Tag: Running

THE COLORADO CRUSH: 63 Days of Endurance | Ultra Running Documentary | Friday Films

“Endurance athlete Robbie Balenger finds the limits of perseverance and self-discovery during an audacious, 63-day challenge called The Colorado Crush. He sets out to complete the 500-mile Colorado Trail, the Leadville race series, and all Colorado 14ers in just one summer. These three feats – each lifetime achievements of their own – push Robbie to his mental and physical edge over an epic journey.”

The video description itself tells you everything you need to know about the insane task that Balenger took on when he took the first step of his incredible summer journey. But it can’t prepare you for the trip you’re about to go on with him when you give this short documentary by Audacious a watch.

“Wow, that was so good I had to watch it twice! You’re an inspiration to me who also found running later in life at 30 and are proof that hard work pays off! I can’t wait to watch all your future successes and I wish you all the best,” wrote Kris Jones.

So settle down with coffee, tea, or an electrolyte drink (hey, it’s getting hot), put your legs up for once, and let Balenger inspire your next run. After all, as Steven Seighman wrote, Balenger’s feat is “So inspiring! Robbie continues to show up and remind us that we can go beyond the limits we set for ourselves.”

by Pina Marek

Eric Sense(less)man & His Cocodona 250 Journey by Dylan Harris | Friday Films

If there is only one ultrarunning documentary you’re gonna watch in your lifetime, this one by Dylan Harris would be a fine choice for that one-of.

Here is a story of human perserverance in one of its simplest forms. Keep going even when you think you can’t. Lose yourself to find your limits, then go beyond, senseless, to find a new, truer version of you.

“This film contains so much artistry, thoughtfulness and fine-tuned story-telling. It is exquisite. I can only imagine the amount of editing that went into this. Incredible job, Dylan Harris. And thank you to the one-of-a-kind Eric Senseman for allowing this journey to be shared. Beautiful,” wrote Jec Ballou. And he is right.

This is a story of Eric Senseman’s 2022 Cocodona 250 race. While Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy was the first to cross the finish line that year, Senseman embraced his own reasons for ever starting to run: “… I became engrossed with running, in part, because it made me feel like a kid,” he wrote in his piece for the rabbit blog. It’s beautiful to see him cover the miles with an attitude like no other—and it must have been even more inspiring to witness this in person.

“… what really stuck out to me was the relationship between Eric and his wife! I’ve seen so many other runners sort of blow off their partner at aid points, but even when he’s hurting so bad he always gives her a hug and a kiss before taking off again,” wrote Emma Happy.

Watch Senseman’s journey in this film by Dylan Harris.

by Pina Marek

“What Brought You Here?” A Beautiful Exploration of Human Connection & the Bonds Running Provides

Take a deep breath, take it all in… What happens when a group of runners converge in the most remote town in Scotland? What happens when they take cold dips and run the surrounding hills together? A community is formed—a community of people who, so different yet so similar, develop the most beautiful human connections.

This short film is “an exploration of what motivates us to run, shining light on the importance of time spent amongst nature, no matter where you’ve come from. Based in the Highlands of Scotland, ‘What Brought You Here?’ follows a diverse group of participants as they journey throughout the Knoydart Peninsula and beyond, an adventure hosted by George Bauer and Aire Libre Running…”

by Pina Marek

When We Love Our Gear to Death: The Last Goodbye to an (Extra)Ordinary Hat

It can be hard to say goodbye to your gear, especially when it’s a piece that’s been with you through thick and thin and joined you on every adventure over the span of 15 years. Just like with people, sometimes the life of an item comes to an end; it can’t be healed, it can’t be repaired. And it’s time to say goodbye.

In nearly every one of Beau Miles’ videos, his hat can be seen accompanying him. When his hat—his most loyal piece of gear—died, he did one thing: “With a heavy heart and a head full of memories, I’m taking my beloved hat for one last run.”

The hat’s last journey, a 40-kilometer run from Mt Baw Baw to Walhalla, is a celebration of its service to Beau. And—a little warning—it’s heartwarming and heartbreaking simultaneously.

by Pina Marek