Interview Reflection: Is this your first 5K?

Interview Reflection: Is this your first 5K?

The essential story behind the piece I created is about the rise of accomplishment and the strength of spirit to begin again when one has to start all over.  This media piece is reflects my relationship with the racing community over the last five years.  The story is about a reluctant runner who becomes hooked on the racing world as she pushes boundaries and achieves them without fail.  The highlight of her accomplishments is the Disney Marathon.  However, it is, also,  her fall as she becomes injured.  It is a minor injury that will take up to a year to heal and as time passes, she must make a decision, be content with your accomplishments or be willing to start all over again.



What was your purpose in creating this piece of new media narrative? Do you feel you were successful in communicating your purpose?  

 My purpose was to create an autobiographical piece.  I was in the midst of developing another piece of that type when I realized, as humorous as that other piece was going to sound, it was difficult to capture it in visuals.  I, also, realized that I preferred a subject that had built me up instead of one that tore everyone down, including myself.  Why the subject of running and racing did not come to me sooner, I do not know.  Perhaps it seemed too simple a subject at first glance, or maybe, only those who have the desire to participate in race-type events will understand.  I would think the purpose behind the subject of the autobiography was to show that people of all types can start small and build to greater challenges if they are willing to take that first step.


Every director wants the world to be able to view their work in his or her particular perspective.  It is difficult to say whether I accomplished my goal.  It is not a tragic story by far, though if I had footage of the marathon and the destruction of my feet it might make the tragedy of being laid up for a few weeks more convincing.  At the same time, I wanted to keep the subject matter light.  A loss of toenails isn't thought to be much of an inconvenience and for some racers, it is a badge of honor, One gentleman I know has his shadowboxed on the wall.   The results are not the same for everyone and I did not mind showing physical weakness.  I had obtained my goal at a price.  Getting hurt is a matter of consideration when choosing to participate in an activity.  Most importantly, I would like to be able to show that I bounced back.  I think in an unrefined way, I was able to introduce the concept of what it is like to be part of the running community and the fact that if one is just wiling to try, you never really fail.

Who was your audience? Do you feel you were successful in reaching your audience?

I would like to think my audience is anyone who is involved in an activity or desires to be in an activity that builds self-esteem and promotes personal growth.  In the running world, there are many athletes who are determined to beat their Personal Record (PR).  A PR is about doing their best in the sport.  For some, placing in the top 10 may be a little out of their reach, but to be able to perform better than before on their own PR can be a positive mental boost.

I think the goal of designing the video for those who have yet to get off the couch or those who are not sure what to expect at a 5K has been accomplished.  Of course, there are, also, those who have bigger dreams and aspirations beyond the 5K.  

Why did you use your particular approach to media production and media selection? Were you successful?
As far as media selection, I used the resources I had on-hand, such as my medal collection, bibs, and race photos.  I, then, signed up for the local 5K race and recorded some footage there.  While each race has some minor adjustments, it is essentially the same. Elite is on the start line,  faster runners are behind them, then joggers, walkers, and strollers.   People of all sizes and shapes are there.   When it came to recording the footage of the event, I had to recall back to the days when I was first starting out and some of the questions I asked, such as, is it a large group and how many people are there?.  The starting line and the finish line are always necessary with a few pictures in between.  Is there food available? Are there restrooms nearby?  All of points were touched on visually.  I wanted to briefly show the Elite on the starting line, but I desired a little more footage with the walkers at the back of the pack while they make their way on the course.  Showing the walkers is the least intimidating version of the 5K.  No one is being trampled.  It is easier for them to spread out.  I think if my story is enough to get someone to look at the project and if it motivates to go do something outside of their comfort zone, I think my story will be a success.
It was luck of the draw that I was able to get some interesting sound bites without having as much footage as I would usually have for these types of projects. I knew the basic elements that I wanted.


What did you learn during the process of crafting your media piece that you can use in creating future new media narrative?

I learned that I need to sharpen my skills again as a video editor.  Other things I learned is a need to work on the intonation of my voice.  I was hoping it would carry a light jocular sound to it.  As far as the process, I understand that it will take a strong narrative in order to keep my audience.  I look forward to feedback to seeing if my peers can follow my work.