I started The Size 15 Runner blog less than a year ago, so I wasn’t sure what to expect attending my first running expo this week as a “run blogger.” Each year, thousands from running brands and retailers attend The Running Event to do business. Additionally, members of the media play a crucial role in promoting the event—and all the new running shoes and gear on display—to the public. Here are the most common—and head scratching—questions I was asked as an unknown media attendee of The Running Event in Austin, TX. Enjoy my random, head-scratching movie and music references littered throughout.
Are you a retailer?
Nope, I’m not a retailer, I work—
Do you work for a running company?
No, I don’t work for a running company and I’m not a retailer, so that leaves only one option, I—
“You work at the Austin Convention Center?”
Not that option. I—
“You’re on the staff of The Running Event?
Wrong again. I run a site called The Size 15 Runner. I’m a run blogger attending as a member of the media. You remember the media, right? I promise I’m not the running paparazzi. (Is that a thing?) Speaking of, did you know Lady Gaga’s 2008 song “Paparazzi” is about fame and love, pondering whether you can have both or only one?” It’s a question that frequently keeps me up at night despite having neither fame nor love. And good luck trying to get that obnoxious chorus out of your head when you’re lying awake at 3 a.m. “Papa-paparazzi,” indeed!
Who did you say you’re with?
Umm, it’s been just 30 seconds since I told you. The answer is still The Size 15 Runner. It exists, I promise! I’ve got a website and everything. Ok, maybe just a website for now, but I only just launched in April. You should check it—actually, never mind we both know you won’t be doing that! The Buggles so astutely proclaimed in 1979 that “Video Killed the Radio Star” and it looks like social media, YouTube, and podcasts killed the run blogger.
Can I help you? (asked negatively)
Oh, hi, I’m a run blogger. I’m taking photos of your new shoes for my blog.
“Oh, good. I thought you were another running brand.”
Why does that matter? Are you afraid people will see your shoes that are showcased on display for thousands to see? Isn’t that the point of an expo? It’s not a secret recipe you’re guarding so others won’t steal the ingredients. And it’s certainly not the Declaration of Independence. Gosh, that National Treasure sure was a great film! The first one, not the nonsensical, lame sequel. [insert joke about Nicolas Cage being a national treasure.]
So, what’s your plan for today?
Umm, I’ll probably just visit the expo hall and meet with different brands at their booths. What am I missing? Is there a second expo hall I don’t know about? Is there an after-party? Oh, please tell me about the exclusive after-party! I’m sure it’ll be just like that movie House Party! Well, I suppose it won’t be held at a house, though. And Kid ‘n Play probably won’t be there, right? Is media allowed? I won’t take any photos, I promise. Ok, maybe just one overindulgent selfie. I just want to fit in—and I crave attention. (Just look at the header image for this blog post.) Anyway, what’s your plan for today?
Instead of photos, why don’t you talk to the shoe designer?
I wish I made this up. After a mere 60 seconds of taking photos in the booth, I received this passive-aggressive question filled with ample sass. The guy went on to criticize how bloggers approach his booth. Hey, I don’t blame the guy; I’d be a bit upset too if the brand I worked for had absolutely no new running products on display. Oh well, there’s always next year’s event—assuming they’re still making running shoes in 2024. Drake and DJ Khaled have “No New Friends” and you, sir, have no new running shoes.
Have you ever had your foot scanned?
Seriously, man? We just met. Why don’t you slow things down a bit. You can’t ask that kind of intimate question right out of the gate! The answer is no, but I’ll tell you “Yes, I have; 3D foot scanning is pretty cool technology” so that you don’t ask your follow up question: “Can I scan your foot?” Look, I’m not kink shaming, but not everyone has a foot fetish. Let me guess, your favorite film is probably 1981’s Scanners where people’s heads literally explode. Oops, spoiler alert. Anyhow, I would never say this to his face, but he actually seemed like a wonderful person.
So, why are you here? (from someone I’ve met before)
Uh, why do you think? I’m covering the event just like you. We’ve emailed, DM’d, and talked in person all within the past few months. Do you seriously not know why I’d be here? Do I not “belong” here? Well, it sure was great catching up. As the great Maya Angelou famously said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
All bizarre interactions aside, the positive exchanges far outnumbered the negative; I met so many wonderful people at The Running Event. I had an awesome experience and it opened my eyes to what it’s like covering an expo as a member of the media. Looking forward to stepping outside my comfort zone again to attend more industry events—and feeling uncomfortable fielding even more head-scratching questions.
