I like running and singing, but not at the same time…
This is one of my favorite Jon Foreman songs, and it’s based on words spoken by Amos, an old testament prophet. They are so applicable to today in many ways. You only have to skim over some “discussions” on social media platforms to see how distracted we have become with ourselves while ignoring the world’s injustices.
Let there be a flood of justice.
Welcome to a blog series called “Why do you run?“. I hope to publish inspiring insights from runners I know, on why they started running and continue to do so.
Matthew likes to run, and likes to run a lot! He is a member of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill chapter of Black Men Run. I’ve never properly met the famous MLT, but we’ve often passed each other on our runs and will plan to run together some day soon!
Continue reading “Why do you run, Matthew L Thompson?”
Welcome to a blog series called “Why do you run?“. I hope to publish inspiring insights from runners I know, on why they started running and continue to do so.
I met Andy when he was working for Fleet Feet in Morrisville. He knows my weird feet intimately and introduced me to Altra shoes. I still bug him from time to time for shoe advice, even though he’s moved on to bigger and better things in Washington, DC.
Thanks to Andy for sharing some great thoughts below. I really wish he’d expanded on his animal taming habits — there just may be a Netflix documentary about him some day.
Continue reading “Why do you run, Andy Chang?”You may or may not have noticed, the tag-line for my blog is “I like running and singing, but not at the same time…”. It’s been a while since I posted any music videos, but I’ve started to make an effort recently to get back to playing and recording more frequently.
Here is a cover of a U2 song, called “One”.
I’ll have a couple more songs coming soon, including some collaboration projects I’m really excited about. Stay tuned…
Welcome to a blog series called “Why do you run?“. I hope to publish inspiring insights from runners I know, on why they started running and continue to do so.
Gannon has been running with Morrisville Run Club (MRC) for a while now. I believe he joined our crew when we were training for the Tobacco Road Marathon in 2018/2019. He likes to run a lot of miles along with his dog, Gunner.
Continue reading “Why do you run, Gannon Griffin?”
I’ve been creating running photos like this for a while now and recently people have been asking how it is done.
It started off with a fascination with floating photos, where both feet are off the ground. I expanded this to pull multiple frames from the same video and stitch them together to create images like above.
The complete process is carried out on an iPhone using apps Snapseed and Over. These apps are free and are available for both iOS and Android.
When I first started posting floating shots, the technique behind that was to take some slow-motion video (to provide the most usable frames) and screenshot the frame I needed.
This process builds upon that. You start with some slow-motion video, ensuring the background does not move. Then screenshot a number of non-overlapping frames from the video.
Before merging begins, you may want to enhance the individual frames in your favorite mobile photo editor. I use Snapseed for this task.
If you decide to crop, ensure each frame is cropped identically. I recommend leaving cropping and any straightening until after the merge stage.
To merge the frames I use Over, as it supports layers in a project. I load in the first image, and then immediately load the second image, ensuring it is sized and positioned correctly.
For some reason, Over adds subsequent images a little smaller than original size. To fix this, use the resize tool to increase to 125%. Be careful, not to move the photo.
Once it’s positioned correctly, use the mask tool to remove just enough of the 2nd photo so you can see yourself underneath. If you use the feathered mask tool, it will blend a lot better.
If you are a bit too aggressive with the mask tool, Over has a reverse mask tool to allow you to put pieces back. You can also zoom in to work on more intricate areas.
Continue the process of adding images for as many frames that you captured. Once all layers have been merged, export the image from Over.
Once exported, I usually bring it back into Snapseed to straighten and crop. It is now ready to post on your socials! I would love to see your creations, so please tag me if possible!
Here’s a video of the process I made while processing one of these images.
Welcome to a blog series called “Why do you run?“. I hope to publish inspiring insights from runners I know, on why they started running and continue to do so.
It’s-a-me! I’ve blogged about many other runners over the course of this series, and now with the launch of the #releasetherunner movement, it felt like a great time to share my own story.
I was never an athletic kid. I was the kid who dodged team sports and would rather spend the time in the band room, or art room. I suffered from childhood asthma, so it never took long for me to lose my breath when forced to participate.
It was my wife Liz that first started to run. I had absolutely no interest in it. She would keep asking me to join her, or try it for myself — and I did — but it never lasted long.
To find out what finally kicked my butt, and made me stick at it, keeping reading…
Continue reading “Why do you run, Alastair Vance?”
Who runs 2.5 miles, eats one dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts, and then runs another 2.5 miles to the finish — all within an hour? Not this guy…
You see, I already learnt my lesson. I just can’t eat that many doughnuts. I tried the challenge a few years ago and could only manage nine doughnuts before I’d had enough.
So this year I grabbed my box, ate two, then pushed through the crowds and ran on. In the same period, my daughter consumed five doughnuts. I’m saying nothing.
I run this race for the buzzing atmosphere, for the people in ridiculous costumes, and for the puddles-of-puke obstacle course. It’s also for a great cause, with the proceeds going to North Carolina Children’s hospital.
There was one guy, back on the course after the doughnut stop, still trying to swallow multiple doughnuts that he’d crammed in his mouth. He was running with a group of friends. I heard his friend encourage him, “Think about the kids!”, as he continued to gag.
There was two lads in a horse costume, the guy at the back running completely in the dark. I heard someone shout, “any chance of a ride?”. I bet they’d heard this a dozen times throughout the race, but they replied in good humor, “Sure, hop on! It can’t get any worse!”
One other memory is of a poor guy in a Care Bear suit. I was actually worried about him. His face was pained, red faced and he was breathing real loud and heavy. I had doubts he’d make it, but he survived. I saw him at the end.
Is really is an event for everyone!
Welcome to a blog series called “Why do you run?“. I hope to publish inspiring insights from runners I know, on why they started running and continue to do so.
How do I know Brendan? This man is like a brother to me. I’m known Brendan for years and always try to catch up when I’m back home.
Some of my first memories of Brendan is him running 16 miles out along country roads, and past my house. I used to think he was absolutely crazy.
I’ve also watched him participate in triathlons down at Daft Eddy’s, which is a wonderful spot for a pint if you’re ever in Ireland.
These days, he’s not as active as he used to be, but still enjoys getting out for a run. đŸ™‚
Continue reading “Why do you run, Brendan Mulholland?”
Alastair Vance 