Living in cave? A GoPro is a high defintion lightweight personal camera that can be strapped to the body or mounted in unusual spots. It’s used often in extreme action videos.
You may remember I wore a GoPro on rides at the fair for a work assignment last summer. I haven’t used it since and I am considering giving it another go on my trail races this summer.
Two things always come to mind when I see runners wearing/holding a camera. First I think wow that’s cool (get that camera away from me). Then the other side of my brain reacts with questions like what kind of weirdo films an entire race? And wouldn’t wearing a camera throw you off your game?
Peter from A Touch of the Runs straps on a camera for all his races. I met Peter and his lovely wife offline at the VIP thingy at the Calgary Tower during the Calgary Marathon race weekend. Good people! I thought since we were all best buds now I would ask Peter a bunch of questions about his experiences. (I emailed the questions so it didn’t allow for follow up. If you have any additional questions, I am sure Peter would be happy to answer.)
Check out Peter’s YouTube channel – Peter PaoPao – here. He has about 34 videos uploaded for your viewing pleasure.
1. How did you start? What compelled you to run with a camera strapped to your body?
I had often replayed races in my head and at the same time admired bloggers who took photos mid-race. I wanted to be able to watch an “action replay” and also post photos without the slowing down or stopping that a hand-held camera requires.
2. Do you run every race with a GoPro? Why?
Yes I want to capture every race.
3. Isn’t it distracting to wear for hours?
I get used to it, though as I say if the extra battery is needed it can be a little distracting.
4. What is the most challenging part of wearing a GoPro when running?
The picture is always going to have a fair amount of shaking. I try to reduce this as much as I can. If it’s got the extra battery attached, needed for full marathons, it can sink down on my head. However, if it’s too high up it will move too much and effect the picture.
5. Do you wear the GoPro for the entire race or just bits of it?
6. Do you ever forget that it’s on?
7. How do people react when they see the camera?
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A mixture – some recognize it and get enthusiastic and a few think it’s a bit silly.
8. Do you have any particular memorable experiences wearing a GoPro?
It’s for all those experiences I want to wear it on race day really. A coyote crossed the road in front of me during last year’s Banff Ekiden, but the picture is zoomed quite far out so it’s hard to see. At the end of the race – I did the final leg – and almost swallowed a fly. You can even see the fly on screen.
I remember during last year’s Calgary Half, two spectators saw it and one said “I’ve always wanted to do that.”
9. What’s your favourite video that you made?
The first time I used it – the California International Marathon which took place under heavy winds and driving rain. I also use it on holiday. My running tour of Kyoto is a non-race favourite.
Thanks so much Peter for taking the time to answer my questions. I appreciate it and I am sure my readers will too. I wanted to leave you with Peter’s latest video of the Calgary Marathon. Be sure to watch the final 200 metres because it’s quite funny! (Oh and if you want to see some really awesome GoPro videos you should subscribe to the GoPro YouTube channel or check the website for featured videos.) Happy Running! |
Cool and weird I'd say. More vids on the way!
Nice. I just subscribed to your youtube page. Always good to see other gopro runners and you are one speedy one.
Very cool I've recorded a lot of my races with my gopro. I'd say go for it. I prefer using a monopod though. my youtube page is http://www.youtube.com/gokuflip if interested.
Running with a GoPro sounds like a fun way to capture the excitement of races! I’m curious to try it myself and relive those memorable moments.
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