Media That Helps Me Go Further
It’s no secret that running and creativity go hand-in-hand. It’s cliche, but true, to say that I come up with some of my best ideas while running. Things feel more possible, ideas flow freely, the future is bright.
Music and more that inspires me, while running and not — some explanations as to why.
Music
- How To: Friend, Love, Freefall
An album that tells a story about self-awareness and search for identity. It explores longing, self-doubt, and how you are perceived.
- Colorado's On Fire Again Live '25
I was there! One of the best shows I've seen from one of my favorite bands about the state I call home. Deeply introspective and a good listen from start to finish.
- Shadowglow
Ups and downs. Lively with some lulls to keep you level.
- Sticky Fingers
So much lore, and no skips. The Warhol zipper cover is ridiculously cool.
- Back In Black
Front man of the band tragically dies, everyone thinks you're done, then you come back with one of the best albums ever? An insane comeback story and probably my first favorite album. I remember listening to the CD with my dad pretty much nonstop.
- Bon Iver (Self-Titled)
Probably my favorite second album out there. His debut album was recorded solo and focused on his heartbreak, while this one is a story of togetherness and healing.
- Goose Bumps (Boyscott)
Just puts me in a good mood.
- Poppies - Live at Sugarshack Sessions
- Magnets Pt. 2
- This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)
- Alone (Live at Red Rocks)
- Wish You Were Here
- First Class
- Rearrange Us
- Fever To The Form
- Dead Flowers
Watchables
- The Truman Show
A lovely display of free will vs. control. Truman's life is orderly, comfortable, and perfect, but he goes against every instinct to confirm his suspicion that there is more to life than what he has always known. A core of existentialism is that you define your life through your choices. Freedom is something you have to step into.
- Train Dreams
The type of movie that makes you feel all sorts of things. Even the simplest lives become complicated, and the passing of time is a constant for all of us. Make something of yourself while you can, even if that just means finding your own version of acceptance.
- Nacho Libre
Say what you will about Nacho Libre, but he wanted more, and he found it! The music, costumes, setting, and indie feel all make this a great for me.
- Isle of Dogs
Self-discovery, identity, and purpose. Do you really change if your true self was always there, just deeper down? Do people change or were they always there?
- The Big Lebowski
Gutters and strikes. Don't take yourself too seriously and it'll all turn out alright.
- Good Will Hunting
Love and forgiveness. Leaps of faith and accepting that you aren't defined by your fears.
- REI Presents: How To Run 100 Miles
A story of two average guys running 100 miles at Run Rabbit. I watch this probably once a year, and have loved it since long before I really knew what ultras were. An important clue for me is the ski run in this race named “Why Not?” Turns out, this was a more important clue than I realized.
Books
- Paddling Your Own Canoe
Self-reliance, discovering your capabilities, and seeing a goal through over the course of your life.
- Beyond The Mountain
Steve House is an amazing athlete, but this book mostly reminds me to keep things in perspective; relationships and life outside of sport.
- A Walk In The Woods
Again, don't take yourself too seriously. It's okay to fail and try again. If you want to try something, take practical steps to get there.
- Born To Run
I know, I know, but it's a great story either way.
- Into Thin Air
Jon Krakauer is a hero of mine. His storytelling and journalistic approach makes for a great read.
- Some Stories
- Eat and Run
- Life Lived Wild
- Tools to Save Our Home Planet
Capitalism can be ethical, it takes restraint and humanism.
- Zen and The Art of Saving The Planet
People
Werner Herzog · Flea · Steve Prefontaine · Charles Bukowski · Henry Thoreau · Justin Vernon · Elton John · Yvon Chouinard · Neil Young · Roni Horn