These will make you want to run a marathon
Photo by Justyn Warner/Unsplash
We all have our moments when we feel particularly lazy, but some days make it especially hard to get up. Sometimes you need a little extra kick and what better way to motivate yourself back into running than by watching these running films. Here are some choice movies that’ll get you back running in no time.
“Transcend” (2014)
This documentary follows the story of 2012 Boston Marathon winner Wesley Korir. It shows not only his running story from the streets of Kenya to the big American marathons but also his run for Parliament. You get a glimpse of his escape from the Ugandan border all the way to his new life in the United States. Aside from his hard work and determination, the film shows how his faith guided him through victory, both in his marathons and in his campaign. There are a lot of cinematic shots that showcase Kenya’s landscape and society that give you brief views of the African country’s running culture. Prominent runners like Mo Farah and Kenenisa Bekele have cameos in the film, too, and even non-runners can find inspiration because the film also talks about how running is a lot like politics and life in general.
“Spirit of the Marathon” (2007)
This movie is about how six runners trained and competed in the 2006 Chicago Marathon. It shows the significance of marathon running through the perspective of people from all walks of life. Experienced marathoners, first-timers, and aged runners all share equal screen time. Though the film focuses more on the characters’ training and preparation rather than the race itself, the wide cast of characters gives us a look at a marathoner’s motivation. For some, it’s to prove their physical endurance; to others it’s simply for the challenge or sponsorship. The film does a great portrayal of the perseverance a runner has just to finish a marathon.
“Desert Runners” (2013)
This documentary film is about a group of four non-professional runners and their attempt to complete the 4 Deserts Series, a set of ultramarathons staged in deserts around the world. They tried not just one but all four races that can last up to five days each. Watching them go through the most intense weather conditions and landscapes really puts the viewer on edge the entire time. The director, Jennifer Steinman, managed to portray humanity in a sympathetic but not overly dramatic way. The film shows live and unfiltered shots of the racers at their breaking point, which will leave viewers emotionally exhausted. Despite the difficulty, it’s also filled with lighthearted moments. If you’re a fan of endurance races or just survival films, this one is something you should definitely watch.
“From Fat to Finish Line” (2015)
“From Fat to Finish Line” is about 12 formerly obese people who team up to finish the 200-mile Ragnar Relay Race. What’s inspiring is that it documents how they worked hard to lose weight as well as the struggles and doubts they had to overcome. Watching this might actually leave you frustrated at times, mostly because of how some of the protagonists’ own friends and families tear them down. It shows a realistic view of the struggle of weight loss and how it is not just some exercise montage that ends with a miraculously slim body. These people face real health problems like diabetes and heart disease that makes it all the more difficult. If you’re also working on your weight, these stories might hit close to home. It shows how achieving big goals might seem impossible but that you just can’t let up and let others bring you down.