Running, Representation, and Building Community with Vivek Gowri

From Tech to Trails: How Running Became a Lifeline

Vivek shares how he got into running after moving to San Francisco in 2014, when he stumbled upon a November Project workout.

What started as a way to make friends quickly snowballed into a full-blown love for the running community—especially trail running. He credits those early experiences with giving him not just fitness, but purpose and belonging.

The Magic of Community

This conversation dives deep into the power of community as a driver for consistent movement. For Vivek, running was never about chasing fast times alone—it was about the people who kept showing up, the friendships forged on long runs, and the ability to be part of something bigger than yourself.

He and Jonathan reflect on how groups like November Project and the San Francisco Running Company (SFRC) create ripple effects that bring people in and keep them coming back.

Representation Matters: Creating Chai and Miles

After spending time immersed in trail culture in places like Tahoe, Vivek realized how few South Asian runners were part of the scene. That awareness sparked the founding of Chai and Miles, a running group for South Asian runners in the Bay Area.

Vivek shares candidly about why this group matters: to challenge the idea that nature and outdoor sports are “white people things,” and to offer representation and support for South Asians in a space where they’ve been historically underrepresented.

Business Meets Passion: Investing in the Running Space

Vivek also shares his involvement with Avelo, a running tech startup that bridges his background in consumer electronics with his love of running. As an investor and advisor, he’s passionate about helping innovative ideas grow—especially when they serve the running community in a meaningful way.

His investment philosophy is simple: back products and people he believes in, particularly those that add value to the spaces he cares most about.

Tune In

This episode is a heartfelt and high-energy mix of community-building, identity, perseverance, and plenty of trail stoke. Whether you’re chasing a PR, building a run crew, or wondering how to show up better for others in the sport, this conversation is for you. 👇

Partner Programs That Actually Work? Meet Superfiliate. 🚀

If you’ve ever wanted to build an affiliate program without the headache, this is your sign. Superfiliate is the clean, no-BS affiliate platform I’ve been recommending for years — and for good reason.

Whether you’re on the brand side or working with creators, Superfiliate keeps it simple: intuitive setup, effortless tracking, and seamless payouts. No bloated dashboards. No tangled workflows. Just tools that do their job so you can do yours.

Bonus: Superfiliate helps you actually engage your partners with cobranded landing pages, UGC, rewards (cash, credit, gifts!), and more.

If you’re ready to grow your program without growing your stress, head to Superfiliate.com — and tell them I sent you. 💸

Building Community Through Content and Brand Partnerships with Aaron Lutze

From “Bike Curious” to Building a Community

Aaron didn’t grow up racing mountain bikes, but when a friend finally convinced him to give it a try, he was hooked. As he got deeper into the sport, he noticed a missing piece: a platform that could explain the mechanics, skills, and culture of MTB to new and intermediate riders.

That’s where SuperRiderTV came in. With a blend of humor, storytelling, and serious skill instruction, the channel quickly became a trusted resource for riders looking to grow their confidence, not just their bike collection.

Why Community > Influence

Aaron’s approach to content is clear: build trust first, monetize second. He emphasizes that real community doesn’t come from polished influencer partnerships or sponsored posts—it comes from showing up consistently and sharing useful, entertaining, or educational content.

He’s candid about how long that process takes, how often people give up too early, and why a small, dedicated audience will always outperform a large, disengaged one.

Starting the Second Nature Podcast

Alongside co-host Dylan Bowman, Aaron launched Second Nature to spotlight the people, problems, and possibilities within the outdoor industry. It’s not a technical business podcast, but it is strategic.

They explore topics like how brand partnerships are evolving, why inclusivity and representation can’t be an afterthought, and how outdoor companies can actually build trust with the communities they hope to serve.

Outdoor Brand Camp and the Rise of DIY Education

As Aaron’s consulting work grew, so did his interest in teaching others how to navigate this space. Outdoor Brand Camp was born as a digital program helping outdoor creatives and brand teams get better at partnership strategy, pitch decks, audience development, and more.

It’s not just about theory. The program is packed with real-world examples, plug-and-play templates, and community calls where attendees can ask questions, share ideas, and workshop what they’re building.

How to Approach Brand Partnerships

Aaron’s advice for creators and brand marketers is practical, refreshingly honest, and backed by experience:

1. Don’t pitch on the first call. Aaron stresses that the first meeting with a brand should never be about selling. It’s about listening. “The first call is where you learn what they actually need,” he says.

2. Ask better questions. “Who is this for?” “What are your biggest pain points?” “What’s missing from your marketing strategy right now?” These are the questions that lead to collaboration, not rejection.

3. Don’t just pitch deliverables. Talk about outcomes. What does success look like for them? How will your work help them get there?

4. Think longer-term. Aaron advises against thinking of partnerships as one-off exchanges. Whether you’re a freelancer or a full-time team member, trust is earned over time.

Whether you’re an athlete trying to get sponsorship or a brand marketer who wants to work better with athletes, or you’re just curious about how the industry works, you’re not going to want to miss this! 🎧

Get a Clearer Picture of Your Health 📈

I’m thrilled to introduce our new partner, Eternal — a performance health company built for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone serious about their training. Their two-hour in-person performance physical goes way beyond a standard checkup with mobility assessments, metabolic testing, bloodwork, and a full movement analysis from real experts.

Whether you’re chasing PRs or just want a clearer picture of your health, Eternal helps you run harder and longer. Book your performance physical at eternal.co, use the code FTLR for 10% off, and keep doing what you love for years to come.

About Jon Levitt and For The Long Run

Jon is a runner, cyclist, and podcast host from Boston, MA, who now lives in Boulder, CO. For The Long Run is aimed at exploring the why behind what keeps runners running long, strong, and motivated.

Follow Jon on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.