Brandon Lowe

Orlando

Jun 15

You want to get more content from the Thursday run or like what do you mean?

Just in general. More content in general, but I want to get in-depth with some of our runners because everyone likes the whole community aspect and how close we are.

I want to double down. So I was with me and my boy today and he was like - “so what's the main shit this clubs about”. I was like, we're for everyone and anyone. There's also a competitive side because we have people who are really trying to chase PRs and beat records and do different things like.. hard shit right. So there's the competitive side, but there’s people there for tons of different reasons. I want to be different. We've talked about this before, everyone has the same shit they do the same type of thing. Same people, same type of, you know, everything.

Right. I like when a run club has both the community aspect but is also intentional about running. I feel like a lot of times it’s just one or the other. Like everyone’s doing there own thing and there’s no community, or on the flip, it’s just a hang out.

That part yeah hang out. They said that straight up in that article. I didn't see the whole thing cuz I only saw the front page. But something that's been played out since last summer everyone talking about “run clubs are the new dating club”. Come on, let's switch the narrative. We're gonna run with that for a whole other year?

Anything can be a dating app if you try hard enough, But I mean, it takes away the legitimacy of it.

And if they keep doing that, it's going to take away the legitimacy of this. It’s going to fade into another fad that way. And I like to keep the flame going, I want to keep people into getting out here, doing all this.

I just feel like so many people do things because of dating. And you know, if you meet someone, that’s awesome. But come out here because you want to run or because you want community, you know?

It's refreshing to have a place that’s not another pressure in your life to be perfect or present yourself as such. It’s nice to show up and not have a bunch of people expecting something from you. And some places legit market themselves as such. I don't know why. I don't know why.

But I want to create this brand.

You have to build the community base…and that's the thing when I was doing streetwear I was telling my guy this morning. He worked with kanye and shit doing merch back in 2018

I always pick his brain and stuff. He was telling me like, bro with the streetwear stuff. You were making things and finding an audience for it. You can do the same with this group. What you want to do with everything is you get the community involved first, and then you just go from there. It's just figuring out what I want to do with it cuz I don't want to want to peddle people to like regular merch.

A couple of years ago maybe. I’d ask like, should I have said that? Is what I did that weird? People are probably like, no, who cares? Really. I get it. It's more so, have you ever heard of imposter syndrome?

Oh, of course I know what impostor syndrome is.

Yeah, that's really what it is. I get that shit all the time.

Because I understand that like, people who run seriously or like ran in college or professionally are not the only people who run, but it's almost like, it just feels weird, like wanting to start something, but like, you're really not that big a deal.

There's going to always be hate from a group like that, because unfortunately, you know, you see them at other races, college kids, or the track, you know, all through life they were track kids, parents were track kids, stuff like that.

I didn't know that at first, it's an elitist type section to the sport. There’s that group in any sport. But...

If you know your shit, you know your shite. And if you can prove you know your shit, then when someone challenges you or something, and they're like, oh, hey, why are you doing this?

Fight back at that shit. Headbutt that shit with facts, and proof, and just maintain your shit, and then that's really all you gotta do, because at the end of the day, what's different from starting in your mid-20s shit, even 30s, as opposed to starting in high school, other than, let's say time, your body, stuff like that, right?

But, I mean, you're faster than kids in high school right now.

Um. not really.

Some kids. Let's say that.

Yeah maybe the kids who have never run a day in their life and are trying to survive the random mile PE time trails.

But also, when you hear that type of stuff that's not coming from like the audience I’m looking for at all. So it doesn't matter

Image and perception I think about that a lot

I hate it

When was the first run?

Like group run?

Yeah. Like when was that day? Like the five of us?

I think it was like April, I think it was exactly like April 1st right around there. So when we were looking at it, it was April Fool's Day around there.

So do you feel like, if you looked back on where you are right now, would you have expected it or not? Or like in what ways.

So if I would say expected, I want to say no. Anticipated and wanted, like planned for it to be. Yes, or hoped. But no, I didn't really expect it to just happen. I had no real idea. I wanted it to be this big, though.

I just knew I wanted to get people together and cultivate this type of experience for people through running and community. I went to the other clubs, tried those out, nothing against them at all. But that's what made me make this. I wanted my own tribe. I wanted to be with people who were like-minded.

And so far, that's what we're doing. Bringing people to the table. It's kind of what I'm getting out of this. I think it’s worked out pretty cool so far.

How has what you've wanted for this changed?

I wouldn’t say anything’s “changed”, but more so I think the objectives have gotten clearer.

Understanding what bringing people together entails and what it can do for people. Putting together, the overall mission of things and the final outcome. I have more of an idea of what I want to do with it now.

I want to keep bringing people together but also make it to where it's more of like…..when you hear the term running club, you think of people just getting together and running, right? I want it to be a club, not like a dance club, I mean a physical brick and mortar place where you go, you can work out, you have a place for your gear, you meet people, hydrate, you can have a snack, go out, get your running in. Community hub pretty much, you know.

So just getting within this first, eight or so months of doing it, I'm kind of seeing now like, okay, what needs to be done to get to that goal. Is that goal feasible, and what kind of team needs to be built.
Things need to be monetized as well. And that's a hard thing to do sometimes because the end goal is not to get money out of people, it's to spread health and get people together so they can get themselves better, right? So that's been another difficult thing. But as you navigate that, you find different ways, you find ways to do that, maintaining that same core principle, being yourself, but still being able to help others and get to that mission.

How has your definition of community change? Like what does it mean to you?

Specifically running, and how that ties into the community - I've learned different things like, for example, politics, go hand in hand with the community aspect. There's a lot going on within the community that’s linked to that and what makes running accessible or inaccessible for folks. Starting a club with a bunch of different people definitely makes you see that.

Overall, my idea hasn't changed about community. I see it as the foundation to everything. That's what community is to me. It's the people that you're bringing around. Our tribe, having like minded people. People want to get out, get right, get fit, and at the end of the day want to strive for more. So that’s the foundation I wanted to create.

Like one thing I would say we were never about getting together and drinking afterwards. Like a lot of places are centered around a pub, a bar, something like that, right?

I distinctly wanted to make it separate to where you can do that if you want. I'm not against it. I partied too, but I wanted it to be more health-based, health-focused. And that’s the kind of community we cultivated

Okay, well what made you start it?

Well, I got into running. And then I was like, I want to try the club thing.

Actually, it was during the Olympic trials in February. I saw the amount of people going to all these clubs. I went to a few to see how they were and it was a vibe. Everyone was getting out, doing different things, running around the city in a big group and I had never really done that. I was just running by myself with a couple friends and then this was a whole different vibe. I delved right into it and then running with a few different groups, I was like, all right well - they're cool they're fun.. but where can I kind of fit in. Where can my friends go. And it just kind of sprung from there it was kind of like finding your own tribe.

Where did you feel like the gap was

I would say it all kind of goes around diversity. And It's not necessarily, racial diversity.

So for instance, we have people all over the place, you know what I'm saying? Make lots of money, make little money, all sorts of backgrounds. Young, old, but everybody clicks and gets together. And there's no sort of elitist factor. That's one of the main things, too.

You go to some places and there's an overall elitist vibe. Like, you can't sit at this table type of shit. I felt that off rip. And you don't want to go anywhere where you're not feeling welcome. The whole thing is getting in shape, getting fit. Those don't go hand in hand, being uncomfortable and trying to get along with a group of people. It shouldn't be about that. So I wanted something that was just free of all of that.

I don't think anyone tries for any group to be uninclusive. No ones going to say that they ever tried that or think they have that. But a lot of places do. And people subconsciously feed into it and you're right in saying that we have a very diverse group and we all get along.

What builds to your point I think what kind of keeps that vibe is again, the community aspect of it. When people come for their first time everyone's introduced to everyone for the most part. When it was me and Carl we introduced ourselves individually to everyone, and to you, and so everyone gets that sense of being on the same page. Any club is going to be cliquey if they don't take the initiative to not do that.

Yeah, you got to bite it in the butt right away.

And the way that you position yourself in the market and brand yourself, that's another thing too, The way that you kind of present yourself too - we're always showing different people on the stories, showcasing different abilities.

I love it because you have people who are brand new starting out, you have people who are pros and people are learning from the pros. So it's such a good synergy that's building up amongst the whole group.

Right like, you’re able to get inspiration from people and learn from them you know. Michelle, for example, I’ve never felt like I couldn’t talk to her ever and I feel like most people feel the same

Absolutely. They're overall like vibe and how they handle things. But it's crazy because so many people go to her for help, and they all feel like they can, she helps every single person and she doesn’t ask for anything.

But being able to teach, connect with people, talk to people, that's different. She's an actual educator too, and you see that difference too. That's why she doesn't really have to sell it, people just see it.

How long have you been running? What made you start?

2023. So my mom was sick. She was terminally ill. And I got into it as a way for me to just… ease my mind and shit like that.

I was also in the gym a lot. I used to weigh a lot. I went through the whole weight loss transformation stuff. But I never really took cardio or anything seriously.

It was all just lifting weights. So then I got into it and just started running for ease of mind during that stress and whatever. When she passed, it was hard on me. So that just made me get into it even more.

But I have this thing, where If there's something I like, I just go. So I started studying it, getting into it. And then next thing you know, I was like, all right. I was running like 12 minute miles.

And then I wanted to do speed training. And then got into that, I ran like a seven. I was like, okay, this is where... this is fun. And then, yeah, snowballed into starting the club.

Were you guys close?

We were, yeah, we were close.

She was sick, like I said, and some of the things that were making her more sick was her inability to be mobile.

She was immobile, basically. She couldn't get up. So it kind of snowballed into other things. When you can't get up and be active, that just snowballed on top of her already being 70.

I have my father who just turned 70 this last year, he was a former Mr. Olympian and he's freaking ripped. Still going to the gym every day and just seeing the contrast and seeing the difference in the two made me realize I have to take shit more seriously. I wanted to spread that to people. More people need to know that mobility is key.

And that was in 2023 yeah so you started running and starting a club at the same time pretty much

Yeah there was there like about six months or so of a gap

I don't know how else to word it but - did you feel any uncertainty at all starting the run club while you yourself were new at running.

I never really really thought of that. but to be honest thinking about it, no not in that aspect.

I think that might lead back to the elitist thing again. i never really looked at what someone else was doing and judged what I was doing based off of it. So that's why I don’t think I ever felt that way.

Maybe insecure as far as getting up and talking in front of a group which is funny because a lot of people that know me will say I'm not introverted but I see myself as semi-introverted.

I don't like large groups, but doing this has got me out of that shell, too.

I feel like you're better at talking to people now, but I still feel like you could be better at talking. Is it stage fright or do you just not like it?

It's a little bit of both.

When we used to do music - I've always been a behind the scenes type of guy. You know,, I'm behind the scenes making music.

I spent a lot of my time in studios, songwriting, stuff like that. I never really was the guy to be out front with stuff. In the kitchen most of the time, people were doing things. So I didn't have a need to really, congress with a bunch of people all the time.

But now I do. So it's more so just getting comfortable with it really. Just finding that vibe.

When did that stop? Or are you still in the music industry?

So I would say technically yes. Since I still get paid for music. And I still create, I still create music. I'm not actively making tracks, but yeah.

It's not like a daily thing. But I do get royalties and stuff. So I still feel like I'm part of it. And whenever I get those quarterly checks, I see it and I'm like, oh, shit.

It's more of a hobby now, though. It's a lucrative hobby to have.. I'm not like actively pursuing it or anything. But I feel like it never really leaves me.

How has it changed from now vs when you were starting.

Sounds always change. Sound always evolves. It's like fashion and everything. Things have always fluctuated. Regions have their moments and stuff. But as far as like the general like business side of things, business has changed a lot.

The ability to create is accessible to everybody now. Like it used to be that we would have to have a whole pro tool system set up boards and everything under the sun. Renting a studio hourly. Now you can really create in your house. Everything is more accessible now and that changes and brings in a lot.

I think that's also how I’ve been able to build. Like everything I learned from music and doing that and applying that to this type of situation.

Im just trying to be myself. So if i say something, it’s for everybody.

If you're not living for yourself just being yourself, or within your realm, you're gonna get to a point where you look back and are like, damn, if you're not being yourself, then like, fuck, what'd you do it for?

I love that. How does family play into everything.

That's what everything's for.

Do you find that it's hard to split time or no? I feel like you and your wife are always on the phone making shit happen. You're always coordinating with everyone. Does it get overwhelming?

Not at all. We've been together so long. I've been with my wife since I was in high school, so like, we do everything. She knows the vision for us. It's my foundation, what I want to do with it.

It's amazing, that's what it should be. I'm thankful for that. I'm grateful for it because most of the shit that I'm able to do is because of that.

We all get our time with the kids, we get our free time. One thing I would maybe want to try to do for her this year is give her a little bit more time, we get her out. But yeah, that's going to happen. The little one, the three-year-old.

She is such an icon. I haven’t even met her

She is, she's a good one, man. She comes with accessories. Croissants, Starbucks.

That girls life is the best

So where do you want this to go?

In the next year? The next year?

Like, when 2025 ends, and we're all doing shots, eating grapes under the table, what would you like to say? Well, you're not gonna eat grapes because you have a wife, but you get my point

I'd like to have a spot, possibly. I don't think we'll have the breaking water by the end of this year. I won't say that.

But just an idea. So picture this. You have a spot off the trail, right? And you go every day, you drop your bag off on the way home from work.

You have your shit already there, right? A locker. Some work out shit. Picture work out gear that you need. Some vendors, local staff, maybe like... It's a little co-working space if you want.

It's a co-working space gym and other things. But like a community hub. Yeah. That's what I want. More like a community spot.

Really though this year the goal is to expand and do more collabs. I want to do more branded collabs, I want to do collabs with local businesses.

I think that's where I want to stand out too. Teaming up with businesses and partnerships that aren't what everyone else is doing either. There's maintaining difference. I just want to grow. Grow is where it is about this year, just keeping that growth.

I look at it as, we haven't even been established for a year yet and it's been growing pretty fast and I'm happy with the slow steady growth going on so like this is all it's pretty cool I like it.

I mean it's been 19 days and I feel like so much has happened for you already.

I think about that. Yeah we did. So much has already happened and it's just going to keep going on.

You build a foundation and set it up and like we're at the point now where we're working with people I want to work with and we can just keep going. You just have to be yourself and as long as it aligns with that then you just keep building this brand.

I had this brand called Foreign Trade Club from like 2018 to 2021. It didn’t last super long, but I learned a lot—fashion, marketing, manufacturing, all that. I used all of it, even if I didn’t really do much with the brand after. Kind of like how people have their own brands they don’t fully launch. I’ve consulted a bunch of people since then too. And now it’s funny, because I’m bringing it all back—folding it into the merch, the club, everything. Trying to make it all connect this time.

I feel like you've had experience in so many different places that really helps you with the club

Yea, I've done so many different things.

It's kind of cool to have one area now where I can focus it all into. And then there's also just age. Being at this age now to where I have the time to do this.

So, I feel like shit's just lining up, you know what I'm saying? Jack of all trades, master of none, to a certain extent, if that makes any sense?

But it all works out, and it worked out for your own purpose. I think that's also true at the time. Back in the day, even up to five years ago, that would have been hard to do, because technology and social media is making it easier for people who are creative just to kind of put things together.

100%. It’s nice that there’s not as many barriers to entry and people have more access to create. Do you feel like there's a flip side to that? I feel like everything is more accessible now, but there's so much more noise now. Do you agree with that, or no?

Facts. Exactly.

So, you’ll see where I’m going with this. Everyone freaked out last night, because CapCut's gone. We're not gonna be able to edit our videos. So, my whole thing with that is, it's been good for two years, being able to just edit your videos on TikTok and whatnot.

But, all that is doing is making it to where you either evolve and learn something, or you pull back out that shit.

So, the competition's there, but there's certain things that make it to where you're gonna stand out. Yeah, that's just with everything, with something being more accessible, everything's gonna pop up.

How do you stand out?

I think the best way to stand out is difference. Disrupting, being different. That's really the only way to stand out within anything.

You can always copy something, you can do your thing, but if you really want to, just solidify yourself in something, you gotta be different.

Disrupt the industry.

So how do you feel? It's officially been a year.

I feel great.

I feel thankful. I feel thankful for everybody who' put stuff into it. Cause like I said, this is for everybody out here. Coming every week just shows how dedicated they are to themselves. That's what makes me happy because I started this and I wanted people to find something. I’m just happy and thankful. That's all I can say, really. I love that.

J, how do you feel in a year, huh?

Yeah, It's weird, good weird. We were like five, and now we're not, so it’s surreal.

How do you feel after your ultra.

It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but the most rewarding, the most fun. I'll be doing it again. You learn a lot about yourself

What’s something you learned about yourself?

That I could fucking do it. really. Your pain threshold, your determination, like, motivation factor. bunch of shit, like, it was the first time my legs completely gave out on me, like, done.

When did your legs give out

Shit, uh. Mile 27. I walked the rest of it. It was crazy mentally cause fucking no one can come get you. Running here, you run in a loop and you know where your break points are. But like, bro, out in the middle of fucking nowhere, mentally it was weird realizing that.

It also just really just humbles you, too, because in my head before, I was like, yeah, I'm gonna knock it out in, 5 or 6 hours. That shit was like eight and some change. I started cramping at 14. early.

It was cool though, but yeah, humbling, because like now I wanna try it again, but I wanna actually, dedicate time, get stronger. Overall it was just a great experience all around, like, the people the atmosphere, everything.

What's next?

I wanna focus on speedwork. I want to run a five minute mile next. That's what I'm going for this summer. I want to get faster. And then more trail shit.

No ultra coming up, though?

Yeah I’m going to do another, next one I do is gonna be a 50. I think it has to be a 50. It's gonna be in the fall time though. I can't do this heat again. That was not it. My dumbass wore a long, dark sleeve shirt for like half the time.

janan chu