How Running Helps You Take Better Photos

Undeniably, the best parts of the day are the very fringes, around dawn and dusk, when Earth’s atmosphere causes the sun’s light to refract. This happens quickly. Your schedule or pace has no effect; the golden hour train departs on time, every time. If you are hiking to the top of a mountain for sunrise or sunset, you’d better be there on time :)

So, how does running help you take better photos? By helping you get to these beautiful moments faster and more often of course! You could always camp, which is a great experience. But even while camping, sometimes you need to make a trip up the mountain from base camp in the early hours. Plus hiking and camping takes time, meaning you won’t have as many chances to witness those moments when everything is just right. There have been countless times I have been running up a trail only to arrive at just the right moment. If I had been going at a slightly slower pace, the moment would have passed. Of course I have witnessed countless beautiful moments while hiking slowly. Only when I am running, away from the crowds and into the depths of wilderness, have I seen some of the most breathtaking scenery. If you run often, your chances of finding these moments only gets better and better.

The photo above was taking in Sapa, Northern Vietnam. A couple ultrarunning friends and I sprinted up a 1,207m hill with the intention to hit the golden hour above the clouds perfectly. Our pace, along with a little luck, helped create this stunning moment.