About this Project:

Capturing the Essence of Running, One Story at a Time

This project is built on a simple premise: runners have stories. Lots of them. Stories of triumph, defeat, bizarre encounters, and those moments of quiet introspection that only come when you're miles away from civilization and your only company is the rhythmic pounding of your feet on the pavement.

We're on a mission to collect those stories and create a book that reflects the true spirit of running – the good, the bad, and the slightly unhinged.

Our Goals:

• To Showcase the Diversity of the Running Experience: We want to hear from runners of all levels, backgrounds, and motivations. Whether you're a seasoned ultramarathoner or someone who just started running to escape the relentless demands of your pet goldfish, your story matters.
• To Provide a Platform for Anonymous Sharing: We understand that some running stories are best kept between you and the trail. That's why we're committed to anonymity. Share your experiences without fear of judgment or unwanted attention.
• To Build a Community: We believe that running is more than just a solitary pursuit. It's a shared experience that connects people from all walks of life. This project is about fostering that sense of community and celebrating the common threads that bind us together.

How to Contribute:

Ready to share your running saga? Here's what you need to know:

• Keep it Real: We want authentic stories, not polished narratives. Embrace the messy, the funny, and the unexpected.
• Focus on the Details: Bring your story to life with vivid descriptions and sensory details. What did you see, hear, smell, feel? Did that energy gel taste suspiciously like banana-flavored cough syrup?
• Don't Be Shy: Share your emotions, your insights, and the lessons you've learned along the way.

Need some inspiration?

• Dive into the Details:

  • Set the Scene: Where were you running? What was the weather like? What time of day was it?
  • Unleash Your Senses: What did you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel?
  • Emotions Run Deep: How did you feel before, during, and after the run? Were you excited, nervous, angry, or joyful?
  • Unexpected Twists: Did something surprising happen? A funny encounter? A near miss?
  • Lessons Learned: What did you learn about yourself or the world around you? How did the experience change you?

• Here are a few prompts to spark your imagination:

  • The Time I...
    • ...ran with a celebrity
    • ...had a near-death experience
    • ...overcame a major obstacle
    • ...found unexpected inspiration
  • The Perfect Run: Describe your ideal running experience, from start to finish.
  • The Worst Run Ever: Share a hilarious or heartbreaking tale of a run gone wrong.

Submitting Your Story:

• Click the "Submit Story" button at the bottom of this page to access our secure submission form.
• If you prefer to submit via email, send your story to submissions@storiesontherun.com.

The Man Behind the Curtain (Briefly):

This project was conceived by Michael Lucas, a runner with a penchant for overthinking and a questionable sense of direction. He believes that everyone has a story to tell, and that by sharing those stories, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Ready to share your story?