As a straight male, I’m supposed to drool, mouth agape, over fast cars, loud motorcycles, and anything else with an engine and tires. But I gain far more pleasure from joyful runs than joy rides. And it’s more than just the runner’s high that makes riding in a pair of running shoes much more stimulating than a set of wheels. Sound ludicrous? Here’s why I’d rather tie shoelaces than fasten a seatbelt.
Running vs driving
Unlike most teens, my lanky, awkward self was in no rush to get my driver’s license. Once I had my learner’s permit, I rarely wanted to hit the road—not because I was legally required to have a parent riding shotgun. I was just much more interested in pounding the pavement with outsole rubber than tire rubber. Driving gave me anxiety, while running offered me peace. Running was my outlet to escape from the drama of high school and college, girls and grades included. Running instilled in me more confidence and taught me more life lessons—perseverance, dedication, intestinal fortitude—than those I learned in any classrooms.
Sure, I couldn’t go as fast or as far as a vehicle, but when I discovered the places running could take me—in my mind and about town—and the way a run could made me feel, I was hooked. A far healthier addiction than most teens turn to. The runner’s high gave me the only lift I needed, and it elevated my mind and body to new heights.
First car vs first shoe
I was perfectly fine with the hand-me-down 1997 Dodge Caravan I received from my parents. I was fully aware it wasn’t “cool” to be seen driving a soccer mom van, but I didn’t care. It got me from point A to B in however many minutes it took. The red van became even less sexy when an accident forced me to replace one of the doors with a black one.
On the contrary, I couldn’t be more pumped to lace up a pair of Brooks Ghost 4. I’ve sure been running a while—the Ghost 15 is the latest model. It wasn’t my first running shoe, but it was the first one that made me fall in love with running. Running never felt so comfortable and, not easy, but let’s say, less difficult. Running went from a dreaded chore to something I eagerly did for pleasure, and some pain, of course.
Not fast or furious
I’m a movie nerd, and, growing up, I was drawn to all of the crappiest 90’s and 2000’s action movies. Of course, most boys are; that doesn’t make me unique. But, when it came to “car movies” like The Fast and The Furious franchise, I couldn’t have been less revved up.
I vividly remember a middle school friend dragging me to the movie theater to see 2 Fast 2 Furious. Even at 11 years old, and despite the movie’s unfair advantage on a gigantic screen and at a deafening volume, I could tell I was watching one of the worst movies ever made.
Years later, I realize I wasn’t far off. The movie sits at a 37% on Rotten Tomatoes, although, surprisingly, not the worst-rated film in the franchise. That honor goes to 2009’s Fast & Furious (28%), not to be confused with the original, 2001’s The Fast and The Furious (54%). Go figure, I would’ve thought the lowest-rated sequel would be The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift, the lackluster Paul Walker- and Vin Diesel-less abomination. Alas, it managed to garner one percentage point higher with a whopping 38%.
Running time
Give me the relatable Brittany Runs a Marathon, the movie that poignantly and comedically captures the trials and tribulations of training for a marathon and the mental and physical obstacles runners face just making it to the starting line, let alone running 26.2 miles.
As if running a marathon isn’t challenging enough, the 2014 documentary, The Barkley Marathons: The Race that Eats its Young, gave a whole new meaning to long-distance running. The footage of runners attempting to finish the 100+ mile trail ultramarathon held in Tennessee’s Frozen Head State Park is equal parts motivating, riveting, and terrifying.
And I can’t forget the biopic, Without Limits, chronicling inspiring Olympic runner Steve Prefontaine. The film details his unique approach to running and challenging relationship with coach Bill Bowerman—co-founder of Nike.
Judge a magazine by its cover
Throughout my early years, I’d always reach for magazines over books. They’re larger, of shorter length, and, most importantly, they’ve got pictures! Instead of photos of engines and car bodies, glossy spreads of running shoe midsoles and distinct upper colorways caught my eye, and held it cover to cover in magazines like Runner’s World. Can’t say I’ve ever opened a copy of Motor Trend, Car and Driver, or Hot Rod. And with titles like those, I know I’m not missing much.
I always looked forward to reading reviews of the latest and greatest running shoes. The Brooks Ghost was a favorite of Runner’s World even more than a decade ago. I understand car reviews are important, but how difficult is it really to choose a vehicle? My family’s driveway has always been filled with Toyotas and Hondas, so I know to choose one of the two Japanese brands. The only other consideration is how low to the road I want to sit; I don’t think I can ever go back to a car after owning an SUV.
Two kinds of racing
Formula 1 racing is all the rage these days, but I find the races to be rather tame in comparison to the thrill of watching the 5th Avenue Mile race in New York City or the heartwarming way the running community convenes each April for the legendary Boston Marathon. And nothing matches the feat of Eliud Kipchoge continually defeating Father Time at the World Marathon Majors.
I’ll take a show following the elite runners on and off the roads over Netflix’s popular Drive to Survive. I mean, I already tune in to follow the adventures of non-elite runners like Kofuzi on YouTube. Yes, I know F1 drivers are athletes, but I’m simply much more intrigued—and impressed—by what athletes can do with two shoes instead of four wheels. As for NASCAR, well, some things are better left unsaid.
Mo money, mo problems
For my money, it’s much more feasible to make a one-time payment of $200 to go fast in a pair of running shoes rather than cough up $500/month for 48+ months in a sedan with a couple pairs of tires. To be fair, I purchase much more than just one pair of shoes a year. Now, this is when motorcycle enthusiasts will say it’s more cost-effective (and fun) with just one pair of wheels. And then I point out the dangers of riding a Harley—much more serious than the disingenuous rallying cry of “Running is bad for your knees!” They might as well be channeling characters from A Christmas Story and warning us, “You’ll shoot your eye out!”
Nothing to hold us back
But the main reason I prefer running shoes over cars? It’s rather simple: they’re the daily tools I use to improve my life. By using the shoes that make running feel—and look—good, I’ve committed to much more than just a healthy hobby. My commitment to running and the resulting obsession inspired me to start this website. It may not be a globally renown running magazine like Runner’s World, but, like a great pair of running shoes taking me to new heights, I know The Size 15 Runner site will take me to new pinnacles. And unlike drivers, runners have no speed limit, gas tank, stop sign, or traffic light holding us back.
