AAPI Heritage Month - A Runner's Weekend

I was invited to give a talk on AAPI Heritage Month in New York. It was supposed to be a quick overnight trip, but I extended it a bit on the front end so I could put on a group run and see my sister (my parents were out of town). I used to do a lot of public speaking in my prior career, so it was a real pleasure to be able to talk like this in front of a live audience.
0:00 intro
0:24 group run
2:29 jjajangmyun
3:59 brussel sprout pizza
6:11 my speech (a summary)
disclosures: I was paid for this public appearance. No running brands paid me to make this video or to appear in this video.
Thanks for watching! Leave a comment to let me know you stopped by!
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footage shot on:
GoPro Hero 12 (paid link)
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sony a6700 (paid link)
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G Series 70-350 (paid link)
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sony 11 (paid link)
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sony 50 (paid link)
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Music sourced via Epidemic Sound www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Disclosure: It's 2024, so I think we all know how affiliate links work at this point, but for regulatory compliance or affiliate program purposes, I must state that affiliate links do not increase cost to you, but:
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Jim Yosef - Checkered
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[@malfitzgerald8220]

“Better to be unseen and overlooked than to be seen and mocked” - that hit me hard. One of your best videos

[@kofuzi]

It’s a choice I consider regularly

[@kellybaker6353]

Imagine if you had not decided to be seen. The running world would be missing a valuable voice who inspires and reminds us that running, in all its forms, brings connection to others and joy. Everyone belongs, and I can't imagine the running KZbin space without you in it.

[@abbyschwendler1107]

Well said ... Honored to be a part of the Kofuzi community

[@jpark1203]

As an Asian American runner, I'm proud that you are representing our community with well produced thoughtful running videos.

[@thesleevedsinger]

This is one of the most vulnerable videos you've made. You're moving mountains and inspiring so many. Being African American I can so relate to other races who get hit with racial slurs that scar us internally and we just get used to the pain. It becomes the norm. But you, my friend, are saying it OUT LOUD that you have a choice! You can enjoy who you are, where you are and turn it into something that most will admire! way to go Kofuzi! You're awesome!

[@yutheman]

“You deserve to be here to.” Representation at its core. Pictures and video allow us to share our story and feel connected to the world. Thank you for sharing and paving the way. I would not have started making videos if it weren’t for your inspiring content.

[@clevertechbot]

Really appreciate you sharing this weekend with us strangers on the internet. I originally just loved the structure of your shoe reviews though as I've followed you as I've gotten into marathon training, I realize it's quite nice for me to see dudes like you and Matt Choi out there making content and doing what you love. I'm a Korean American male and often feel out of place in spaces of my two hobbies, running and yoga. It's a conundrum to love these activities and also to be met with stares and changes of tone when being spoken to. But we keep showing up because we love the sport and anyone of any identity deserves to practice whatever hobby or sport we enjoy. Thanks Mike.

[@kofuzi]

There’s so many of us and yet it also feels like we’re the only ones

[@duanetamashiro3359]

Mike, I’m glad you’re “taking up the space” here on YT! I enjoy all of your videos, but this was one of your best. Thank you for representing the AAPI community so well.

[@Feanaro5503]

If I was captured on Kofuzi's camera during a race it would be the highlight on my extremely non-elite running career!

[@jonbummer]

One of your very best. Thank you! please take up more space!

[@kofuzi]

Thank you 🙏

[@bridgetchamberlin4197]

Absolutely agree!!

[@karatechop]

Glad your talk went well and thank you for taking us along for the ride as always. It's cool to see you have these opportunities!

[@kofuzi]

I enjoy public speaking, but this was the first time I’ve been able to share a story like this, so that made it extra enjoyable

[@kevinweng4254]

I'm more of a cyclist but always running curious and I've watched your videos for years because I love your content. Thanks for your speech at the end. I've never felt the way that you do being an Asian American, but I grew up in the Bay Area and never felt like I was a minority. As I've grown older and visited more of the country, I understand that my experience is not the same as other Asian Americans. I'm almost brought to tears hearing you talk about how you felt as a child, but feel so inspired by how you see the world now. Thanks for spreading this message among the broader running community. Just saying those words out loud makes a difference to other young Asian kids who felt the same as you did, and sheds light on these issues for those outside of our ethnic community.

[@austinli6635]

I love this. Thank you for taking your space to share! Hopefully we continue to hear more of what you shared in that talk. I grew up always walking that line of simultaneously fearing I 'wasn't Asian enough' for my Asian/Asian American friends and fearing I was 'too Asian' for everyone else. What a confusing place to be. Over the years, I am learning how unique and different our individual Asian American identities can be and that is beautiful. I first started watching your videos because I saw a runner who looked like me and immediately felt pride in what you created. What a fun journey it has been!

[@WayneCapacillo]

Awesome way to frame that discussion! You are helping people see what is possible and available through hard work. If we can inspire one kid to push their limits, it's all worth it.

[@RodRunerr]

You're indeed one of the pillars of the Asian community not only in USA but across the globe, Through your content and humility, you have surely lead the way for so many, I love humans regardless of their Race. Much love brother ❤

[@kofuzi]

Thank you 🙏

[@macau.friend]

I rarely hear you talk about Asian American heritage, and for a while I was under the impression that you don’t feel comfortable touching this topic, but glad that I was wrong. Would love to see more contents like this in the future. And the next time you visit Boston, check out the Korean Chinese restaurant Bok Kyung. They have really good jiajangmeon! Finally, everyone proudly embraces selfies over here in Asia. Even my Asian mom loves it 😂

[@LarleyStairwell]

Fantastic video! It’s so interesting to hear about your history of photography. I’ve always admired your product shots. They leave me thinking, “how did he do that?” Also an inspiring message regarding the haters. It’s something I have always worried about too, and it prevents me from acting as I’d like to sometimes. And I don’t even have the racial aspect to worry about. Stereotypes suck. Much respect, from Australia.

[@franritchie4233]

YES! Take up the space. What a great video. Thank you for this content

[@nycbram]

Very much appreciate your expression of your experiences but also wanted to mention that it was great meeting you at the group run. That was my first ever group run and I loved it!

[@kofuzi]

So glad to have met you!

[@seikodude]

Thank you Michael! 🙏 So glad I was able to catch you when you were here even though it was just at the beginning of the run. You're the BEST! BTW Gotta go to that restaurant and try the noodle dish. It looks delicious!

[@kofuzi]

it's a pretty common dish. you can find it at a lot of Korean restaurants. it doesn't have to be that one specifically

[@raghuatuofm]

Another wonderful video with a great message for the AAPI talk. Love the soundtrack in all of your videos as they fit the mood perfectly!

[@kofuzi]

thanks for watching!

[@aliza6491]

Thank you so much for this video Ko. I appreciate you giving this speech and representing AAPI in the running space

[@kofuzi]

thanks Aliza!

[@stevez3332]

Great job, the hardest part about speaking in front of a group and i didn't even realize i do it until watching myself are the Uhhhhs and ummmmsss while you think of whats about to come out of your mouth next. I've learned the way around this is to speak slower as we all wanna rush and get it over with.

[@ColinBloodworth]

Mike, thanks so much for sharing this with us. I value your experience and voice so much and I sincerely thank you for creating and sharing your life with us.

[@kofuzi]

Thank you Colin

[@abbyschwendler1107]

My coworker from Bangladesh said it perfectly, "she hates that people look at her like she doesnt belong." As white middle class woman, I dont run into much besides sexism, but I'm lucky to live and work in a very diverse community. Lots of cultures, languages and religions. I love being surround by people who are different from me, and no one ahould hide or feel ashamed of their heritage.

[@kalvin.]

One of the shortest but most powerful Runners Weekends. I relate so much growing up to the internalized shame of how Western media has portrayed being Asian or “other”. It still affects me to this day, but your video has helped share another prominent voice and work to deprogram that way of thinking and embracing my identity. Thanks Mike

[@kofuzi]

I feel you

[@Run_Farah_Run]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with all of us!

[@ran671_]

Really enjoyed this one! Watched it back to back. Definitely one of your very best videos

[@morganrunguy]

Amazing video Ko! Loved it! Thank you for sharing this with us. And i absolutely love jjajangmyeon. Soooo yummy.

[@Hendlefe]

Kofuzi youre the man! Thanks for putting this video out. It really strikes close to home for me. 😊

[@b3fuddled196]

Can't wait for your next marathon Runner's weekend!

[@geoffb2900]

Thank you for this addition to your long streak of insightful and beautifully made videos. The story of how you ended up in the Midwest after growing up in New Jersey make might an interesting video.

[@kofuzi]

it's not that interesting. college.

[@run_with_otters]

Loved this one, Ko! So inspiring.

[@shill9086]

Thank you for the inspiring video!

[@juliansbeenshot]

thank you for sharing this

[@ieraj7428]

Great message, thanks!

[@A_SEGA_Dremcast]

Poignant and powerful. Well done.

[@allheartrc]

Best video youve ever made mike. Connected with this so deeply, so meaningful.

[@kofuzi]

🫶

[@SantaCruzRunner]

"You deserve to be here too" 😿 loved this!!!

[@kofuzi]

🫶

[@paultimothyL]

Definitely take the selfie!!! ❤

[@noepliegocampos]

Awesome message! It’s great to see runners of color thrive in this sport!

[@MikiDahab]

Always such an inspiration, Ko! Great video with a very powerful message 🙌

[@kofuzi]

Thank you

[@Ptrmndza]

OMG that was an amazing speech, thank you for giving us that wonderful and inspiring message. It's never easy when you're told to take up less space but we just have to keep moving forward 👍

[@amandawalker4510]

Short and sweet, but a great message. Glad you are taking up space too 😊🎉

[@linzhuo1944]

This one hits deep 😢 thanks Ko

[@sleepyturtwig]

This is a new Runner's Weekend that is a change of pace, no pun intended. This was actually perfect. The issue you mentioned about taking pictures, I can agree and I am grateful l that you broke away and ignore people's view of stereotypes like that, people from any culture or race should do what they enjoy as a hobby or career such as photography or recording memories that would be remembered for a lifetime

[@JerryPster]

"It isn't what we say or think that defines us, but what we do." ― Jane Austen

[@hahaheslop]

I take a selfie after every run, it started as a joke, but now I love looking back over the images, because I can see on my face how I was feeling at that exact moment. 📸

[@kofuzi]

🫶

[@secundrabeasley855]

Thank You!

[@danjohnson9821]

Way to represent!

[@stevemckellar4978]

Great vid. I never thought of the selfie stick trope, but I can empathize with you. There are certain foods I don't eat in public.

[@user-gv8wf8co6n]

Awesome and inspiring- so proud of you and proud to be Korean American 🇺🇸 🇰🇷 plus great shout out to 짜장면 haha 😂

[@yapyucojosephat412]

what a very nice vlog!

[@leonaleewong]

Powerful message! Wish we could have heard the entire talk😊

[@kofuzi]

Maybe we can do it at a future Kofuzi Run Club event if a brand wants to collab and help secure a venue

[@leonaleewong]

@@kofuzi yes, and have it available to watch LBNL too!

[@jpusong]

Well spoken 🙌

[@AndrewCho730]

love this ko! thank you for representing the Asian American community.

[@kofuzi]

✊

[@Lila-sh6cw]

This is one of the best video that you have made Mike. As usual the shots of atmosphere in NY are amazing. But best of all the narrative that went with it. Take up more space please. Very poignant and to the point in our current environment.

[@Vertice7Bariloche]

As an asian argentinian runner I share your feeling here in Latin America!

[@terrybarnett6013]

Hi was just wondering what casual trainers you were wearing for talk. Love your vids.

[@prayingtriathlete]

You can never say no to jjajangmyun!!! ❤

[@jimmywu5924]

I loved your “remarks”! As an Asian American kid who also grew up in the suburbs of northern NJ in the 80’s, I can really identify with what you said. Thank you. But, since you grew up near NY but now live in Chicago, I would like to know if you prefer NY-style pizza or Chicago deep-dish? NY every time!!!!

[@Greg-me8le]

Nice video. And as a fellow Chicagoan, my apologies for that floppy, foldable Pizza you had to endure. 🤣

[@kofuzi]

it's what I great up eating

[@seanmarshall5569]

That was beautiful Mike!

[@kofuzi]

Thank you

[@TheMarathonMaster]

You inspired me to pick up the selfie stick and start a YT channel about my own running adventures. Thank you, @kofuzi!

[@kofuzi]

🙌

[@TheTeddyWG]

jjajangmyeon and jjampong the goat combo

[@kofuzi]

love the split bowl concept. it's super cute. but I'd rather just order two dinners tbh

[@kalvin.]

I miss it so much, there isn’t one near where I live so I have to make do with the packaged kind when the craving hits

[@cchungy]

Well said!

[@kofuzi]

thanks Chris

[@jamesfreeland5895]

As always enjoyed the video, congratulations on ur speaking engagement. As u kno I always like it when u talk abt food, the Korean dish lkd yummy, I’ve never had Korean food. Thx to ur video I’m having Chinese tonite. I’ve gotta say, the pizza from the place ur sister took u didn’t appeal but what u were eating later lkd good. Thx for sharing. Jim Freeland

[@kofuzi]

I love brussel sprouts but it sounded better than it tasted tbh. Other pizzas from the place looked like they would have been better options

[@user-hh1ft3ur8g]

I appreciate this perspective. As a non Asian person I’ve never thought of this and I am glad I learned something from this video. Often my thoughts on selfies have to do with consent of those photographed. I (who isn’t asian) have social anxiety, and I am a runner. The idea of being on video on a popular runners vlog like Matt Choi or Nick Bare would scare me if I’m being honest. It may affect my race that I trained hard for. Yes, we are in public so someone doesn’t need to ask for consent and can post it but it makes me uncomfortable. I even dislike race photographers. And just sticking to fitness there is an issue with body image some people unfortunately have. So I see the different perspectives. I’d never react with a middle finger though. He could’ve handled that far better.

[@michaelsesler1158]

well said

[@laalaa99stl]

I'm not surprised you crushed the talk. You are a good communicator. I don't think I could do it without PowerPoint slides as a crutch. I wouldn't take the middle finger personally. I think it was more about the selfie stick and not about your Asian-ness. I think it's more about being in the moment and enjoying the moment instead of thinking about posterity and ego. (It's also possible that the guy didn't appreciate being captured without express permission and wanted to make sure you couldn't use the footage. I guess that idea backfired on him.) Also. I've had jjajangmyun in Rockville, MD and it was... interesting. A bit too thick and sweet for my personal taste. But I'm sure it's fantastic ahead of a racing event.

[@kofuzi]

I have many thoughts on Matt's middle finger incident. I use it as a prominent example of hostility that could very well be race neutral but could also very well be not. my counter example is the bike and film crew that Nick Bare had follow him on the course at CIM this year. Sometimes similarly situated people get treated very differently.

[@yunghungk]

Your shoes in the intro are very cool, are those Asics? Can you tell me the details?

[@kofuzi]

tokyo edition gel lyte xxx

[@floearthling7449]

Are you coming to 🇦🇺 anytime? The Sydney Marathon is well worth a visit!!! Would love to do a group run with you down under🙃

[@kofuzi]

maybe 2025

[@DorHBoomer]

Well done on this video (just like all your other vids). I've picked up either from your previous videos or your social media that you may have grown up in a town next door to my home town in Bergen County NJ. I'm much older than you so lots of difference in our high school graduation years haha. That guy who flipped you off in the race - wow! Was that loser ever identified? How pathetic. Despite it being 2024 we humans still carry our prejudices and beliefs about each other. We may all be from different backgrounds, cultures, religions, nations, whatever but when it boils down to it, we're all the same.

[@kofuzi]

It wasn’t me who got flipped off. That happened to Matt, who responded to the situation with a lot more grace and serenity than I would have.

[@user-ig5fl6wk4l]

firsttt!!!!

[@kofuzi]

yo

[@LuisBecerra79]

Yo, what’s going on!!