Thanks to COROS for sponsoring this video. I use the COROS PACE 3 and the POD 2. Try COROS: glnk.io/4x8j9/... #TrainWithCOROS @COROSGlobal #TheAthleteSpecial Strava: / strava
So I ran in high school, kind of fell out of it and basically lost all of my fitness. I tried to pick it back up again a few times because I really missed the feeling, but it was always hard because I was constantly comparing my performance to my previous self and I was just nowhere close. A few months ago I signed up for my first marathon (in July this year) and have been running consistently ever since. It's the first time I've felt like I actually have some momentum behind me and I don't think I'll stop this time. I found that even though I'm not nearly as fast at the 5k and 1600m distances, I found a lot of joy in just running longer than I ever had before. I still run slow compared to what I used to do, but building more volume than I ever have makes me still feel engaged and I feel that I'm making progress. I recently ran a 14 miler just to because my previous longest distance was a half marathon, and it felt so good to just break an old record again. I think it's all about realizing there's still so much growth to be had, it might just come from shifting your goals and trying new things.
As a follower since 2019 I totally understand and respect your decision and will continue to follow as I am a big fan of you. My love for running started by trying to run a 5K and see what time I could get and becoming addicted with improving times, after two years I took it more seriously and achieved respectable amateur level times (17min 5K, 36 min 10K, 1:24 HM) as well as running my first marathon (3:18) at age 21. Doing the marathon didn't leave me a long term big goal and I started losing motivation with my only target being to slightly improve my times. I suspect that the sub 4 minute mile might have done somewhat of the same to you, feeling like you have achieved one of the main goals you had when you started to run seriously. Professional runner or not, the Athlete Special will always be Special to track fans. Go Spence!!!
This is such a healthy decision. It feels like you have been running for "us" rather than you for a while now. The pressure to preform and justify it to those who have followed you for so long. I can imagine it being a big weight on your mind whereas truthfully we just want to see you having a good time and making running and non running content that excites you.
Love the spirit! Recently one of the guys on Believe in the Run, talking about a runner with a lot of followers, said, "That proves it. People don't tune in (to UA-cam, Instagram, ...) for the finish times, they tune in for the story." People love that you share your story - whatever that is. Thanks for giving us all inspiration for by doing so!
Hey Spencer, Your channel has helped me through a lot dark times in my life. I understand the struggles you went through with running. I’m in the same boat with making animations and illustrations. I look forward to seeing the next chapter of this channel.
Spencer with all due respect, I have been waiting for this news. It sucks so hard to see you always disappointed in your middle distance times because I completely believe you would find success in longer distances AND running for yourself and not high level collegiate like times Good for you man
Hey Spencer, I think you are absolutely making the right decision. There are so many great runners who shifted from their successful years on the track to racing on the roads and moving up in distance and competing in everything from a 5K to a half marathon to a marathon and an ultra. No failure on your part whatsoever. You will always have that distinction of being a sub 4-minute miler. Change is an inevitable life experience, and you can set new goals. Have fun, enjoy your days with Allie and continue to build your online community with positive messages. I will be rooting for you.
Sounds like a story of evolving. I have enjoyed the journey so far. I’ve always got positivity and levity along with your serious side. Have appreciated your dedication and belief in yourself even when it was tough. It your integrity and character that keep me coming back not the results of a workout or race. Whatever’s next I know it will be good.
Spencer, you've got a lot of supporters out here who understand your feelings and want to wish you the best, whatever you do. You are still young and have potential if you move up to 5,000m on the track. And I think you are easily capable of 13:20 or better, which would rank you in the top 100 US all-time. Good luck.
I understand, I quit the team junior year of college after 7 years of being competitive. I wasn't very good, but the sense of relief and freedom I felt I gave myself was rewarding. The biggest loss was social life since I no longer was at practice and meets and offseason training with teammates and friends. But you're out of school its an easier adjustment. I still enjoy being a casual runner 30 yrs later. Also, "fast" is relative.
We all have to follow our hearts and live our best lives. We owe that to ourselves because we only get so much time on this earth. No explanations needed.
I watched 2 to 2.5 years ago when you first moved to Seattle. Just came across your channel again. Didn't realize it was you. Good to see you're still running. I've been off and on with running do to injury. Running is fun but it's damn frustrating
It's simple; if you set high goals you run a greater risk of failure than someone who is content to set very low level goals. The other side of the coin is that the sense of achievement is greater the higher level the goal. Most runners actually fail to hit their targets in both times run and races won - simply because as soon as you hit one target you move on to another goal. Josh Kerr, for example, didn't say he had achieved his career goal when he became World Champion - he set himself the goal of Olympic gold. You have to adopt the mindset that the journey is as worthwhile as the arrival. Grinding away for months and years on end has a transformative effect on the individual - in a good way. You are young and you could still achieve great things. Whether you think the commitment to do so is worth the effort - that's entirely your decision. Good luck!
Been following your channel since the Georgetown days and have enjoyed watching your journey, and gaining some training insights. I like the new perspective and hope you lean into supporting the Gfs journey, and of course producing a greater variety of running content. Best of luck!
I feel this 100%. I was a state champion in high school and an All-American in college. But after college, I just haven't been able to perform as I would want to without a team or coach and running on my own. Trying to get on a pro team is virtually impossible I feel like unless you're already running Olympic level times and because of things like this I have been feeling down and feeling washed up as well. Even though I'm actually a better runner and faster than I was in college, because I look at the pros and wonder why I couldn't get picked up, I think of myself as a failure. However, I have to remember the progress that I have made and what challenges I have overcome as a solo runner. It's not really our fault that the system is built to drop everyone who basically isn't currently an Olympian. I don't think it's fair for us to compare ourselves to others like that or attach our self worth to a time, even though that does happen a lot. We gotta look at the positives and keep it fun for ourselves and for others. It's not just about times but it's about community, general health and wellness, and of course fun. I totally get it.
I love this video . I think the beauty sbout running is that there’s endless varieties of races that one could race : the track , the road , the trails , cross country. So many different distances as well as places to race too and different environments. It’s simply an amazing sport for anyone to get into
You can still run and be darn good at it while not making it the center of your life 💪go chase down other life goals, and you'll still be able to kick the hell out of the trolls if they happen to toe the start line with you.
With you all the way Spencer..and with all those flags wizing by the states I got were: Wa. , Md., W.Va., New Mexico , Mass., Calif, Colorado, Illinois, Md., Florida, Arkansas, Texas and I think Arizona..even had Great Brittan flag ..My guess is Colorado(Boulder) but no matter where you windup a new location can give new inspiration . Good luck...
Appreciate the introspective thoughts. It takes a lot to "let go" a little and enjoy where life is taking you. That's a big motivational lesson for me. Thank you
The road is where the money is at in running!! I wish college athletes would realize this sooner and stop trying to pursue track until they’re 30 and then jump to the marathon
Been following since we were in college… that transition out of competitive running is tough but you make me proud of being a Hoya with your ingenuity and resiliency. Hoya Saxa and I’ll still be following ~
I'm really happy that YOU are happy moving on. Closing one chapter and starting another is always scary, but I think you'll find growth and new interests fairly quickly. And we'll be along for the ride! Gotta admit though I too was confused seeing you remain 1500 & mile focused for soooo long. It's a young guy's game... and frankly all the ACTUAL money & prestige resides on the endurance side - in terms of both pro running or social "run"-influencing. Hell even the pros know that 'track' is NOT the way anymore... so many Kenyans and Ethiopians are completely forgoing a track career first. They're just going straight into marathoning as young guns.
I'm looking forward to what you'll be sharing with us. I'm a slow but grateful runner. However, when injury struck me last year, it really messed with my head. Now that I'm finally able to run again, I realize the importance of simply being grateful that I can.
Proud of you, bro. There's much more to running than chasing times. I'm nowhere near where I was at during my prime, but i'm much happier running with no expectations.
Great Post! Run for the love of running and no reason to worry what others think about your running and results! Life has so much to offer and you can still run and have goals! Good luck with just moving on and enjoying life!
From one WHS track alumni and collegiate track athlete to another, kudos for making the decision. My budding wilton track son and I will keep following. Now let’s see a triathlon!
I've been following you since the early days of this channel in 2016 when I was a freshman in high school, and now I'm out of college done with my competitive running days. Time really does fly. Wish you the best going forward!
Self-worth never needs to be dependent on how well you perform. I know in the past whenever I’ve struggled with injury, I find a new sense of clarity about my priorities and what I want to do with my life and the sport. I’m really happy for you, and I’ll definitely miss the track workout videos (even after all these years I still love them), but I’m excited to see what you do now. Maybe just one track banger every once in a while. Good luck!!!
Thank's Spencer. We've enjoyed watching this journey as you've put yourself out there--emotionally as well as physically--in order to try to remain competitive in the very narrow niche of National Class Track. Way to go for it! I trust you have no regrets. But let me assure you that there remains a shit-load of truly joyful and truly competitive running/sport opportunities available to you and all of the college/High School running stars that fall outside of the financially sustainable professional distance running ranks. I promise you can't imagine a life with out competing; without being part of a competitive running community; you absolutely don't have to give that up. I'm telling you that today--at age 60--with more than 45 years of competitive running and racing under my belt, I feel as much (maybe more??) joy and adrenalin today battling in my age division at a regional cross country race, as I did 40 years ago winning a 10k in college. I'd love to see you model this transition with the same level of emotional honesty that we've come to enjoy and appreciate in your videos. All the best.
Thanks Spencer always feel your emotion and love every minute of everything you share with us. Just be your best selve. That’s all we can do, be your biggest fan. That’s my Moto at 53 running for fun everyday. Been following your journey for years, thank you 🙏
Your videos have the potential for improvement with this change of philosophy. My favorite ones were the college years. My favorites lately have been the road races. Competitiveness, with the joy of the running lifestyle, good friends, etc..
I really like the direction you are going in, make the fun content, tie it into running. And I think going to the roads is honestly a really good idea. Sometimes we do our best when we don't take it so serious. Find that balance. Remember, you are still that guy, you ran 14:22 on the roads just a few months ago. Take the pressure off. Train. Make the content you enjoy, it will probably end up being the best content. We all have loved the race videos in costumes! Keep on it dude. Weve been here forever and we love to see it
Just do your best.And be happy with the process.I quit running years ago.Biggest mistake of my life.I started quitting at everything i started.I have really struggled in life.Cancer 3 times,mental illness,substance abuse.I am homeless right now,sleeping in my truck.I am gonna start walking every day.And hopefully get back to running.Thus can be a great fresh start for you.Take care and good luck with all your endeavours.You can do it.
Spence…no one that’s a real Spesh supporter gives a shit if you do grind-for-time content. Just do your thing…just fucking run the way you want. I watch because of your comedy and your vibe. Your channel and life will be fine.
You are doing the right thing. Your progression on the track has been great. Keep up the good shape. You are a phenomenal athlete who is inspiring others to keep up the positivity. That’s more important than anything else. ❤
Whatever you branch your channel into could very well blow up your channel even more and get you to new levels in life that don’t involve so much running. Which could end up showing you new passion that you have in life.
Great decision, road events sound like a really good route for you in terms of fun and fulfilment. Maybe Allie can persuade you onto the trails for extra fun 😜
Not entering races because you don't feel ready is extremely relatable. Even if you're a shlup like me. Its taken me a year of running to enter my first race in a decade. Even though I'm not breaking any records my first race back seemed like a big deal, and its held me back from the fun of community. I look forward to being inspired by a more laid-back attitude. I think we need more of that on here, so thank you in advance for creating. 💛
There is more to Life than running. To give yourself the chance to experience that is also inspiring. Competition is fun until it becomes an obsession to win, to perform, to be a role model, to define yourself by your running abilities. To run just to run brings again the fun!
Agree with the comments here. Spencer, I don't wanna give my name, but you've met me a few times near where you live. I think you should maybe consider switching to significantly longer distances. You'll be able to run and enjoy a nice view, while not running in a circle with a bunch of screaming people.
I just made the same move this year… 25 years of being a competitive sprinter and grinding every single day to reach goals. At a certain point you just get tired of the failures. It feels like a massive weight taken off your back when you accept the change and start doing other things in life you’re passionate about. Nothing wrong with exploring new things while you’re young! 💪🏻
Been a subscriber for a long time when I got into running when I hit 40. You’ve really been a great influencer and fun to watch. Maybe do fun running things like road races or give Sage a call and try ultra stuff. Just remember there ARE people who strive to be you as a runner (me) so don’t give up on us!
I'm a hobby jogger so I'm not really in a position to speak, but I watch peoppe day in and out grinding out times and chasing every race then wondering why they're so burnt out. I have run streaked for over two years and have 0 interest in anything besides the joy of the sport, no races, no medals, no pressure and I'm finally hitting 80 plus mile weeks in doubles every day. You owe it to yourself to enjoy the journey and pursue what works for you. Congrats on making a call for yourself.
Dude, good on you. Give yourself permission to have fun. I am sure you have many skills. You could be a great coach, or teacher, if you spend some time with coursework and the like. And there is the odd chance that some time off pressure can give you motivation again. I feel kind of similar with my 'real job'. I was always a smart kid in school, did well at Uni and so on, but ended up in a PhD programme that's killed my motivation and 50% of my will to live. So like you, I'll try to take the pressure off by back and have fun
Come to the marathon! 🙏🏼
Adam!!
A full 180 to ultra marathoning!
would love to see this. who knows what someone with his speed could do in the 50-100 miler range
That would be awesome!
Yes! Do it!
ultras are where it’s at
To me, ultras are a combination of running and competitive eating. What could be better?
Long distance runners: "One of us.. One of us.. One of us.."
One of us
One of us
one of us
One of us
One of us
So I ran in high school, kind of fell out of it and basically lost all of my fitness. I tried to pick it back up again a few times because I really missed the feeling, but it was always hard because I was constantly comparing my performance to my previous self and I was just nowhere close. A few months ago I signed up for my first marathon (in July this year) and have been running consistently ever since. It's the first time I've felt like I actually have some momentum behind me and I don't think I'll stop this time. I found that even though I'm not nearly as fast at the 5k and 1600m distances, I found a lot of joy in just running longer than I ever had before. I still run slow compared to what I used to do, but building more volume than I ever have makes me still feel engaged and I feel that I'm making progress. I recently ran a 14 miler just to because my previous longest distance was a half marathon, and it felt so good to just break an old record again. I think it's all about realizing there's still so much growth to be had, it might just come from shifting your goals and trying new things.
🙌
🎉
Please do not retire!!!!!!
As a follower since 2019 I totally understand and respect your decision and will continue to follow as I am a big fan of you. My love for running started by trying to run a 5K and see what time I could get and becoming addicted with improving times, after two years I took it more seriously and achieved respectable amateur level times (17min 5K, 36 min 10K, 1:24 HM) as well as running my first marathon (3:18) at age 21. Doing the marathon didn't leave me a long term big goal and I started losing motivation with my only target being to slightly improve my times. I suspect that the sub 4 minute mile might have done somewhat of the same to you, feeling like you have achieved one of the main goals you had when you started to run seriously. Professional runner or not, the Athlete Special will always be Special to track fans. Go Spence!!!
Life is an adventure..change is inevitable ..embrace it and be excited about the possibilities!
This is such a healthy decision. It feels like you have been running for "us" rather than you for a while now. The pressure to preform and justify it to those who have followed you for so long. I can imagine it being a big weight on your mind whereas truthfully we just want to see you having a good time and making running and non running content that excites you.
Been following this channel since the beginning of 2019 and I still will! Go Spencer!
It is so refreshing to see someone who can speak to all runners of all types and all abilities and relate to them all. You inspire.
You deserve sponsorship. You rep COROS extremely well. Remember, you have other skills besides running.
You should focus on the roads. You could have a good career
Love the spirit! Recently one of the guys on Believe in the Run, talking about a runner with a lot of followers, said, "That proves it. People don't tune in (to UA-cam, Instagram, ...) for the finish times, they tune in for the story." People love that you share your story - whatever that is. Thanks for giving us all inspiration for by doing so!
5k plus distance 👍
Marathon time!
Exactly what I thought!!!
So happy to see you happy, You literally were the person who got me into running, and I love all of your videos, it means a lot.😁
Hey Spencer,
Your channel has helped me through a lot dark times in my life. I understand the struggles you went through with running. I’m in the same boat with making animations and illustrations. I look forward to seeing the next chapter of this channel.
Spencer with all due respect, I have been waiting for this news. It sucks so hard to see you always disappointed in your middle distance times because I completely believe you would find success in longer distances AND running for yourself and not high level collegiate like times
Good for you man
This sounds like a healthy mindset direction to move towards!! Sounds like the injury was a blessing in disguise
Hey Spencer, I think you are absolutely making the right decision. There are so many great runners who shifted from their successful years on the track to racing on the roads and moving up in distance and competing in everything from a 5K to a half marathon to a marathon and an ultra. No failure on your part whatsoever. You will always have that distinction of being a sub 4-minute miler. Change is an inevitable life experience, and you can set new goals. Have fun, enjoy your days with Allie and continue to build your online community with positive messages. I will be rooting for you.
Time for a marathon 💪
Sounds like a story of evolving. I have enjoyed the journey so far. I’ve always got positivity and levity along with your serious side. Have appreciated your dedication and belief in yourself even when it was tough. It your integrity and character that keep me coming back not the results of a workout or race. Whatever’s next I know it will be good.
Spencer, you've got a lot of supporters out here who understand your feelings and want to wish you the best, whatever you do. You are still young and have potential if you move up to 5,000m on the track. And I think you are easily capable of 13:20 or better, which would rank you in the top 100 US all-time. Good luck.
Good for you Spencer! Fully support you and always will! Excited to see where your new journey takes you!
You're smart and thinking hard about your life. You're awesome!! I'm subscribing and look forward to watching what you want to show us.
I understand, I quit the team junior year of college after 7 years of being competitive. I wasn't very good, but the sense of relief and freedom I felt I gave myself was rewarding. The biggest loss was social life since I no longer was at practice and meets and offseason training with teammates and friends. But you're out of school its an easier adjustment.
I still enjoy being a casual runner 30 yrs later.
Also, "fast" is relative.
We all have to follow our hearts and live our best lives. We owe that to ourselves because we only get so much time on this earth. No explanations needed.
I watched 2 to 2.5 years ago when you first moved to Seattle. Just came across your channel again. Didn't realize it was you. Good to see you're still running. I've been off and on with running do to injury. Running is fun but it's damn frustrating
this is amazing spencer!! full support for you before and into the future. excited for you and what's to come.
It's simple; if you set high goals you run a greater risk of failure than someone who is content to set very low level goals. The other side of the coin is that the sense of achievement is greater the higher level the goal. Most runners actually fail to hit their targets in both times run and races won - simply because as soon as you hit one target you move on to another goal. Josh Kerr, for example, didn't say he had achieved his career goal when he became World Champion - he set himself the goal of Olympic gold. You have to adopt the mindset that the journey is as worthwhile as the arrival. Grinding away for months and years on end has a transformative effect on the individual - in a good way. You are young and you could still achieve great things. Whether you think the commitment to do so is worth the effort - that's entirely your decision. Good luck!
Good on you!! You cant chase the same goals and do the same type of training your whole life. Have fun exploring different things 😊
Good for you Spencer! Looking forward to your future content (and Allie’s too!)
Been following your channel since the Georgetown days and have enjoyed watching your journey, and gaining some training insights. I like the new perspective and hope you lean into supporting the Gfs journey, and of course producing a greater variety of running content. Best of luck!
It’s been a good run man, it’s been a good run.
great video, great philosophy
Thanks Spence, looking forward.
I feel this 100%. I was a state champion in high school and an All-American in college. But after college, I just haven't been able to perform as I would want to without a team or coach and running on my own. Trying to get on a pro team is virtually impossible I feel like unless you're already running Olympic level times and because of things like this I have been feeling down and feeling washed up as well. Even though I'm actually a better runner and faster than I was in college, because I look at the pros and wonder why I couldn't get picked up, I think of myself as a failure. However, I have to remember the progress that I have made and what challenges I have overcome as a solo runner. It's not really our fault that the system is built to drop everyone who basically isn't currently an Olympian. I don't think it's fair for us to compare ourselves to others like that or attach our self worth to a time, even though that does happen a lot. We gotta look at the positives and keep it fun for ourselves and for others. It's not just about times but it's about community, general health and wellness, and of course fun. I totally get it.
I love this video . I think the beauty sbout running is that there’s endless varieties of races that one could race : the track , the road , the trails , cross country. So many different distances as well as places to race too and different environments. It’s simply an amazing sport for anyone to get into
Seems like a great plan and mindset. Lots of growth 📈
You can still run and be darn good at it while not making it the center of your life 💪go chase down other life goals, and you'll still be able to kick the hell out of the trolls if they happen to toe the start line with you.
With you all the way Spencer..and with all those flags wizing by the states I got were: Wa. , Md., W.Va., New Mexico , Mass., Calif, Colorado, Illinois, Md., Florida, Arkansas, Texas and I think Arizona..even had Great Brittan flag ..My guess is Colorado(Boulder) but no matter where you windup a new location can give new inspiration . Good luck...
Appreciate the introspective thoughts. It takes a lot to "let go" a little and enjoy where life is taking you. That's a big motivational lesson for me. Thank you
The road is where the money is at in running!! I wish college athletes would realize this sooner and stop trying to pursue track until they’re 30 and then jump to the marathon
Been following since we were in college… that transition out of competitive running is tough but you make me proud of being a Hoya with your ingenuity and resiliency. Hoya Saxa and I’ll still be following ~
I'm really happy that YOU are happy moving on. Closing one chapter and starting another is always scary, but I think you'll find growth and new interests fairly quickly. And we'll be along for the ride! Gotta admit though I too was confused seeing you remain 1500 & mile focused for soooo long. It's a young guy's game... and frankly all the ACTUAL money & prestige resides on the endurance side - in terms of both pro running or social "run"-influencing. Hell even the pros know that 'track' is NOT the way anymore... so many Kenyans and Ethiopians are completely forgoing a track career first. They're just going straight into marathoning as young guns.
Good for you Spencer. Looking forward to watching your new journey, wherever that takes you.
I'm looking forward to what you'll be sharing with us. I'm a slow but grateful runner. However, when injury struck me last year, it really messed with my head. Now that I'm finally able to run again, I realize the importance of simply being grateful that I can.
Proud of you, bro. There's much more to running than chasing times. I'm nowhere near where I was at during my prime, but i'm much happier running with no expectations.
Great Post! Run for the love of running and no reason to worry what others think about your running and results! Life has so much to offer and you can still run and have goals! Good luck with just moving on and enjoying life!
My man, youve been running hard for the better part of two decades; it's okay to want to move on with your life. Cheers, and best of luck.
Fingers crossed that you're moving to Flagstaff
Where has the time gone? I remember the “f*ck yeah!” video from Georgetown X-Country, which was amazing!
Thanks for sharing the ride!
From one WHS track alumni and collegiate track athlete to another, kudos for making the decision. My budding wilton track son and I will keep following. Now let’s see a triathlon!
I've been following you since the early days of this channel in 2016 when I was a freshman in high school, and now I'm out of college done with my competitive running days. Time really does fly. Wish you the best going forward!
Self-worth never needs to be dependent on how well you perform. I know in the past whenever I’ve struggled with injury, I find a new sense of clarity about my priorities and what I want to do with my life and the sport. I’m really happy for you, and I’ll definitely miss the track workout videos (even after all these years I still love them), but I’m excited to see what you do now. Maybe just one track banger every once in a while. Good luck!!!
My brother and I have been a huge fan of this channel for years. Thank you, Spencer!
Thank's Spencer. We've enjoyed watching this journey as you've put yourself out there--emotionally as well as physically--in order to try to remain competitive in the very narrow niche of National Class Track. Way to go for it! I trust you have no regrets. But let me assure you that there remains a shit-load of truly joyful and truly competitive running/sport opportunities available to you and all of the college/High School running stars that fall outside of the financially sustainable professional distance running ranks. I promise you can't imagine a life with out competing; without being part of a competitive running community; you absolutely don't have to give that up. I'm telling you that today--at age 60--with more than 45 years of competitive running and racing under my belt, I feel as much (maybe more??) joy and adrenalin today battling in my age division at a regional cross country race, as I did 40 years ago winning a 10k in college. I'd love to see you model this transition with the same level of emotional honesty that we've come to enjoy and appreciate in your videos. All the best.
Absolutely love this! Great message. My A goal for running the Boston Marathon this year is to have fun.
I agree with backing off on competitive running now because you've come so far. Cant wait to see the fun runs.
Honestly the realist dude on the platform. Reminds me of an early nick symmonds. So proud of you man! Keep it up!
Good for you mate, looking forward to anything you'll post in the future. Take care!
Thanks Spencer always feel your emotion and love every minute of everything you share with us. Just be your best selve. That’s all we can do, be your biggest fan. That’s my Moto at 53 running for fun everyday. Been following your journey for years, thank you 🙏
This channel has inspired me all through my career, thank you for everything. Bless up.
Good for you 👍. Once you can find that balance between life and running, then you've hit the sweet spot.
Your videos have the potential for improvement with this change of philosophy. My favorite ones were the college years. My favorites lately have been the road races. Competitiveness, with the joy of the running lifestyle, good friends, etc..
I really like the direction you are going in, make the fun content, tie it into running. And I think going to the roads is honestly a really good idea. Sometimes we do our best when we don't take it so serious. Find that balance. Remember, you are still that guy, you ran 14:22 on the roads just a few months ago. Take the pressure off. Train. Make the content you enjoy, it will probably end up being the best content. We all have loved the race videos in costumes! Keep on it dude. Weve been here forever and we love to see it
Just do your best.And be happy with the process.I quit running years ago.Biggest mistake of my life.I started quitting at everything i started.I have really struggled in life.Cancer 3 times,mental illness,substance abuse.I am homeless right now,sleeping in my truck.I am gonna start walking every day.And hopefully get back to running.Thus can be a great fresh start for you.Take care and good luck with all your endeavours.You can do it.
This is awesome man! Can’t wait to see your 5k, 10k and other times
You taking that stress off yourself is going to make you a better and faster racer. Glad for you Spence
Spence…no one that’s a real Spesh supporter gives a shit if you do grind-for-time content. Just do your thing…just fucking run the way you want. I watch because of your comedy and your vibe. Your channel and life will be fine.
Wonderful message Spence, Excited to see what comes next.
Have you considered coaching kids/teens to share your love of the sport?
You are doing the right thing. Your progression on the track has been great. Keep up the good shape. You are a phenomenal athlete who is inspiring others to keep up the positivity. That’s more important than anything else. ❤
Whatever you branch your channel into could very well blow up your channel even more and get you to new levels in life that don’t involve so much running. Which could end up showing you new passion that you have in life.
Great decision, road events sound like a really good route for you in terms of fun and fulfilment. Maybe Allie can persuade you onto the trails for extra fun 😜
Run longer distances!!
Not entering races because you don't feel ready is extremely relatable. Even if you're a shlup like me. Its taken me a year of running to enter my first race in a decade. Even though I'm not breaking any records my first race back seemed like a big deal, and its held me back from the fun of community.
I look forward to being inspired by a more laid-back attitude.
I think we need more of that on here, so thank you in advance for creating. 💛
Spencer looking forward to your next video outside of running. Enjoy the journey!
All the best to you. Love Runnng and enjoy the ups and downs. Thank you!!!
There is more to Life than running. To give yourself the chance to experience that is also inspiring. Competition is fun until it becomes an obsession to win, to perform, to be a role model, to define yourself by your running abilities. To run just to run brings again the fun!
Agree with the comments here. Spencer, I don't wanna give my name, but you've met me a few times near where you live. I think you should maybe consider switching to significantly longer distances. You'll be able to run and enjoy a nice view, while not running in a circle with a bunch of screaming people.
I just made the same move this year… 25 years of being a competitive sprinter and grinding every single day to reach goals. At a certain point you just get tired of the failures. It feels like a massive weight taken off your back when you accept the change and start doing other things in life you’re passionate about. Nothing wrong with exploring new things while you’re young! 💪🏻
It’s funny how injury can put things into perspective!
Great video! Very inspirational…and courageous.
Wish you all the best Spencer Brown !
Goodluck with everything!.
come to road cycling. we'd love to have you
Gravel cycling is where it's at in America right now
Been a subscriber for a long time when I got into running when I hit 40. You’ve really been a great influencer and fun to watch. Maybe do fun running things like road races or give Sage a call and try ultra stuff. Just remember there ARE people who strive to be you as a runner (me) so don’t give up on us!
The walk on the beach B roll during your'reflection speech i'm dying.😆
Brooo heck yeah. Shouldn't need to explain, people are always gonna hate. Excited to see where it goes from here!!
I'm a hobby jogger so I'm not really in a position to speak, but I watch peoppe day in and out grinding out times and chasing every race then wondering why they're so burnt out. I have run streaked for over two years and have 0 interest in anything besides the joy of the sport, no races, no medals, no pressure and I'm finally hitting 80 plus mile weeks in doubles every day. You owe it to yourself to enjoy the journey and pursue what works for you. Congrats on making a call for yourself.
I live in boise and train/travel for road races all the time! We should train together sometime!
The videos where you are just having fun are actually performing better. So go have fun, be yourself and enjoy running!
Have fun and enjoy whatever it is decide to do Spencer !
Do that which brings you joy
Been wathcing you forever bro make what you heart desires guy.
Something I love to do to take a break from triathlon is doing Speed Disc Golfing.
Great decision, having fun is very important to be able to enjoy life, im currently training to run my first ever 5k on April
Very exciting, trying to do this myself moreso with biking. Got injured as well a while back that screwed things up.
Dude, good on you. Give yourself permission to have fun. I am sure you have many skills. You could be a great coach, or teacher, if you spend some time with coursework and the like. And there is the odd chance that some time off pressure can give you motivation again.
I feel kind of similar with my 'real job'. I was always a smart kid in school, did well at Uni and so on, but ended up in a PhD programme that's killed my motivation and 50% of my will to live. So like you, I'll try to take the pressure off by back and have fun
There's a wholesome home in trailrunning. Go as long as you like and always see something new.
great video! even better decision