“A different kind of marathon; running one lap an hour for 24hrs around a perfectly mile long block.”
This is a great little film about a chap called Beau. He seems a very nice dude, he has a lovely barn, and he makes really nice things from wood. The point of A Mile an Hour is to see what can be achieved in a one day – while running a marathon. He starts with a list, and for twenty-four hours runs one mile an hour (three in the first hour, maths-fans), in between ticking off items from his list. It’s a great positive film showing the potential of a day. Beau has an infectious childish attitude and the film makes you think of all the options if running was part of your day rather than a separate activity. Best of all, he picks up rubbish in mile 4. Nice one Beau.
Top tip – watch out for the surprise in mile 23… You think you know a guy then this happens!
“A 97-year-old man runs the same race every year in loving memory of his wife, Mary.”
There’s very little so say about this film, and I cannot imagine anyone not being inspired and uplifted by it. The description tells you most of the story, but there’s more to it than that. It’s a beautifully made and really simple and lovely film about a man who at the age of 97 is still running and still part of a community of runners. He doesn’t run fast, but he has more passion and love for the sport than many a quarter of his age do. Watch, be inspired, and maybe cry a bit…
“Running is currently one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in China. Six years ago trail running was almost unheard of.”
Paobu is a Salomon film, so there’s a certain slickness to it and lots of lovely Salomon gear to look at, but it’s not about kit or brands. From my point-of-view it’s about two things: The dramatic increase in running in China, and the growing feeling of obligation felt by Chinese runners to look after the trails and the nature they run through.
From the dramatic shots of huge cities we see the contrast of pristine forests, and we learn how the sport is growing rapidly in China, the health benefits, and the renewed connection with nature which runners are starting to feel. It’s a great film, which will take on even more significance once you’ve watched Takayna.
One point though – Lucy Bartholomew says going running and picking up rubbish is “pretty amazing”… We don’t think it is, we think it’s easy, obvious and part of our duty as humans in nature
Sacred Strides
“In March 2018, a group of tribes put their differences aside and came together to run 800 miles to Bears Ears and to send a message of unity”
Before this film I knew very little about native tribes in the USA, and the recent dramatic cuts to the protection of sacred sites. Sacred Strides introduces this background and makes it clear that despite suffering from the same cuts in protected areas, many of the indigenous tribes in the US do not historically have positive relationships.
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