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    How Camp Nike Changed My Complicated Relationship With Running

    A Complex staffer describes how Camp Nike helped change her perspective on running.

    May 22, 2023
    Camp Nike Runners prepare for their first run at Camp Nike
    Image via Nike
    Camp Nike Runners prepare for their first run at Camp Nike
    Image via Nike

    My relationship with running is complicated. I’ve always admired the act of running, but every attempt felt exhausting rather than encouraging. I’ve spent my entire life as an athlete, but running always felt like a task instead of a privilege. I admired other runners and the way they moved with ease, their stamina and willingness to keep going; however, for me, five minutes into every run felt daunting and tiring. I’ve never considered myself a runner. An athlete, yes. A runner, not quite. But, this recent trip to Camp Nike changed my perspective on running altogether. I discovered the liberation within running, how to connect my body and mind in a positive way, and most importantly, that because I ran, I am in fact a runner.

    Running is the heart of Nike. It was founded by runners, for runners. However, Camp Nike curated a holistic experience that showcased their commitment to igniting the runner in all of us, including myself.

    Camp Nike participants running in Gardiner, New York.
    Camp Nike participants running in Gardiner, New York.  (Image via Nike)

    The Camp Nike experience took place at Wildflower Farms in Gardiner, New York. It is by far one of the most scenic, and calming environments I have ever been in, and the perfect setting to redefine my relationship with running.

    At Camp Nike we kicked things off with a “first run” with Nike’s very own Coach Chris Bennett, who is the senior director of global running. I learned very quickly that not only is he a great coach, but he's also a substantial motivational speaker. And moments before we hit the gravel into our run, he said something that stuck with me: “The goal isn’t to run, but to get you to run again.” It immediately made me think of all of my “first runs” and what kept me from doing it again. Why did I love watching other runners maneuver with grace but feel like I was incapable of the same act? Why couldn’t I find the same thrill in running to keep me coming back? I spent years thinking I wasn’t a good runner because I rarely gave running a second chance. 

    Camp Nike Coach Chris Bennett , Nike's Senior director of global running
    Nike's Senior Director of Global Running Chris Bennett. (Image via Nike)

    During the experience, the Nike team gave us a card with a word, and at the end of the day we reflected on what that word meant to us. I was given the word “change”. As a notorious creature of habit, I like routine and to color within the lines. However, as someone who has been going through changes in life, I’ve recently embraced the idea of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. I realized in my current stage of life, I want growth, and with that comes change. Me receiving that word “change” was no coincidence, because in my subconscious mind it happens to be the one thing I’m running toward.

    Now the beauty of attending Camp Nike, is that you’re in the perfect setting, surrounded by scenic views and fresh air. You’re running with some athletes and like-minded individuals and you’re laced in the latest and most supportive Nike gear there is to offer. So, of course, running with all of those controlled variables can’t feel so complicated. With only 31 hours experiencing the world of Camp Nike, the real test was continuing to run after returning back to the busy city and my daily routine.

    A runner at Camp Nike with muddy shoes after completing a run.
    (Image via Nike)

    I wanted to re-establish my relationship with running. I wanted to take the word “change” on that card, and put it into action. So for the last few weeks post-Camp Nike, I have been running. I have been clearing my mind of doubt and trusting my body to move, at my own pace, without restrictions. Running is not about how fast or how long your run, but it’s about the effort. The effort is showing up, and running. More importantly, running again. I have ran more in the last few weeks than I have in the last few years, and all it took was change—change in the way I feel about running, change in how I feel about myself as a runner.

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