I'm not a “runner.” Yes, I run. It could even be said that I run regularly. But I do not identify myself as a runner. And if you saw my body shape, you would not identify me as a runner either. But a few months ago, when we came up with a creative video idea that involved running, I thought, “no problem. I've got this.”
The idea called for a POV running shot. No big deal. I didn't like the idea of a shaky GoPro shot, so I was going all out with a Canon 5D Mark III on a Glidecam 2000 Pro with a Smooth Shooter vest. We also needed audio of footsteps and breathing, so I strapped a Marantz audio recorder to the bottom of the Glidecam and a Tascam audio recorder to the top of the 5D. The rig looked awesome! And it was heavy! “No problem. I've got this.”
I made my way out to a running trail with one of my coworkers. I dialed things in for a test run, and off I went. I made it about half as far as I needed to for the final shot…and I was already about shot myself. “This might be a problem. I'm not sure if I've got this.” I checked my test footage, dialed in the changes to audio and exposure, and caught my breath. Before the next run I thought, “this better go well because I don't think I can do it again.” And off I went.
And it did go well, but I was about to pass out by the time I finished the shot. Just to put this in perspective: I can normally run for 30 to 45 minutes, covering 4 miles or so. Here I only had to run for about 3 minutes, and distance didn't really matter. It took all I had to finish.
New experiences can stretch us beyond our comfort zone. Depending on the circumstances, we can feel burdened or even stuck. It can take all we have to finish or make it through. But on the other side of those seasons of stretching, we can often see amazing things that were accomplished.
To see the result of my near-death experience, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiaFRNPOYGI
