My Running Journey and the Power of Advertising in Sport

I never thought I could be a runner.

Growing up, I hated running. As a goalkeeper in soccer and a defensive specialist in volleyball, my coaches always used running as a form of punishment… never for enjoyment. I always thought, “Why would anyone do this for fun? This is absolutely terrible.” All I had ever run was short distances when sprinting or quick laps around the field or gym. It was never comfortable, and I always finished out of breath with my sides cramping.

I went through high school with that same mindset, and when I got to college, I was so excited to never have to run again. On the occasional day that I was motivated, I ran sprints on the treadmill but felt like absolute death afterwards and never wanted to do it again. However, one day I was sitting on my couch watching tv when an advertisement ran during a commercial break. Normally, I tune out when an ad comes on, but this one instantly grabbed my attention. It showed many circumstances where one runs throughout the day, like running for the bus, running to hug a loved one after a long time apart, or running to kick a soccer ball into the goal. At the end of the advertisement, it said that if you have done any of those things, you are a runner. Anyone can be a runner. After watching that ad, my mindset on running quickly changed.

Because I know my iPhone listens to me, once that advertisement played, countless videos appeared throughout my social media feed giving advice to beginner runners on how to make the exercise more comfortable. Naturally, I was intrigued and didn’t scroll past them. After watching that ad and those videos, it clicked for me that everyone has to start somewhere. Did you know that you don’t have to run fast all the time? One cannot just go out and run five miles without any training. A side of me really wanted to try something new and turn the table on the thing I loathed for so long. Running is a fitness method that people seem to truly love, so why couldn’t I? The other side told me I would hate it, just like I always have. The first side won me over, and I started searching for beginner running plans.?

At first, I could barely run a mile without having to stop and catch my breath. I would finish with a lot of pain in my legs and feet and would be sore for days following. I thought, “Why would anyone keep doing this? How is this fun for anybody? There is no way a runner’s high exists.” Me being a wimp, I stopped for a while. But, everyone started talking about the The Tar Heel 10 Miler & 4 Mile Run race that comes around every April. No way was I going to run ten miles after barely surviving one, but there was also a four-mile race. As a challenge to myself to keep running and not give up too quickly, I signed up. I knew I had to fix the pain in my legs and feet to run long distances, so I bought some Hokas, solely because everyone said they liked them, and got back to it.

The training to get there was hard, but in the end, I completed the four-mile race of the Tar Heel 10 Miler in under 50 minutes, feeling on top of the world. Yes, my body hurt a lot afterwards and my feet were on fire… Sure, the medal was awesome… But knowing I accomplished something I never thought I could do was the best part. My goal now? Run the Tar Heel 10 Miler next April without stopping.

I am now running about three to four miles comfortably and trying to increase my mileage by one each month. So, by the end of October, I hope to run five miles with somewhat ease and build upon that. I realized that the Hokas did not work for me and my weird feet that turn inside when I run, so I invested in a pair of ASICS that I absolutely love. I have also found enjoyment in running, something I never thought I would say. When I go out to run, I turn on my hot girl running playlist, find somewhere paved with a pretty environment, and let it all go. As someone with lots of anxiety, simply listening to my body and allowing myself to decompress is a tool I have found to help tremendously.?

Let me remind you of something. What was it that got me into running again? AN AD!

Advertising in sport is such a powerful tool to inspire those to get outside their comfort zones and participate in something that brings so much joy and positivity to so many. One brand that consistently knocks this idea out of the park is 耐克 , and every time its ads come across my screen, I cannot help but to give my full attention. So many campaigns come to mind that I will never forget… “Dream Crazier,” “Find Your Greatness,” or “Just Do It”... the list continues on and on. Those advertisements are all about finding your true potential and not letting societal standards tell you what you can or cannot do. I could talk about the success of Nike in a whole other post, but the point is that advertising, if done correctly, can be so effective in portraying a message.?

My challenge to you? The next time advertisements come on during a commercial segment of your favorite show, watch them. Do not mute them, head to the kitchen to grab a snack, or take a bathroom break. You never know what a 30 second clip can do to inspire you.