Last week I traveled to Baltimore for the Believe in the Run Summer GRIT party. GRIT is a bi-annual distance project that “challenges runners to complete a mileage goal that goes beyond their typical comfort zone” for a month. But it would be a mistake to classify GRIT as just a month-long running event. GRIT plants the seeds to develop lifelong relationships among its members based on a shared passion for running, while empowering its running community to prosper.
As an introvert who gets anxious in new social situations, I tend to stick to the familiar. I’ve never been a part of a running community, so I was extremely nervous to show up alone and talk with a bunch of strangers and runners I admire whom I’ve only seen or heard on YouTube or podcasts.
But all my worries vanished as soon as I arrived at the Believe in the Run headquarters. I immediately chatted up another runner who also showed up solo. We quickly got to talking about my sub-3-hour training for the Marine Corps Marathon and his for Chicago — his first in seven years — my disdain for all-white shoes, and how olive green is the most underrated running shoe color.
Sharing miles and beers
After conversing at the headquarters and taking an epic group photo, we ventured out on quite the impressive group run along the picturesque Baltimore waterfront, concluding the three miles at Mobtown Brewing Company. Any run that ends at a brewery is exceptional, but this run was truly something special. Trotting alongside hundreds of enthusiastic runners, including icons like Kofuzi, Meghann Featherstun, and the Believe in the Run crew, along with the gorgeous harborside views, made this run truly unforgettable.
Of course, a running community is only as good as its people. I had the pleasure of meeting so many friendly faces, including the BITR team, ASICS crew, and Kofuzi — all were gracious with their time and conversation. A shoutout to ASICS’ Paul Lang for letting me nerd out on all-things running shoes, including my love of the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 — my current choice for daily trainer of the year.
The conversations were effortless, engaging, and authentic, and I’ve never wanted to talk to so many strangers in my life! Oh, the tasty liquid courage from Mobtown certainly helped. I alternated between the Witbier and the Ay, Caramba Mexican lager as I scarfed down pizza — all of which was so generously provided gratis by ASICS and Believe in the Run, a fruitful partnership that advances its commitment to runners with opportunities like this one.
Theirs wasn’t the only budding relationship on display. I continue to enjoy seeing Kofuzi and Believe in the Run collab on exciting running adventures. The dedication to their craft and the mutual respect and admiration for each other shines through in their work.
ASICS had the new Gel-Kayano 30 on hand for runners to demo and there were custom tees and tanks for us to take home. Runners also received hydration products along with Nix Biosensors, as part of the BITR, Featherstone Nutrition, ASICS, and Skratch Labs Summer Hydration Tour. Did I mention the free Ciele hat? I’ve always wanted to try one and was not disappointed. At the end of the night, a shuttle took us back to the BITR headquarters. I may have ended the night right where I started it, but I clearly was not the same person: my experiences that day gave me a new perspective on a running community.
GRIT brings us together
As I engaged with people that night, I realized something: I’ve been a part of Believe in the Run’s running community all along. I just didn’t know it.
My interaction with BITR’s social media channels, YouTube channel, The Drop newsletter, and written shoe reviews. My participation in GRIT events where every runner’s accumulation of miles, elevation, and time spent running are on full display for us to cheer each other on through the BITR Strava or Facebook group. Wearing BITR apparel to illustrate my fandom. Feeling like I’m in the same room as Thomas, Meaghan, and Robbe as they delightfully ramble on about anything and everything non-running related during The Drop podcast. GRIT was simply my opportunity to introduce myself to the community in-person and make new friends.
Believe in the Run started Summer GRIT during the height of COVID in summer 2020, proving that a running community is not confined to a location. A strong running community is comprised of a supportive culture, an inclusive way to undertake running, and some pretty awesome people.
An impactful running community brings together runners near and far, and that was evident in the range of people in attendance. From the special appearance of Kayano-San, the creator of the legendary ASICS Gel-Kayano, who traveled from Japan to attend, to the two runners I met from my childhood hometown! Despite graduating from the same small high school and even growing up on the same street as one of them, we had never formally met. It was BITR’s Summer GRIT party that brought us together.
Believe in the Run…and yourself
Merriam Webster defines grit as, “Having the firmness of mind or spirit or unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger.” Of course, I didn’t need to sign up for Summer GRIT to prove I have grit. While not facing any particular hardship or failure, I had found the courage to start this website and share myself and my writing — my innermost thoughts, ideas (hot takes included), and life experiences with family, friends, and the running world, despite intense fears, doubts, much second-guessing, and a bad case of imposter syndrome.
Truthfully, I almost didn’t make the trip to Baltimore. I didn’t have anyone willing to travel three-plus hours to attend an event on a weekday. I was in the same conundrum last year and my social anxiety of “networking” events and fear of the unknown kept me from attending. Instead, I suffered intense FOMO watching Kofuzi’s stellar “Runner’s Weekend” video recap of all the excitement I missed at the event. I must have watched that video three times. Then again, I watch all Kofuzi’s videos multiple times.
But I learned that I have to be willing, as BITR says, “to go beyond the typical comfort zone.” And I discovered that GRIT not only pushes us beyond our typical running comfort zone, but also our social comfort zone.
Fortunately, after the summer GRIT party, I didn’t have to wait too long to reconnect with the community. The next morning, the newest episode of The Drop podcast was waiting for me on Spotify. I pressed play and Thomas, Meaghan, and Robbe kept me company on my drive back to Richmond. After the episode ended, I had my memories from a fun-filled night to transport me back home. And, more importantly, no matter where I am in the world, I now know that Believe in the Run’s running community transcends all boundaries and obstacles, including the ones we arbitrarily place in front of ourselves.
What a wonderful account of a true growth experience. We all need to put ourselves out there, to be uncomfortable at times, to evolve and experience all that life can offer us.