We're all just thinking out loud ... I have no idea what this event "means", and reading reports, probably the same for others. The media who were lavishly hosted gave positive reports, so dragon fruit apparently works, with the exception of Abby,
Disclaimer: I'm a male, so if the idea is "Go Girls!", that's great, overdue, and I'm happy to applaud from the sidelines.
I personally was very interested in Camille's record attempts - she's one of the best ultrarunners in the world, but because she doesn't do much on the trails, seems to get less respect.
Media applauded the diversity, but Sarah (see first comment) made a good observation: not really. All sizes and ability were represented, which was very cool, but only 1 of the 10 was a mother and no one over age 45 I don't think, so these 10 were not representational.
I heard much about "Showing women what is possible!", but dang, I am surprised to see that old cliché, except that it's such an easy win on the 'Gram. Thousands of women have been doing amazing things for centuries, as well as right now. Is inspiration what is needed, or is it opportunity and equality? I don't think providing each runner with their own unlimited resources and support crew shows "What is possible" for the other 4 billion women in the world; it could rather be seen as a demonstration of extraordinary privilege, and a suggestion to dedicate yourself to social media so you too can be invited to the penthouse of running. There is conceit in this athletic version of the "Myth of Exceptionalism".
They conducted a massive amount of data-gathering, so I look forward to something coming out of that - science is always very welcome.
So it's all fine. The brand had a successful event - people saw the word "Lululemon" many times, which actually is the whole point. And I personally really like coral.
Of course I have a bias because I was there supporting a runner, but I think to some extent some of the commentary is making the good the enemy of the perfect. There are many ways this event could have been different or inclusive in different ways. Nonetheless, I have no doubt in my mind that some will see the images and video of these women all going further than ever before and supporting each other, and decide that THEY are capable of going further as well. Be it 1 or 1,000,000, wearing Lululemon or something else, it remains a net positive impact and therefore, a good. I also think it is applaudable to invest this much in the science and data for the event, the on-site chefs, the seamstress, the mental and physical support through doctors and counselors and scientists and crew..... because that kind of stuff doesn't necessarily sell product or show up in the social media posts. Sure, it'll be in the documentary when made, but its not eye catching and sexy and I don't see it on the socials. Several of the participants weren't ultra runners. They all impressed. They endured together with unprecedented resources and support.
I have received so many passionate comments, most of them private emails and DMs rather than on the post's comment thread, the majority of them thanking me for looking at the event with a critical eye and articulating why many of us felt "the 10 women are amazing, but...". But I also got pushback from women upset that I would criticize a brand that did so much for the event to uplift women. The strong feelings on both sides tell me that people certainly were paying attention, and Further had an impact.
We're all just thinking out loud ... I have no idea what this event "means", and reading reports, probably the same for others. The media who were lavishly hosted gave positive reports, so dragon fruit apparently works, with the exception of Abby,
Disclaimer: I'm a male, so if the idea is "Go Girls!", that's great, overdue, and I'm happy to applaud from the sidelines.
I personally was very interested in Camille's record attempts - she's one of the best ultrarunners in the world, but because she doesn't do much on the trails, seems to get less respect.
Media applauded the diversity, but Sarah (see first comment) made a good observation: not really. All sizes and ability were represented, which was very cool, but only 1 of the 10 was a mother and no one over age 45 I don't think, so these 10 were not representational.
I heard much about "Showing women what is possible!", but dang, I am surprised to see that old cliché, except that it's such an easy win on the 'Gram. Thousands of women have been doing amazing things for centuries, as well as right now. Is inspiration what is needed, or is it opportunity and equality? I don't think providing each runner with their own unlimited resources and support crew shows "What is possible" for the other 4 billion women in the world; it could rather be seen as a demonstration of extraordinary privilege, and a suggestion to dedicate yourself to social media so you too can be invited to the penthouse of running. There is conceit in this athletic version of the "Myth of Exceptionalism".
They conducted a massive amount of data-gathering, so I look forward to something coming out of that - science is always very welcome.
So it's all fine. The brand had a successful event - people saw the word "Lululemon" many times, which actually is the whole point. And I personally really like coral.
Of course I have a bias because I was there supporting a runner, but I think to some extent some of the commentary is making the good the enemy of the perfect. There are many ways this event could have been different or inclusive in different ways. Nonetheless, I have no doubt in my mind that some will see the images and video of these women all going further than ever before and supporting each other, and decide that THEY are capable of going further as well. Be it 1 or 1,000,000, wearing Lululemon or something else, it remains a net positive impact and therefore, a good. I also think it is applaudable to invest this much in the science and data for the event, the on-site chefs, the seamstress, the mental and physical support through doctors and counselors and scientists and crew..... because that kind of stuff doesn't necessarily sell product or show up in the social media posts. Sure, it'll be in the documentary when made, but its not eye catching and sexy and I don't see it on the socials. Several of the participants weren't ultra runners. They all impressed. They endured together with unprecedented resources and support.
Slightly off topic I know, but has the whole world forgotten what a vile human Chip Wilson was/is? I will forever associate this brand with him.
Thanks for the commentary, Matt, and good points. I don't know if you saw mine, but I shared the reasons for my mixed feelings around Further in the second half of my newsletter here: https://sarahrunning.substack.com/p/a-rock-solid-fun-race-in-moab
I have received so many passionate comments, most of them private emails and DMs rather than on the post's comment thread, the majority of them thanking me for looking at the event with a critical eye and articulating why many of us felt "the 10 women are amazing, but...". But I also got pushback from women upset that I would criticize a brand that did so much for the event to uplift women. The strong feelings on both sides tell me that people certainly were paying attention, and Further had an impact.
I wonder if they chose ultra distance because marathons are becoming a passe distance for "serious" runners.
Nice rundown