An Eco-Runner Defined: What it means to "combine your passion with a purpose."
Eco-Runner FAQ's
What is an Eco-Runner?
An individual who combines their passion for running and fitness with environmental conservation and sustainability.
What is Eco-Running?
Eco-Running: Put simply, while you are out running, collect the rubbish, the garbage, the trash that you find along the pathways, roads and trails you frequent.
Why should I Eco-Run?
Our environment is currently facing huge obstacles that have the potential to seriously disrupt our future and the future of all our fellow flora and fauna friends. Additionally, I believe the environment around us makes running what it is? Makes it enjoyable. Makes it memorable. Inspires us to keep running. Keeps us thinking. And wondering. Inventing and reinventing. However, I've noticed that the same environment that is responsible for our happiness is also in need of our help. It's dirty. Polluted. Messy. By our own doing. I want to clean it up. And what better time to do this than while we're on the move! Together, we can keep it looking beautiful. Now. And for future
generations!
What do I need to Eco-Run?
Your usual running activewear, a trash bag (BioBags), environmental awareness, and motivation!
How do I Eco-Run?
Run your normal route, or mix it up to clean other areas. If you see trash, rubbish, or garbage along the way, pick it up! Stay on the move if possible. I am usually able to maintain my running motion while bending down to pick up the trash. Practice makes perfect!
Where do I Eco-Run?
Anywhere you want to! Road, trails, pathways, beaches, mountain passes... you name it! Trust me, whether you attempt to take notice or not, trash is everywhere! Eco-Runners make it disappear!
Do I have to be a runner to call myself an "Eco-Runner?"
No way! Eco-Runner acquired its title from my love of running, but any fitness activity you choose to participate in, while at the same time performing environmental clean-up, labels you an "Eco-Runner," or whatever title you so choose. Eco-conscious behavior can involve so much more than just running. Try eco-walking, eco-hiking, eco-cycling, eco-kayaking, or even eco-golfing, the list goes on. The Eco-Runner concept can be applied to any activity you love. Leave nothing but footprints. And take someone else's trash with you. That is what eco-running/eco-fitness is all about!
Why does there need to be a label attached to something we should be doing anyway?
The Eco-Runner site is not about providing your actions with a label, nor was it ever intended to do so. If you want to call yourself an 'Eco-Runner,' great; if you want to call your actions something else, more power to you. Either way, you are making a difference!
The primary goal of Eco-Runner is raising awareness. I strongly believe that awareness often serves as the best deterrent. If we become aware of the rubbish/trash/garbage surrounding us while we exercise, we might also think about doing something about it. In this sense, I have a strong conviction as to the goodness, power, and will of the human spirit to serve for the betterment of all humanity.
Do I have to apply/weave all of the 'conservationist keywords' attached to the Eco-Runner concept into my lifestyle in order to participate?
Certainly not. Obviously, the choice is yours, as well as your commitment to the process. Eco-Running is not about partisan political views, extreme lifestyle changes, giving your actions a label, or throwing away the possibility of a new PR in your next race; its about taking the time to step outside of your-SELF to serve the greater good. I am not forcefully asking and/or implying anyone to participate in sustainable living practices or leave lighter footsteps (although I do not see either one as a 'bad' alternative), I am only hoping others who come across the Eco-Runner page might say to themselves, "Oh, I never thought of that, maybe I will try it the next time I run (or walk, cycle, etc)." Eco-Runner is, like it or not, about those "conservationist keywords." But...even if environmental awareness and sustainability are last on your list of goals, you are still contributing.
Can I Eco-Run during a race (if I so choose)?
Absolutely!
Step 1: As an Eco-Runner, you apply a new definition to PR: Personal Responsibility.
Step 2: Cast aside feelings of self-consciousness and embarrassment. What you are doing is awesome!
Step 3: Set an example. Do not use the water or cups the race may provide you (I have my own shoulder and/or waist hydration system), or reuse the same cup at each fill station. GU packets, Powerbar wrappers, banana peels - either hang on to them until they can be properly disposed of, or keep them in your pack/trash bag (I know they're not heavy!).
Step 4: Eco-Run just like you train, and be an embassabor of the Eco-Running movement! Set an example and teach others about your convictions along the way. People truly appreciate what you are doing; and hopefully, we will inspire future Eco-Runners to join our cause. I bring my BioBags with me, I pick up thrown packets, wrappers, cups, and other waste. I hold my bag open if I see someone with empties...they always appreciate it! And if someone asks me what I'm doing, I tell them: "I'm Eco-Running!" "Cool" is the usual reply. If they ask 'what it is' or 'why I'm doing it', I provide the quick run-down.
Step 5: Enjoy the experience! It will be unlike any other race.
Eco-Running the 2008 Carlsbad Marathon in Carlsbad, California. Race totals: 3:37 marathon time, 28 bags of trash.