In the Rearview Mirror
In Tracksmith’s earliest days, we explored different ideas for ways to present running a little differently. For a while, we considered never actually shooting runners running and only showing the moments before and after the workout. Ultimately, we decided that gear built for performance needed to be shown, well, performing. But that kernel of an idea stayed with us. We’ve been keen observers of all running’s little, if-you-know-you-know moments ever since.
I’ve been thinking a lot about Tracksmith’s early days recently, as I’ve been helping transition our new CEO, Jared Carver, into his role. You can read more about that here. As you can imagine, there’s a lot of ground (pun intended) to cover.
In walking Jared through the details that make Tracksmith, Tracksmith, I’ve gotten even more excited about what my new role – Chief Creative Officer – means for me. In a lot of respects, this is less of something new and more of a return, an opportunity to get back in the driver’s seat and focus on how we show up in the world. And by driver’s seat, I mean that quite literally. |
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For years, I drove the minivan from which Emily Maye, our long-time creative collaborator, photographer and director, shot our campaigns. It’s about as glamorous a job as you can imagine: driving 8-10 miles an hour down winding country roads, watching athletes hammer a long run through the rear view mirror.
That seat’s been the vantage point for many of my favorite Tracksmith memories, including a moment from our first-ever photo shoot that set the tone for the brand ever since. Ninety minutes into a long run on a dirt road in New Hampshire, after miles of back and forth, Mike Carlone dropped the hammer on Ruben Sanca. I remember thinking at the time, “No one else would wait 13 miles to capture this moment.” |
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Much has changed since that shoot. I kept driving the minivan for as long as possible, but in recent years it’s made more sense to cede that responsibility to others. This January, I returned to the minivan for our first spring shoot out in Oregon. We went deep into the country to find a road for our long run and, once there, were treated to a sunrise as good as any I’ve ever seen. The athletes went after it, like they always do, and I was transported right back to that memorable first run twelve years ago. This is the core of our work: showcasing both the beauty and suffering of training and racing.
It’s a privilege to do this work and a joy to tell these stories. I’m excited to keep building with this team and, as always, appreciate you joining us for the long run. |
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Classically Tracksmith
With spring approaching, here are a few Tracksmith favorites getting a seasonal refresh. |
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ELIOT RUNNER
Our first running shoe delivers everything you need from a daily trainer, namely progressive cushioning and high-energy return, in a streamlined and versatile silhouette.
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HARRIER LONG SLEEVE
Our original Merino wool layer remains my go-to for shoulder season training. The day when I can finally wear this with shorts? Heaven.
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GRAYBOY TEE
I spotted the original Grayboy on runners from Georgetown, a heavyweight cotton tee issued to the team and coveted by many (including me).
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Looking Back
Memories from workouts past. |
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Looking Forward
A peek at where we're going. |
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