Pro Runner Documentary

I enjoyed it and thought it was well-produced. Ryan was honest about himself and the sport of running.

y wrote:

Sounds like he dislikes his job.

Exactly. Seems like a nice enough guy, but came across as really disenchanted with running.

its depressing.

Seems like a very accurate portrayal of how things are... I was surprised to see someone with his track speed and marathon range still working retail in the shoe store. His Brooks contract must not be enough

That video is depressing. Not motivating at all as we see a guy who seems to hate the lifestyle and the sacrifices he makes to run.

Pro runners need to take note of guys like Josh Cox, who is 2 minutes slower than Vail, but can make a living at the sport because of the way they promote/interact/carry themselves.

Nice video. Yes, a bit melancholy.

Training with a group of similar runners would help him (if it were feasible).

- rovatti

The video captured the reality of being a 2.11 marathoner - toil and solitude - yet providing simple rewards of a personal nature.

I agree it was a great video, and I also agree that the dude doesn't seem that thrilled.

Maybe he's just a "boring" person (hey, me too!). I hope he's happy with what he's doing, though this video doesn't really make it seem that way.

I like the honest, low key perspective.

Only the very top and the near-the-top with excellent self-marketing skills make a decent living in this sport. Ryan's just stating the reality of our sport. I think it speaks volumes about the character and resolve which I can only imagine it takes to live the runner lifestyle year after year after year.

It would be nice if more distance runners had the same riches and notoriety lavished on our football, basketball, and baseball players. In truth these professionals had to work just as hard to make it to the big stage, if not harder. With all that money to be made every guy who did make it did so by beating out thousands of would be pros. You figure the typical draftee has been playing in their sport over a decade already. Before making it to the college ranks, before making varsity, most were shuttled around all week long to select and travel teams along with every other parent who swore their kid is the next Lebron James, Peyton Manning, Alex Rodriguez or Tiger Woods. But once those pros do make it, they live like rock stars where as the 'pro' runner has to work even harder.

Let’s be honest. Money has always been a big part of our professional sports. But there's too much money at stake now. Playoff season's run almost as long as the regular season. NBA officiating is a joke. Lock-outs. Practically zero drug testing. Rules changes to protect high worth players and keep the viewers glued to the set. It’s all about profits and entertainment value. Athletic competition is secondary.

The anonymity which most pro runners live under is both a curse and a blessing. I'm sure there are days when Ryan questions his sanity, working in a running store to make a living despite being one of the best in the country at his sport. But he is afforded the luxury of knowing what fans he does have admire him for the man he is and the effort he puts forth, not for his money or fame.

The documentary was boring and Ryan seems unenthusiastic and miserable.

Cicirunner wrote:

The documentary was boring and Ryan seems unenthusiastic and miserable.

You impressionable pansies.

It appears the outdoor scenes were filmed in the early evening and on cloudy, rainy days. The music in the video is mellow and not uplifting. I'm guessing Ryan answers questions that he was asked, not his fault if they aren't the most interesting questions.

With different editing, music and weather Ryan Vail is the most interesting man in the world.

I still enjoyed the video and thought it was well-done.

you're right. he doesn't seem like someone i would ever want to be around. were they trying to discourage people from becoming pro runners with this video? but hey, at least he'll be able to say he's run a solid marathon when he's retired...good for him. at least he was able to compete with the world's ..er...best marathoners, Zzzzzzzzzzzz

asdfasdf wrote:

He's really boring... He spoke in a very boring, monotone voice. He never smiled, never showed enthusiasm for what he's doing. Is that really better than doing a 9-5 if he also has to work at a running store? How depressing...

MrGambinus wrote:

I think hes just nervous and lacking some confidence (not running-wise). He's just an everyday human who is happy to earn some money with his sport, no big superstar who is used to interviews and stuff. We tend to forget that when watching Videos and Interviews.

But I enjoyed it. He seems very nice.

I thought his demeanor was honest. He said he's a guy in a humble sport just focused on getting through his next workout and trying to keep his career going...and I could feel that in his delivery. He's not a flashy guy and I'm glad that he didn't try to convince me that he was.

The film maker needs to hire a camera operator though. The still shots need to be still and you shouldn't correct the zoom during the dialogue.

marks-set-go wrote:

The video captured the reality of being a 2.11 marathoner - toil and solitude - yet providing simple rewards of a personal nature.

This. I thought the documentary was near perfect for how it portrayed professional running for all but the super elite.

As someone who actually knows the guy (or knew him anyway), this is just how he is. He's not a center-of-attention type of guy, and his form has always been the way it is. He's content to work his arse off (and he DOES work tremendously hard) purely for the sake of the love of running and the desire to improve. That doesn't make him a bad person or anything. He's a pretty nice and normal guy. No need to bash someone who's working hard at doing what they love.

this is way better than the snoozefest you've posted. check it!http://vimeo.com/47355798

coachTi wrote:

Enjoy....

http://vimeo.com/55762728

Awesome video, I wish him the best of luck!

asdfasdf wrote:

It wasn't well done!!! I don't want to wear Brooks gear now because that video and that running store were so boring. Smile a little bit when you're on camera or at least when you're selling shoes to customers!

What running store is that? He looks completely bored. He looks like he'd rather be anywhere else than that store. Whenever I go into a running shop the elite/fast guys generally are bored, dislike helping newcomers or cop an attitude. That's just been my experience.

I'm in the minority that really liked it. "Boring" never occurred to me as I was watching it. He just strikes me as a humble guy grinding out the miles, under the radar, not seeking attention, just trying to see where it takes him. If I was in my 20s, I'd find it an appealing lifestyle (but then I'm a pretty boring guy). Props to him for getting the most out of his ability and preventing "what ifs" down the road.

Loved it! Would watch more and more of these!