Film recap: Why do we do hard things?
Written by RunFilms.co on 2023-08-23 14:16:09
Good question!
"Why Do We Do Hard Things?" asks precisely that, set against the backdrop of the Boulder Road Runners’ Mile High Mile on July 29, 2023, in Boulder, Colorado. Filmmaker Tony DiPasquale (@tonywithasony) joins forces with For the Long Run Podcast host, Jonathan Levitt, to document three athletes chasing a sub-5 minute mile.
After an introduction by Sara Vaughn, we’re introduced to the three featured individuals: Flannery Davis Love, a psychotherapist and multifaceted athlete; Jonathan Levitt, a podcast host; and Trent Mack, a former hurdler now confronting age and the playful challenges posed by his children.
Flannery's reflections provide a deeply insightful perspective. Having confronted the paralyzing fear of failure herself, she draws a connection between athletics and pushing the uncomfortable boundaries of personal thresholds. Her message resonates with anyone who has ever been held back by fear.
Jonathan's perspective is refreshingly straightforward yet profound. Drawing from his interactions with numerous athletes during his time hosting the "For the Long Run Podcast," he underscores the importance of enjoying the journey—a sentiment shared by both gold medal-winning Olympians and amateur runners.
Trent's narrative is both heartwarming and relatable, with age serving as both a source of motivation and a playful challenge from his children. His endeavor goes beyond merely breaking the five-minute barrier; it's about countering the 'over the hill' comments, adding a touch of humor and familial connection to the story.
The short film also offers insights from Olympian Jenny Simpson.
The film takes a while to transition to the actual race footage, which, although brief, is masterfully shot. Tony DiPasquale effectively captures the competitors in their most strenuous moments, immersing the audience in the raw intensity of their endeavors. A potential enhancement to the film's pacing could have been the intercutting of interview segments with race footage.
What truly stands out is the film's overarching message: it's not always about reaching the goal but about valuing the process, trusting it, and gleaning lessons from the journey—whether that brings joy, disappointment, or a blend of both.
If you need a reminder for why you are doing hard things, give it a watch.
This film was created with support from PUMA.
