Seasonality, Conversations & New Events
Hey guys!
I've got a question for you.
Do you think running is seasonal?
I've been told this a number of times heading into the Australian winter.
But I'm undecided on whether it's true or not.
In theory, I get it.
It's cooler, people might be less motivated and potentially run less.
But at the same time from an observational point of view, fun runs are selling out all year long, and from what I can see, run club numbers haven't dropped off.
In fact, over the weekend we attended the Peninsula Running Festival in Victoria.
We woke up at 4am, packed the car and drove down to the Peninsula to setup at the event.
On the way it was pouring rain, 7 degrees and the heater was blasting.
We thought to ourselves (just for a brief moment) 'what on earth are we doing' driving a couple of hours to an event in the freezing cold and pouring rain.
It was grim. But once you get there, there's no where else you'd rather be.
It was a sold out event. Around 1,000 people took on the beautiful (but wet) course.
The day before was arguably just as cold, if not cooler, and wetter, and the Forrest Trail Run was also a packed event.
Runners are inherently motivated people.
Goals, PB's, purpose.
People who run often have a built-in or intrinsic motivation that compels them to engage in running, rather than relying on external factors or incentives.
It's pretty powerful, really.
Unfortunately I've been struggling with a stress-fracture, so my running has been limited recently.
But I did a quick jog the other day, because I really needed it.
I tagged it on Strava as a 'mental health run' and apparently that really resonated with a lot of folks.
So from what I've seen I don't think running is seasonal.
Sure, a few might drop off their training for a couple of months.
But as far as running being seasonal? I haven't found that to be true, yet.
Let me know what you think!
Events have been a big part of Runly's journey so far.
Getting amongst the community is really important. When I speak to event organisers, they often ask what my objective for the event is and I always say the same thing;
To have good conversations.
To have good conversations.
That is without doubt the most important thing.
We're not a coffee or doughnut van.
We don't go to events to sell as many coffees and hot doughnuts as we can and then never be seen again.
We're there to interact, engage with the community, get involved in events, help people, get feedback and if someone wants to try on a product or buy one, great.
I like to think we've really taken a personable approach to growing this brand.
I mean, I don't want to pump up our own tyres (ha) but I often read customer feedback on the website using Jay's & my name.
You know, Love my new vest & Robbie was super responsive to my enquiry.
You know, Love my new vest & Robbie was super responsive to my enquiry.
Or Vest is so comfy, thanks for your help in deciding which one was right for me, Jay!
That's cool. I think that's how it should be.
When I speak to other brand owners, they often tell me how much they dread doing their customer service.
I look forward to it!
I have so many great conversations and interactions with the Runly community.
As I said, we're not an anonymous coffee van.
We're here for the journey. Your journey. Our journey. The community's journey.
Getting to events is super important and a core part of our mission - even if it is 7 degrees and pouring rain.
If you manage an event or know one we should get involved with, feel free to let me know!
Run well,
Robbie
COMMUNITY
A few community updates & links;
🏃 Join TEAM RUNLY on Strava here.
👋 Read some of our awesome runner stories here.
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