Hold the Gate!

Gatekeeping within the Industries.

Within any industry exists certain stigma. Within the hunting industry the stigma is unless you're rich or the elite hunter you don't need that camo. Within the shooting community, it's frowned upon for civilians to practice with the same intensity as law enforcement and military.

Unfortunately, the running community is no different!

This is called Gatekeeping, which is the act of trying to control who gets particular resources, power, or opportunities; or even the right to call themselves a runner. I beg to differ...we should be holding the gate, in any industry, not tending it and telling only a select few that they can join the club.

There is a loud opinion in the running community that you only 'deserve' certain gear once you’ve hit a specific milestone. They say you only need a running belt for under five miles, or carbon-plated shoes unless you're elite. I’ve seen people ask, 'Why do you need a vest? This isn't an ultra.'

My question is simple: Why does it matter to you?

I view the 'race of life' like an American football field. At any given time, we are all at different yardages. We move forward and backward on that proverbial field every day. If we spend our energy trying to keep other players at 'our level' or judging their gear, we stall the very sports and businesses we claim to love. Advancing a sport requires a willingness to bring others in, not lock them out. If a guy wants to spend $165 on a 12L Salomon ADV vest to only run three miles, who are we to judge? We don’t know his story, and his gear choice doesn't change the yardage on your own play."

I will never understand why we shoot ourselves in the foot trying to keep others down to our perceived level of ability or need. Instead of adopting the misery loves company mentality we should enjoy seeing others come into the sport and progressing.

Here's your "Okay", buy what makes you happy! If you feel the running vest is the best option, go for it! If you want that camo, those shoes, to participate in that training......Go For It! Ignore the noise and just enjoy your race!

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