Quality poem from “The Poet with Pace” 🤪…. A random fact for you….. some of those influencers shown in your clips ran a slower London Marathon time than a 60 year old guy in fancy dress…. But he never runs shirtless or has a young pretty face 🤪

[JohnBirtchetSharpe]

Powerful stuff, Glad I am not a young, gifted runner as some of the stuff you stated will likely hit home. Even if the Influencer culture has been an advantage to me (a normal joe), who was benched most of the time as a kid (in the 70's) due to asthma but qualified for Boston with plenty of time to spare this last weekend. Yes I have a qualified coach who used to run for their country ... but I would not have gotten out the door in the first place as a fat 50 year old, if it was not for the influencer... so possibly yes we should actully celebrate mediocrity in some form ; BUT it should not out shine the celebration of greatness, drive and determination that produces winners, rather it should just be its poorer, plainer but well liked cousin that you give a hug to and ask how they are doing around holiday time.

[RunAllTheMiles]

I'm not on any "social" sites these days, comparing and competing while training is daft but I've definitely done it, I enjoy running more without it, great video 👍😀

[steveravnitzky]

If you start teaching a college poetry course I’m dropping everything and enrolling immediately. Really fun to watch the content.

[today-nl]

Welcome to trail running, to be more precise, hiking, as shown in your last video 😂

"Retranca", that's the term. Top notch words of wisdom here.

[RunningOtaku]

Nah, you’re way better than those influencers. Oh, and mucho bonus points for using the Louisville turkey trot in your B-roll!