The marathon is a tough distance and I sometimes find that there's a lot of pressure as soon as I mention that I'm doing one. Especially if you are labeled with 'the runner' persona. The first question usually asked is "What time will you do it in?". As if that's the only thing that matters. Glad you found an outlet through photography though.
I feel like I have experienced this as well, it's sort of an artist's curse... There is something poetic about the artist trying to become their art, to become their muse, to become what they are seeking to capture. In this case, it is the runner. The marathoner, the idea of the ideal marathoner. The relationship of give and take and seeking to understand, and whether it is conscious or not, the ego that oozes out of knowing and judging one's own value based on a set of status symbols that aren't necessarily associated with them at all. In the writing, the authenticity of thought and social media, and ego all come through in a way that feels eerily familiar. I am 29, about to be 30, and I have run a few marathons, none of which have felt good at all, none of which resulted in accomplishing my original goal time, and all of which I let my ego get the best of me, nonetheless there is something connecting and human about doing difficult shit and I think there is a lot to be said about just that. Love reading your writing and love your photography.
Derek - first of all, thank you so much for taking the time to read. truly means the world to me. everyone’s time is so valuable, so i appreciate you giving up some of your time for this. secondly, i love the way you think about this.. the artist trying to become their work.. what a phrase. wow. appreciate the kind words on photos & writing. be well brother!
The marathon is a tough distance and I sometimes find that there's a lot of pressure as soon as I mention that I'm doing one. Especially if you are labeled with 'the runner' persona. The first question usually asked is "What time will you do it in?". As if that's the only thing that matters. Glad you found an outlet through photography though.
I feel like I have experienced this as well, it's sort of an artist's curse... There is something poetic about the artist trying to become their art, to become their muse, to become what they are seeking to capture. In this case, it is the runner. The marathoner, the idea of the ideal marathoner. The relationship of give and take and seeking to understand, and whether it is conscious or not, the ego that oozes out of knowing and judging one's own value based on a set of status symbols that aren't necessarily associated with them at all. In the writing, the authenticity of thought and social media, and ego all come through in a way that feels eerily familiar. I am 29, about to be 30, and I have run a few marathons, none of which have felt good at all, none of which resulted in accomplishing my original goal time, and all of which I let my ego get the best of me, nonetheless there is something connecting and human about doing difficult shit and I think there is a lot to be said about just that. Love reading your writing and love your photography.
Derek - first of all, thank you so much for taking the time to read. truly means the world to me. everyone’s time is so valuable, so i appreciate you giving up some of your time for this. secondly, i love the way you think about this.. the artist trying to become their work.. what a phrase. wow. appreciate the kind words on photos & writing. be well brother!