CALIFORNIA IS FOR RUNNERS
We designed products inspired by Dillon Breen, Ellis Newton and Hakim Tafari, all California‑based runners. Read our conversations with them below.
"California is for runners because of the diversity of the environment. I can hop in the car, go to the Laguna mountains, then run again 4 hours later at the beach. If you like roads... they are here. If you like trails... they are here. If you like being miserable and like running in the desert...you got it!! 50 mins east towards AZ. And that's JUST in San Diego. It's also such a small world to the point where you run with someone once"
- Dillon Breen
Read the conversation here.
"If you are from California and you've competed in high school track and field/cross country, then you know how difficult it is to be considered good. Because it's such a populated state, Cali has a very competitive high school championship system under what is called CIF. From a young age we are trained pretty rigorously, trying to be the fastest athlete in your division, section, and eventually the state. Some of us continue running in college, as I competed at UC Berkeley for another four years. Where I'm going with this is that I was left with this persisting love to train once I finished as a competitive runner. I feel as though my journey isn't over yet."
- Ellis Newton
Read the conversation here.
"Running in California, especially in LA, has given me a sense of freedom, a sense of purpose. I feel like I've really developed my own sense of being through running in LA. You have to have a certain sense of strength, power and committment and not be afraid to explore. I think that is one of the great things about running in LA as opposed to anywhere else—like running in Orlando or Austin or Omaha, or Guadalajara. Everywhere has a different running experience but for LA has taught me how to become a strong runner and has contributed to my mindfulness and awareness of the present moment each time my foot hits the pavement. I mean, you can get that anywhere you run but I think there's something unique about the culture of LA..."
- Hakim Tafari
Read the conversation here.