The intersection between running and our creative pursuits.

Welcome back and thanks for taking the time. The topic this week is inspired by Rick Rubin. I have been listening to his podcast a lot  ( Tetragrammaton ) and reading a chapter of his book  ( the Creative Act ) every morning. It brought out the idea of how running is influenced by art and vice versa. Read along as I try to make sense of it all.

Let’s consider the way running was presented in the past, some brands that have changed the narrative and ways we can finally accept that yes, indeed we are all creative.

While running has been an established sport for a very long time I don’t know if there has ever been much culture within it. At least not as diverse as it is now. The act itself in my experience was either an athletic pursuit, a way to avoid being caught for something naughty or a punishment in gym class. Brands played it pretty safe and for the most part all participants sort of looked the same. There was only a few main brands that had a strangle hold on the market and there wasn’t really anyone stirring the pot. I’m sure trail running was a bit of a dark horse in the industry and I think attention has been magnified by current trends and movements supported by indie brands begging for an alternative.

When I say “culture” I think of places like Bali. It can be simplified into some simple categories such as Food, Music and art. These three things can help define and shape what a place is known for, exists for and is essentially the life line keeping it from becoming homogenized. There are a few key players that have entered running and injected it with other sub cultures to make it more accessible, less narrow minded and really launched the rockets of change and self expression within the sport.

Bandit - NYC born brand who seems to have built a brand on community. They invite customers in with coaching and programs that allow them to reach a potential they never knew existed. This attaches purpose and meaning to their name and makes it so much more than just something you wear to run. It’s proof that we can do hard things if we surround ourselves with the right people. The name itself comes from the act of entering a marathon without a bib. There is a small touch of rebellion from the start.

Photo - Xavi Portillo -

Satisfy - With over 10 years in the game and considered to be a pioneer of the current state of running this brand brought music, art and fashion to the table and opened up a whole new category in terms of what runners could look like and who it was for. While it might not be for everyone they are a smaller brand making the big dogs consider their next moves carefully. It will be interesting to see their approach in keeping the early adopters on board as the brand continues their expansion.

-article - lab.zip

Norda - While many would give credit to Salomon for building the bridge between fashion and trail shoes I think Norda has taken the baton. They found a niche and have taken a much more sustainable approach to the market by not adhering to typical playbooks. They aren’t releasing new models or new tech with the seasons. They nailed their first offering by focusing on materials, design and longevity of the product and they just update colorways. They took an alternative road of simplicity, minimal branding and relied on word of mouth to help them grow. I think they can work on their storytelling and selling the end result rather than the product, but they are doing a lot of things right.

Via - Norda

So you might be asking “ but how does all this running culture talk allow me to reach my creative potential? “ or maybe not but I’m gonna give it to ya anyways.

The way YOU run is a creative act. From the way you style your kit, the route you choose, to the way you hop over a puddle or duck under a tree branch; it’s all your unique approach. Running allows us to slow down ( sometimes ) and see our neighbourhood, new cities, nature and those around us in a new way. In the same way grabbing a camera and going for a walk helps you notice the little things that define where you are. Going for a run can unlock the missing puzzle piece to your next poem, song or painting.

If we can thank the lockdowns and social distancing for anything it would be the current boom of run clubs and people out there chasing dreams through running. Run Club allows us to connect with so many new people we would otherwise never get the chance to spend time with. From artists and musicians to doctors and lawyers. It’s pretty amazing, especially in Bali the global connections and lifelong relationships we can gather through the simple act of moving our bodies. 

To summarize ; consider supporting the small brands, run slower,  be yourself, take a look around and get to know the strangers we run with. Our goal with Flowerboy is to be a space where potential is limitless, where you can come as yourself and leave as an even better version. Through the ritual of coffee and the beautiful act of giving flowers, we are a small space with a huge impact. Come be part of it.

Until next time, thank you! Hope to run and enjoy a coffee with you soon.