Leave your phone at home and just get running
It’s the running question of our age. No, not: ‘‘Should I drink the latest sports nutrition drink that is all the rage’’? (Answer: almost never.)
And, no, not: ‘‘Will short shorts ever be a thing again’’? (Answer: when were they ever NOT a thing?)
No, it’s far more fundamental and tricky: to take photos or not to take photos, that is the question.
As I graze on my social media feed, I see a constant stream of incredible photos taken by my running mates. I love them. I’m a useless photographer, but some of my running mates have a talented eye.
Then there are the runners I don’t know but who I follow on Instagram to feel inspired and jealous in equal measure.
Actually, there’s a slice of the Instagram crowd who I’m suspicious of: I’m sure some of them don’t even have time for running because they’re too busy getting the light, composition and pithy inspirational quote just right, getting symmetry in scenery and stride.
I follow those improbable runners too and tap ‘‘like’’ on their crafted shots but when I ponder the inherent question of whether or not to take pictures on the run, I’m not thinking about those types.
I’m thinking about us regular runners: the ones who wear illmatching outfits and really don’t care.
Just because every second runner takes photos while they run these days doesn’t mean you should, right? As your mother told you, just because everyone else is doing something is not a reason to do it.
There are pros and cons, and it depends on your running goal.
Sometimes, taking photos is a good way to remind yourself that a run is just a cruise, a time to get out on your feet, enjoy the outdoors and soak in a bit of fresh air.
Go ahead and snap a picture, just to slow down and catch your breath; even share it if that’s your inclination.
Sometimes you’re keen to capture a moment with your mates, a social occasion which you happen to be having in your running gear. Snap!
And I’ll confess that I’ve even taken photos during races, admittedly really long races. Partly it’s an excuse to stop, partly it’s because some races, especially trail races, take you to some truly exceptional parts of
the country and you just can’t help yourself. It’s an inherent part of being human these days – see something amazing (or even just moderately interesting) and if you look around you, a bunch of people will have their phones out. Snap!
I’ve almost forgotten what used to happen before.
But getting back to those photos I’ve taken during long races. In the Tarawera Ultramarathon this year, for instance, I couldn’t resist photographing the roaring Tarawera Falls, accessible only via the track we were running.
Why I couldn’t just be satisfied to stand in front of it in awe for a moment beats me. So too does whatever it was that compelled me to take a selfie – who am I any more?
(The universe punished me for that, though. I didn’t know until I looked at the photo later that it not only captured the magnificent waterfall, it also showed that my face was splattered with the remains of a drink that hadn’t agreed with me...).
So, I’m prepared to say that taking photos on the run has its place these days (although I’m probably scarred for life when it comes to selfies mid-run).
But there are times when you should never take photos.
At the start of a race, for instance. Put your phone away and just run, damn it! As you fumble around with your phone, you cause others behind you to stumble and stop. It’s congested enough at a startline.
And there are times when the best thing about running is your chance to disconnect from technology. In modern life, the chance to do that is diminishing.
So, sometimes, for your own good, leave your phone at home and just run.
Just because every second runner takes photos while they run these days doesn’t mean you should, right?
Eugene Bingham and Matt Rayment host trail running podcast Dirt Church Radio. Learn more at dirtchurch radio.com or get in touch via email dirtchurchradio@gmail.com