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This piece explores the impact of commoditizing innate human activities like running, using the Blue Mountains UTMB as a prime example. It delves into how reliance on curated, commercialized events can diminish our originality, freedom, and zest for life. The article encourages readers to break away from these packaged experiences, suggesting a return to the simple, liberating joy of running in a quiet forest—where true freedom and connection with nature can be rediscovered.
Read MoreAmidst the crowded trails of the Blue Mountains, I found myself longing for the serenity that once defined the experience of an ultra marathon. The air was filled with the blare of speakers, the chatter of runners capturing live videos and selfies, and the overwhelming presence of people. The mountains, once a refuge for introspection, had become a stage for social media performances.
Reflecting on this, I recalled my friend, a pioneer of beach volleyball, who lamented how the sport had shifted from a beautiful dance of "keeping the ball in the air" to a game focused on quick victories and spectacle. The essence of the game, like the essence of running, was overshadowed by commercialization.
The UTMB Blue Mountains event left me exhausted—not from the physical challenge, but from the noise and lost opportunity for reflection. Running, a simple and freeing act, had been commodified.
Now, I choose a different path. I'll return to the joy of running in a forest, seeking peace away from the crowds and commercialization. Running is an act of liberation, and it's time to reclaim it for the sheer joy of movement and connection with nature.
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