I reckon Nike’s ad did just what they wanted it to do: create some buzz and appeal to the hardcore athletes who are their target. The people whining about it 1. Don’t qualify for Boston and 2. Don’t buy Alphaflys. Creating exclusivity is smart.
That being said, there’s also room for other brands to push the ‘everyone is awesome ‘ message, like Sketchers, Lululemon etc.
It was a complete disaster on behalf of Nike. It was the para athletes and adaptive runners who were particularly offended. Nike apologized. I don’t think that is the kind of exclusivity they wanted.
Nike are extremely desperate at the moment. Their profits went from $6bn in 2022 to $3bn in 2025. They have drastically lost ground in the lifestyle market also. Apart from a few Air Max and Jordan die hards Nike significantly lag behind the likes of New Balance, On Running, Hoka, Adidas, Salomon & Asics after mistakingly flooding the market with Dunks and Air Force post CoVid.
I wanted to put this in The Influencer Thread, but I’m already at my “3 consecutive posts” limit, so just I’ll put it here (for now)
I’m a fan of the runfluencers. You take a bunch of men and women who were likely athletes of some sort in college or high school and they slap together some training 5-10 years later and end up with pretty fast times and inspire others to get off the couch.
I think that’s way more beneficial than pros pushing the limits of human potential that feels untouchable to average joes.
If they can get some sponsorship dollars for running a 2:40 marathon, and making posts on ketones or nomio that’s fine by me.
I think the author hits the nail on the head at the beginning when he mentions ‘gatekeeping’. It’s a common feeling for many I guess. Personally it doesn’t bother me in the least when someone who just started biking buys a super expensive bike and the kit. I guess I’m just missing that gene to be offended by that stuff or the ‘influencers’. I just tune it out.
Appreciate you finding and sharing that article. Thank goodness they ended with the positive.
Don’t think I ever “started” running - well maybe a 440yds race when I was 9; and the rest is history, and an essential element of my identity, both internal and external.
“Anyone who is actually influenced to start running will start reaping the benefits of an offline, cathartic, sensory habit that is good for their heart. I believe there are many right answers to running, and to running long distances. Running can look like a meditation practice, it can look like a social ritual, it can be a way to explore your neighborhood with a fine-tooth comb. Running can teach us valuable lessons about facing unpleasantness head-on and about respecting our limits when we reach them. Running can help course-correct damaging beliefs we may have about our worth and our bodies. I love running very much, and I hope this long rant influences you to run.”
On the other hand, you have dipshits like this getting into the “running space”
“Constantly moving the goalposts” ???
And yes, I feel ashamed of myself for even posting this link, and driving a few dozen clicks from us to her page
(Oh yeah, don’t forget to read the comments)
I may have to run a few Yasso800s as penance
That’s sarcasm. She’s having fun. My wife with the 2:30 HM thought it was hilarious.
I don’t know, honestly? I’m going back & forth on that LOL
Some of the comments, though, are totally giving “you got robbed” as if THEY don’t know anything about BQs either, so that’s a whole other problem
It’s so confusing /p
Now THIS is Comedy!!!
For sure, I found it quite funny too. Taking the piss out of the “all too” serious Boston chasers.. Loved the “Moving the goalposts” comment…
This girl knows what’s what, and she’s fine with it
