“I’m a runner in Utah, not an Utah runner girl.”
Go check #runtok right now, and you will find this feeling that splashes over different videos. At first glance, the little tweak in the word order may seem trivial – but as it turns out, in Continuous societyThe diction is important.
“Utah Runner Girl” is a phrase that includes a specific group of running impacts based in Utah. They have become known for their endless range of perfectly curated clothes, long daily downhill routes and simple (read: often unattainable) image of running.
“I don’t identify myself with these stereotypes at all,” says Erica GebbiaAn Utah-based runner and cyclist. “Yes, I love to have light, colorful clothes, but at the end of the day that’s not what running is about. As a runner, I am focused on the work and effort it takes, not how I look or what gear I wear.”
She adds that in addition to the somewhat disgusting optics, many of these influencers are an excellent example of the privilege found in Utah. “Many come from rich backgrounds and have made social media to their full -time job. They can afford Latest Lululemon Gear And travel to all the breeds they want, “says Gebbia.” So many dedicated athletes in Utah do not fit that form. They balance careers, families and education, and it is they who really represent Utah -running society but do not get the gap. “
In fact, most runners in Utah do not identify with this picture. “I work a 9 to 5 in healthcare, I still wear old T-shirts from high school and college, compete only a few times a year (must keep you healthy), and I try to be realistic about my life and content, it’s not always fun and it’s never perfect,” says Natalie BeallAnother runner in Utah who feels frustrated by the representation of his state’s running society. She also notes that she followed up these women when their accounts began to feel “insurmountable.”
“It’s a bang on the face to look at like someone who fits a specific mold (beautiful, tanned, trendy) can post a video that runs simply downhill, and suddenly the internet is in reverence,” says Gebbia. “In reality, downhill looks quickly and spotted on social media, but it doesn’t tell the whole story of what it means to be a strong, well -rounded runner.”
According to Gebbia, “Real Utah Running Community” has incredible friendship based on shared experiences, tough challenges and lifting each other up. It is filled with “People with all backgrounds, supports each other at local competitions, which appear in the dead of winter for training runs and do not push themselves for social media but because they love the sport. That side of the Utah scene deserves to be highlighted.”
In addition to the idyllic, overly sanited image that often comes with the social media fiction of, yes, the all-reason for the “Utah runner” has been more under review recently has to do with politics.
“It has been a growing insight on the web that some of the most popular ongoing influences in society are Trump supporters, which has led to a lot of conversation and resistance,” says Gebbia.
Why does it matter who these influencers voted for? At first glance it may not seem that politics has anything to do with running – after all, regardless of our connections, can we not just coexist in the name of the training? Of course, running is an extremely inclusive tool for building community and Unite peopleregardless of background and beliefs. At the same time, Running is (and has always been) in itself political.
This is because so many issues that are important for runners are in themselves bound to social, public and environmental policy. For evidence, just dig into the story of (women were not even allowed to Compete in marathon until 1967and not at the Olympic level until 1984), consider the ongoing questions about who has the privilege of securing running spaces (queer, women and black Americans continue to face security problems) or look at how our government’s elections form access to outdoor spaces for the current community (the current administration Just dismissed huge numbers of US forest services and employees in the National Park Service that maintains and preserves public land).
In Utah, especially concern about environmental preservation is incredibly potent. “Many people move to Utah for their unmatched access to outdoors. In my opinion it is one of the most beautiful states in the country,” says Melissa OrlandiAn eager runner based in Utah.
“With the powerful five national parks, world-class skiing, breathtaking hiking trails and expansive forests, Utah is a sanctuary for those who love to be outside. Because of this, the state has attracted a lively community of athletes, runners and outdoor enthusiasts forming the backbone in Utah’s recreation culture.” ”
At the same time, Orlandi adds, there is no secret that Utah is a deeply conservative state, which means that the adoption of legislation that prioritizes environmental conservation and investments in public land can be challenging. And, “At national level, the current administration’s actions set a worrying precedent on how public land and environmental preservation will be prioritized forward.”
So while people in the public limelight are really not guilty fans or followers unobstructed access to their personal lives, it seems understandable that people would like to know where their colleagues #runtok -creators are in issues that are deeply important to the running world. And it seems equally understandable that the same influencer would meet review of voting for a candidate who does not have the best interest in his society in mind.
After all, if you will represent (and take advantage of) a particular society, should you not also be prepared to stand up for the questions that are important to that group – or meet the fall if you do not?
As Orlandi sees it, all Utah’s leisure communities, especially runners, must participate in these discussions: “If you think running is not political, it may be time to reflect on the privilege that allows you to take these spaces for granted.”
Kristine Thomason is a lifestyle writer and editor based in southern California. Previously, she was Health and Fitness Director at MindboyGreen and Fitness and Wellness editor at Women’s Health. Kristine’s work has also appeared in PS, Travel + Leisure, Men’s Health, Health and RaffinaDay29, among others.
