I’ve got this great idea for a video about motivation . . . want to be in it?
Concept
So here’s what I’m thinking.
I envision the final to look something like this, but with us just talking to the camera rather speaking while you’re working out. But, if you have any video of you running, riding, doing Yoga, swimming or working out in some way, feel free to email me that as well. If your files are too big to email, please use the free version of WeTransfer .
Script
Title: An Ode to Sweat
You are the longest, most consistent training partner I’ve ever had. From the coldest winter day to the muggiest summer morning, you’re ever-present.
Today when I went out, you joined me during the second half of my first mile. You were probably there before then, but I first noticed you when you started weighing heavy on my upper lip. Very shortly after, I felt you sliding down my left temple.
By the end of mile one, you had completely covered my baldhead. Despite the humidity, we were feeling good. Actually, because of the humidity, you were around more than usual today, with so much moisture in the air, it’s hard for you leave. But I knew at the outset this was going to happen, I was going to get overheated; so today I was smart and compensated by keeping my pace down.
By mile two you had started taking over my shirt. I became acutely aware that this was going to be one of *those* runs.
By mile four you were slipping into my shoes. Over the seven years I’ve been running, you’ve ruined more than one pair of my running shoes. I pride myself on a lack of foot odor and at the risk of over sharing, the shoes I train through each and every summer need to be thrown out long before I’ve run the soles into the ground. I know this at the start of the season, yet it always surprises me.
By mile five you were in my sight. Literally. You were so ever-present that you had taken over my eyelashes and were in the process of doing to the same to the inside of the lenses on my sunglasses.
When I got back to my apartment, you were everywhere and you wouldn’t let up. My arms and legs were covered. You had gone from taking over my shirt to taking over my shorts, my socks, and my shoes. You were all over the floor, on the chair and almost covered the mat after I finished stretching.
So why do I put up with you? On the surface, you’re not a good running partner. You cause me to freeze after runs in the winter and how many times can I replace headphones that you’ve shorted out? You make me spend untold amounts on new technical running clothes only to destroy them, leave stains everywhere and not to be cruel but you smell bad.
So what do you really bring to the table?
I’ll tell you.
You make me feel like a warrior. Your presence inspires me to push myself harder. I used to think you were a nuisance, but I was wrong. When you slip down my face and into the corners of my mouth, you taste like victory. You give me the strength and determination to push myself to limits I didn’t know I had. When you soak my clothes, I know I’m getting stronger. When you drip off my fingertips you push me to run faster. When you sting my eyes, I feel like you’re telling me I’m doing the right thing. When there is so much of you streaming down the inside of my shirt that my heart rate monitor chafes, I’m not only happy but full of endorphins.
So thank you. Thank you for being ever-present, for inspiring me and for helping me realize my dreams.
I think rather than doing the entire script, pick two or three paragraphs and record them. But if you can do it all, even better.
Thank you for agreeing to be in my video. I have an idea that I think can make a really powerful video
Script Comments
That’s a lot, right? Here’s what I’m thinking, if you want to, read the entire script into the camera, but if that’s too much for you, pick two or three paragraphs that strike your fancy and just read those.
Also, if you feel like I’ve written a word that would never come out of your mouth, feel free to change it. For example I say, “When you slip down my face and into the corners of my mouth, you taste like victory.” If you feel like “victory” isn’t the right word for you, change it to whatever you feel is better. Or if you’re like, WTF, I would NEVER say ANY of that, just skip it.
Now, it may seem strange that you’re telling the story of a run that I completed, but I feel like what I’m saying is pretty universal and could apply to anyone whether running or cycling.
Timing
Please aim to get me your video by September 29 via email (eric@dirtyoldsneakers.com).
Shooting Instructions
I’d love for you to shoot this with your phone or camera in landscape, arm’s length from your face looking directly at the camera lens as much as you can, knowing that you need to read the script. Try to keep your face centered as best you can.
Also, please make sure you’re in focus and there isn’t a bright light behind you, rather, try to have any lighting in front of you.
That’s the long and short of it, thanks for playing along!
If you want to check out the kinds of videos I’ve made in the past, feel free to peruse my YouTube channel.
