Running, we just can’t quit you

Kevin, Virginia — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:03:51 GMT

These ads are tremendous and so true.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Bleary Eyed Runner — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:58:00 GMT

It's so funny that you should post this. I just saw the commercial last night and as a hardcore distance runner, I can say I totally identified with it! I even joked to my husband that I felt like I should start buying New Balance shoes because clearly they "get me." I guess I really didn't notice the futuristic overtones I was so intent on the running relationship love/hate theme. I'll have to watch closer next time. At first glance though, I'd say this is a great direction for New Balance to take. There are enough shoe manufacturers out there that cater to runners who are more focused on fashion than fartleks. I want to buy shoes from someone who knows what I know: sometimes running sucks... but it sucks less if you wear really good shoes!! That being said, I plan to continue wearing my Brooks.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Dan, Iowa — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:53:45 GMT

I love the commercials! The runners who will continually buy 2 or more pairs of running shoes per year will identify with the campaign. I like that non-runners don't get it. I think other runners will like that as well.

I will stick with my Supernovas, though. :-)

Running, we just can’t quit you

John Toledo Ohio — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:11:48 GMT

I run at 3:30 in the morning and this ad spoke volumes regarding my feelings towards my sport. I have been buying their shoes for 9 years and they really know their business. I believe their commercials show that they really know me as a runner.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Cora, Bishop, California — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:51:32 GMT

I run in New Balance (I go through 2-3 pairs a year) and I love this ad! I run early in the morning and my mind does ramble and at times things do seem sureal. The love/hate relation occurs for me almost every morning and I am at risk for going back to bed up until the moment I lace up. Then, once out the door, the world is mine and it is exhilerating! I agree with Dan from Iowa, non-runners won't get it and New Balance knows they don't have to.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Brett Astor, Boulder, Colorado — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:08:08 GMT

You underscore the issue with evaluating ads on anything other than impact on profit. There are a thousand opinions about what is right or wrong, good or bad, about an ad. The only objective way to evaluate an ad is by the business results it generates.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Jonathan, Lewisville, TX — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:38:12 GMT

My wife and I saw these ads and we love them. I am training for my first half-marathon and these ads really speak to how I feel about running.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Byron, Virginia — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:26:20 GMT

I think that this ad is great. I like to view the runners that the main character is being chased by as the ones trying to catch up. When I run with a group I always try to stay ahead, and use the ones behind me as motivation to speed up. As with the ocean being red and running through odd enviroments - well, I think that I speak for a lot of us runners when I say that after running for an extended period of time, odd things start going through our minds. It's a great ad, and I still continue to wear New Balance.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Kevin, La Junta, CO — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:28:58 GMT

When I first saw these adds it seemed as if they had been made just for me. They really nailed it...running does suck. That being said; I gotta go run :-)

Running, we just can’t quit you

Charise Pullman washinton — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:17:51 GMT

Saw this ad last night for the first time-really got my attention. As something of a newbie marathoner (4 last year) I love it.Runnings reward of exhilaration and acheivement is hard won and this ad speaks to that directly.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Todd, Blue Bell, PA — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:28:44 GMT

I am an 'aspiring runner' and totally identified with the ad. I like many others who have already commented was busy thinking about how the ad hit home - I didn't even put a thought toward any questions about the futuristic scene, odd lighting or 'menacing' runners. As someone who has spent some early mornings out on the streets and trails I can attest to just how surreal suburubia or center city can appear in the red/pink/orange-hued, quickly changing lighting at sunrise. As for other runners - most seem to be faster than I, running farther than I or in less pain than I - so perhaps my competitive and envious side does see those other runners thorugh a lense that makes the appear to be less than friendly? In hindsight, I guess I am realizing that the aspects the author of the article questioned about the ad might actually be the real reasons I identified with it.

Running, we just can’t quit you

6.2 @ 6:30 am — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:52:30 GMT

The weird surroundings, the building and the other runners are not meant to be frightening, they are beautiful and freightening. They are artistic representations of the joy and the pain that we experience while running depending on all those factors we are so aware of. How well did we sleep, what did we eat yesterday, what is the temp and humidity, what is our mood, how far have we run the last several days. We all have those terrible runs on occasion, but we live for those once-in-a-while perfect runs. That is what this commercial represents.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Vik Khanna — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 21:27:07 GMT

As an exercise coach and health educator, I thought the ads creatively reflected reality. Exercise -- including vigorous running -- is damn good for you, but sometimes unappealing. I (and my clients) do it anyway. A coup for New Balance; relating to running the way a majority of people likely do, instead of through the eyes or perspective of a "star" who no one can truly relate to.

Running, we just can’t quit you

J Doe — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 01:51:15 GMT

"After all, most of us do look toward our workouts with a mixture of pleasure and dread, and one would think that counts double for the type of hardcore runners who are most likely to frequently buy high-end running shoes."
Hmmmm...I guess that would depend on your definition of a hardcore runner. I averaged 50-60 miles a week for a few years and truly enjoyed the workouts. The worst days by far were the ones you were forced to take off. Ok the track sessions sucked! Being able to effortlessly run fast and long while high on endorphins is an euphoric experience. You learn to embrace the pain as it is your familiar friend not your enemy. You laugh at steep hills and run up them as hard as you can with the goal of saturating your legs with as much latic acid as you can tolerate. I didn't even consider myself hardcore as many runners run 100+ miles a week. That is hardcore. Running is hard when you don't run enough but once you have put in the work it is sheer joy. If you can find a hardcore runner that doesn't feel that way he is either overtrained or needs to take up another sport. BTW like most runners an ad would never make me switch shoes. After 18 years of training in Nike Pegasus why even think of taking a chance and switching to a new shoe?

Running, we just can’t quit you

Betsy Pyle, Salina, Kan. — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 02:32:44 GMT

So many runners say they identify with the New Balance ad, strange though it is. . . Could this be because the ad-writers are runners, and got their surreal ideas from the extra endorphins generated by the extra stress of 'forced' running??

Running, we just can’t quit you

Shaky Legs, Tucson, AZ — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 02:58:55 GMT

After reading this article, I wasnt sure what to expect, being that I havent seen the ad. After watching it, I sure can relate to it! I think New Balance really framed the subject matter squarely in the minds of "us" runners! It will be tough to get me out of my Asics though... :P

Running, we just can’t quit you

The Coug from Washington State — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 03:24:02 GMT

I think New Balance's other TV ad about breaking up with running is hilarious! Been there...tried that. Runner's can totally relate

Running, we just can’t quit you

JB. Lawton, Ok — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 05:39:07 GMT

i hate running with a passion, yet i get up lace up my shoes almost everyday and find the pain on occasion is replaced by the feeling of something accomplished, something worthwhile, something that i need to do...........

Running, we just can’t quit you

Jason, Baltimore, MD — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:35:56 GMT

What Bleary Eyed Runner said. As any serious runner knows, hard workouts are hell when you're doing them, but you love the satisfaction and results that you get from doing so (ergo the love/hate). Anything that tips the balance towards love without compromising the integrity of the workouts is welcome. This was very good advertising.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Pete, Virginia Beach, VA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:35:08 GMT

I got sore just from watching this commercial :-)

As a newbie runner (I'm doing 8K's and 10K's) I'm in an almost constant state of pain... but it's a good pain! This commercial really makes sense to me, as I love being out on the streets in the pre-dawn hours, but I HATE it, too.

Running, we just can’t quit you

James South Africa — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:25:10 GMT

Why are you guys over in the U.S. worried about an advert, after all what is it, come on guys get a life. Is this really all you have to talk about, by the way there is nothing wrong with the ad, but with this making head line news is bad. ther is so many other things in life that you should be worried about.

Running, we just can’t quit you

porochi — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:56:45 GMT

Bleary Eyed Runner said: "There are enough shoe manufacturers out there that cater to runners who are more focused on fashion than fartleks."

What the hell is a fartlek? Sounds like something I get after eating Chinese food...

Running, we just can’t quit you

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:01:02 GMT

Fartlek is 'same as interval training' as your MS Word dictionary will explain. Looked it up.
Noticed NB has been running ads which they never had done before. Also noticed they are opening retail outlets. The marketing department must have been given the green light. Have used their products for a couple of decades due to high quality - which is a sure fire way of keeping customers. Just hope the envigorated marketing department doesn't decide to pay for those ads by increasing prices as it is not an inexpensive product already. BTW, even their tennis shoe is superb.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Jaime, Olympia, WA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:03:16 GMT

Obviously not a hard-core runner. Fartleks are short sprints that you do during your run. You pick a point ahead (maybe 50-100 meters) and speed up so that you're running between 75% to 90% of full speed. Once you reach the point, you back off and recover at close to your normal pace. Then, you do it again (or not) as much as you care to.

Running, we just can’t quit you

porochi — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:48:24 GMT

"Fartleks are short sprints that you do during your run."

I see, thanks for the definition. When one suddenly speeds up like that, it could cause one to fart. Aptly named...

Running, we just can’t quit you

Lisa, San Diego, CA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:52:52 GMT

I haven't seen the ad in television, but I will check out the video when I get home (at work now & even writing this is faux-pas). I totally identify with the concept and congratulate NB for thinking outside the box for this campaign. As someone who does run and buys at least a couple of pairs of running shoes per year, I love the fact that NB has addressed both the love and dread of running, something I have conflict over on a daily basis.

Running, we just can’t quit you

John P, Venice, CA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:02:09 GMT

I get what they're trying to do and it worked... I payed attention. I don't know if I'll buy their shoes though, that big N is just a bit too goofy looking.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Craig, Shreveport, LA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:57:38 GMT

I was a competitive distance runner for almost 10 years and I think J Doe said it best: "Being able to effortlessly run fast and long while high on endorphins is an euphoric experience." Running can be very demanding but its returns are tremendous in both physical and mental well-being.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Karl Rove, Wash — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:00:02 GMT

Running sucks!

Running, we just can’t quit you

Franklin Vickery, Maryville, TN — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:19:32 GMT

Nothing menacing about this ad, except for maybe the slight paranoid feelings most runners experience when approached by other runners- every other runner seems faster, in better shape, and better trained. Yep, definitely need to run another mile today. NB got us.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Andy, Knoxville, TN — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:29:15 GMT

Fartleks are named after the coach who innovated them. I think he was German or Scandinavian. As a 10-11 miler per week (3 5-6k runs per week, just to stay in shape) I do identify with the commercial. It's not just running though. I have been lifting weights for the past 26 years (nowadays about 4 hours per week, used to be more). The same love/hate relationship exists for that too.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Chad Harris Bellevue,Wa — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:38:27 GMT

I am a 330lb man who just recently took up running. After breaking my back 4 years ago I have put on 25lbs a year and must now reverse the process. I have a true love hate relationship with running. I love to run naked thru down town Seattle and most people seem to hate it. I completely understand where New Balance is coming from. Its about time that a company realizes (or admits to)the true nature of thier product.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Tony — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:34:35 GMT

I have been a hardcore athlete the majority of my life. Everything from biking to bodybuilding, and even though running hasn't been number 1, it has been a big part of it. New Balance gets it. Any serious athlete will love this commerical, no matter what the sport. As far as the odd world, maybe what New Balance is saying is that running takes you 'somewhere else'. I'm sure any serious runner is not focused on the running, but their mind is in a very different world when the run....I know mine is, its the only way to enjoy it. Put your mind on the pain and pavement and your sunk.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Owen — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:40:10 GMT

Thanks for the comment Karl.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Pete L, HB CA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:07:40 GMT

I know what they mean about the love hate relationship. I have wide feet and buy NB because they are the only shoes, that do not tear out along the sides before they need to be replaced from normal wear.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Sono in Sara, FL — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:14:45 GMT

My first impression was that NB gets it. I run a 10k at the beach 2 nights a week at sunset. I hope the sky and water are red, what do they say... Red sky at night, runners delight. Red sky in the morn runners take warn? Something like that

Running, we just can’t quit you

Meagan, Baltimore, MD — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:21:57 GMT

my husband and i are both runners and we loved the commercials. the love/hate concept is perfect. i think the author of this review is getting a little too hung up on the concepts (i.e. does the red water = global warming?) it is supposed to be fantasy...when you run your mind goes all over the place. i can't wait to see more new balance love/hate ads. you feel like they must make good running shoes if they know that much about what it's like to run.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Jarrett, Jersey City, NJ — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:39:46 GMT

I'm not a runner but I am a guy gets up at the crack of God's ass to get to the gym before work. I think anyone who is remotely athletic and works out, especially an early morning torture session, will totally get this! I think it's time for me to go shopping...

Running, we just can’t quit you

Katie, Salt Lake City, UT — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:47:34 GMT

"... why inject fantasy into the mix? The commercial leaves the viewer with too many far-flung questions: Who are those other, slightly menacing-looking runners? Did global warming make the ocean red?"

Obviously Allison Linn is not a runner.

The "fantasy" setting with the warped buildings is pretty much my world view toward the end of a long run, when I'm tired, everything does seem somewhat skewed to me- maybe because my attention is so internalized.
The other runners are competition, of course. And people coming up behind you is menacing anyway.
To me, the color choices make perfect sense - red is the color of passion, both negative and positive - and who hasn't "seen red" as you struggle to finish a run or other tough workout? (Again, obviously not Ms Linn).

This is a great ad, and not just because runners can relate, but because the entire theme drives home "Balance" -reminding you of the company the ad is advertising. Unlike many ads today, its clear and straightforward and you never forget what you're supposed to buy at the end.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Candice, Indianapolis Indiana — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:54:36 GMT

Haven't seen the commercial but will look for it. Show me a person who swears they love to run and I'll show you a liar. But enough from me, I gotta get some miles in....

Running, we just can’t quit you

sally k — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:53:30 GMT

love nb...but to the writer and New Balance (especially)--why not a HEROINE?

c'mon. Women run, too!!!

Running, we just can’t quit you

Kent, many, many places — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:11:34 GMT

I am in the Army. I run because I have to. As I get older, I find that it never gets easier or less painful. I find the direction of this advertisement right on target however. If you set out to lay down some miles at the crack of dawn (as I do), and it never gets easier, you have to have a strategy. I find the best strategy for me is to tune out the pain and the minutia of my individual steps and focus on the landscape and the bigger picture. As an Army soldier, I always concentrate on situational awareness too. The runners around me get younger all the time (relatively), which I find slightly menacing as well. In the big picture, running is much like this advertising portrays as a step into the surreal. Wouldn't trade it for the world! In real life, those soldiers are my friends and comrades and we are running together not against each other. I started wearing NB's twenty years ago when they advertised that they stocked all sizes of shoes (I wear a 4XW). I like the grey cross-training models because they don't show the dirt as much.

Running, we just can’t quit you

head down, portland, OR — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:18:02 GMT

The ad caught my attention right away. Obviously written by a real runner. I'm not necessarily hard core. It captures the sentiment perfectly: I want to do it. I need to do it. I hate doing it. I love doing it. I can't stop doing it. I am better when I do it. Long term, I will reep the benefits. Right now, it sucks. Later, I will be glad I did it. It clears my mind. It makes me crazy. You have to be a real runner to understand this relationship. Some days I don't want to get out there, and even after the endorphins kick in, I don't feel any better, and yet I am glad I made the effort. So far, no major injuries. I'm looking forward to getting better and becoming "hard core". I understand it is a process and rome wasn't built in a day.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Nick M, Covington, WA — Fri, 02 May 2008 06:22:11 GMT

Odd... no one commented that the 'buildings that defy gravity' are letters that spell out the word "LOVE". I guess subliminal advertising really does work. (sometime, when watching one of those cell-phone commercials where they keep talking about all the 'bars' of reception you get, pause the TIVO and count all the visual images of escalating bars.)

Subliminal. Clever.

The water is red because, well, it's red when the sun comes up on the puddles you run over, blood is red, anger and frustration is red, and you run right past them... lots of reasons. Global warming? c'mon.

Running, we just can’t quit you

Ghost, in the machine — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:02:50 GMT

Yea, funny no one caught the buildings spell the word "LOVE" in the background.
Also, Fartlek is a sweedish word, translated to mean "Speed play". Which was mostly well described above by some posters. It is a form of tempo running with varied speeds over varied distances throughout your run.
Also, red is about passion, but is ALSO New Balance's corporate color (I think)

Running, we just can’t quit you

Kris, Portland, OR — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:55:14 GMT

Did no one notice the ridiculous amount of ads placed in these comments? I totally understand the need to spike your sales, but STOP HIRING PEOPLE TO POST COMMENTS THAT AREN'T TRUE OR GENUINE

Running, we just can’t quit you

Barry — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:42:01 GMT

I used to run 3-5 miles a day and never found shoes that were comfortable! I ended up in heavy boots and tried to find dirt or sand to run in so I know of the love/hate thing. But maybe it was the low arch in both feet that was the problem? humm....

Running, we just can’t quit you

Running is good for you, when you do it right — Thu, 08 May 2008 04:52:46 GMT

Once a friend of mine asked me...Why do you like to run? I told him because I have this love/hate relationship with it. I hate go out running, but once I hit the road is all but love. I saw this ad, and I was like wow, it is so true. I just got a new pair of Nike + shoes, with the sportband, which I love the whole Nike + experience, but I am missing my Adidas Adistar, I am even thinking of making a hole in my adidas to put the nike sensor in it, and see if I can get the best of both world. Good running shoes(adidas)and thoughtful idea (Nike +).

Running, we just can’t quit you

StephenS, Orem Utah — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:18:19 GMT

Every building is spelling out LOVE in building shaped letters nothing futuristic here... I love running and these shoes have worn them for years. If my knees had not given out I would still be running at 60...

Running, we just can’t quit you

Michael Lindgren — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:35:35 GMT

Yes! I ran in New Balance shoes for a year, but then switched to Asics and now am running in Mizunos. They really should have gotten a person who ran to do this review, after all, only runners will ever know that things really do look like that when you run. Most people see red as symbolizing pain, and take it negatively; runners have a weird way of embracing pain and so the image is appealing. My Cross Country shirts say it best "Pain is my Best Friend" and "My sport is your sport's punishment".

Running, we just can’t quit you

Diane, Chicago, IL — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:30:58 GMT

As I runner, this campaign completely resonates with me (especially on those cold/rainy days). However, as any runner knows... you buy your running shoes based solely (yes that pun was intended) on fit. You DO NOT buy based on brand or look/style.