I like reading running snark forums and people often call out when influencers are being irresponsible. But the really interesting thing is when they catch an influencer in a lie about it. I remember one where the woman woke up at 3am or whatever to get in her Peloton workout and post about before catching an early flight, but the workout was not logged in her activity stream. Or when people hide their total elapsed time on strava so we don't know how long the photo/video breaks were -- that hilly 10 miler sure would look different with a few 20" breaks in it ;) It's deceptive bc it creates the impression that these athletes don't need rest or breaks, and if followers train more rigidly and are disciplined enough we could get to that level of "fitness" too.
So to answer your question, if the influencer is just posting product reviews and inspirational photos, I think they have less responsibility to be honest about their training. But if they are giving any kind of their own training advice, esp if they offering coaching services, selling training plans, posting videos about PT/stretching/diet, I think there should be higher ethical standards for them. I have no ideas on how those could be enforced though.
It's interesting, I have to limit myself on those websites because I know they've talked about me and several years ago they said some things that really hurt me. A lot of the stuff they've said is pretty valid and things I share similar opinions of.
And 100% agreed about the coaching. No one really owes it to anyone to share everything they do running wise (or life wise), but when they are selling things and making a profit, I think they do.
Lori mentioned this to me last night and I have been thinking about it since.
Maybe I think differently but being genuine in my training is important. There will be some rad days with lots of vert and stories and pics/videos. There will be other days that are flat out boring and it's just a run.
Sharing both is important. Not everyday is over the top and not every day is boring and that is what makes the journey so much fun.
For example, I have been recovering from a 50 miler for two weeks. Haven't done much of anything and then ran this past week a couple of times. On Sunday, I ran and it felt great. I was so happy and when I post my dancing video that is what people see because I was thrilled to run 1h15m without issue and had a blast.
Do the thing that makes you happy and you'll attract the community you want to be in!
I 100% agree Jason. I haven't had a ton of negative comments because I think I surround myself with people who just like running and don't make it their whole identity.
I cannot get into the negative commenting thought process. I don't understand how people cannot recognize that they don't have to comment, that they can scroll by and go find something that makes them smile.
Yes, I think they do need to be more responsible. And I agree with lots of what you’ve said. It’s difficult though when money and partnerships are on the line. In 2022 I was offered a spot in London Marathon with 10 weeks to go, but as I was running good mileage already it wasn’t a big task to get ready. But as I’d run that race before, I would have declined had it not been a wise move. This year I’ve seen influencers who are nowhere near marathon ready accepting spots at very short notice. I imagine it’s difficult for them to decline if there is money on the line or a spot in a race they might not get to do otherwise. And in this case I think it’s on the brands/PR agencies to safeguard those people.
I know what you mean Laura! I've been in the spot of declining major marathon entries because they were too short notice and I wasn't marathon training. Could I have finished? Sure, but was it smart? No. I'm probably of a different mindset since blogging/influencing isn't my full time job that I would rather not hurt myself then accept payment to run a major marathon (which is wild, because there isn't a ton of money in "running influencing" like if you were in the fitness/wellness space). So I can't imagine the payment to run these major marathons is "huge".
I like reading running snark forums and people often call out when influencers are being irresponsible. But the really interesting thing is when they catch an influencer in a lie about it. I remember one where the woman woke up at 3am or whatever to get in her Peloton workout and post about before catching an early flight, but the workout was not logged in her activity stream. Or when people hide their total elapsed time on strava so we don't know how long the photo/video breaks were -- that hilly 10 miler sure would look different with a few 20" breaks in it ;) It's deceptive bc it creates the impression that these athletes don't need rest or breaks, and if followers train more rigidly and are disciplined enough we could get to that level of "fitness" too.
So to answer your question, if the influencer is just posting product reviews and inspirational photos, I think they have less responsibility to be honest about their training. But if they are giving any kind of their own training advice, esp if they offering coaching services, selling training plans, posting videos about PT/stretching/diet, I think there should be higher ethical standards for them. I have no ideas on how those could be enforced though.
It's interesting, I have to limit myself on those websites because I know they've talked about me and several years ago they said some things that really hurt me. A lot of the stuff they've said is pretty valid and things I share similar opinions of.
And 100% agreed about the coaching. No one really owes it to anyone to share everything they do running wise (or life wise), but when they are selling things and making a profit, I think they do.
And this is why you are one of my favorite running influencers!
I appreciate you Claire!
This is terrific, thank you. I think I've finally made myself mostly immune to comparison spirals, as you put it, but it's definitely a real thing.
It really is and it's so hard not to compare!
Lori mentioned this to me last night and I have been thinking about it since.
Maybe I think differently but being genuine in my training is important. There will be some rad days with lots of vert and stories and pics/videos. There will be other days that are flat out boring and it's just a run.
Sharing both is important. Not everyday is over the top and not every day is boring and that is what makes the journey so much fun.
For example, I have been recovering from a 50 miler for two weeks. Haven't done much of anything and then ran this past week a couple of times. On Sunday, I ran and it felt great. I was so happy and when I post my dancing video that is what people see because I was thrilled to run 1h15m without issue and had a blast.
Do the thing that makes you happy and you'll attract the community you want to be in!
I 100% agree Jason. I haven't had a ton of negative comments because I think I surround myself with people who just like running and don't make it their whole identity.
I cannot get into the negative commenting thought process. I don't understand how people cannot recognize that they don't have to comment, that they can scroll by and go find something that makes them smile.
Why are they allergic to smiling and laughing?
Yes, I think they do need to be more responsible. And I agree with lots of what you’ve said. It’s difficult though when money and partnerships are on the line. In 2022 I was offered a spot in London Marathon with 10 weeks to go, but as I was running good mileage already it wasn’t a big task to get ready. But as I’d run that race before, I would have declined had it not been a wise move. This year I’ve seen influencers who are nowhere near marathon ready accepting spots at very short notice. I imagine it’s difficult for them to decline if there is money on the line or a spot in a race they might not get to do otherwise. And in this case I think it’s on the brands/PR agencies to safeguard those people.
I know what you mean Laura! I've been in the spot of declining major marathon entries because they were too short notice and I wasn't marathon training. Could I have finished? Sure, but was it smart? No. I'm probably of a different mindset since blogging/influencing isn't my full time job that I would rather not hurt myself then accept payment to run a major marathon (which is wild, because there isn't a ton of money in "running influencing" like if you were in the fitness/wellness space). So I can't imagine the payment to run these major marathons is "huge".