I love this for you! You're not alone in reducing engagement on social media and going back to "in-person" and "what feeds your soul"... I think this is healthy and commendable. And I'm a bit jealous. Good luck in all you do. Somehow even all the way here in NC, I can sense that you're already happier, or at least more at peace. I hope you stay on Substack for a while. Love your writing.
Devon, you are a gem. I love every time I see you. I feel like you get me and we can always laugh together or have a real, deep conversation. I’m always in your corner, supporting whatever you do and I think you’re pretty fucking great. Love you!
You are inspiring in so many ways. Please continue to forge your own way. Your authenticity is valuable and respected. Just know you are making a difference and people do care about you.
I am writing to you this from India and basically running is till niche here & talk about ultra running it is niche squared. People majorly here know about marathons or if ultras then just the people who break records. But you can't imagine a person sitting far away from USA has been following your journey since 2020 as I have started running from June of 2020. As I have told you earlier you are both the OG & epitome of longevity in any walk of life. It is not easy to balance life and being able to peak perform for 2 decades.
Whatever suits you, do it your way Devon. One needs to find their own way to do things & it can oscillate also as we as humans are dynamic & not static. All the best Devon for whatever you pursue and just want to tell you DEVON YANKO IS THE BEST HUMAN SOUL OUT THERE.! <3 Rooting for you from India.! :)
How is it possible that I love Amelia Boone, Devon Yanko, Clare Gallagher and they all just have same kind of feeling with Strava, IG and other social networking things.Clare can't be seen anywhere, she maintaining her peace as she is focusing on her PHD and I think she is pregnant also. All 3 of you are the OG's and wonderful human being.
I really needed to read this today. I am so done with so much and need some peace and rest. I've always been very anxious and uncomfortable with social media. I don't knkw why I go on it. Well I do. But I am happier when it's just me, my family, my dogs, my home, my running and my life. I don't need to share, but I do. I'm figuring it out, I'm 45, a nobody in running, but I just love it and being outside and with nature so maybe I'll just do that..... really inspired by your bravery and I like your writing and that you explain yourself as it helps people like me explain myself!
I'll be honest, I don't know you but this showed up in my feed and I couldn't agree more with all of it. It resonates in a generic way with me, a non-pro non-athlete, and my relationship with social media as a whole. Thank you for writing it.
I read this article and think it is absolutely brilliant. It almost feels like you are finally coming home to yourself; putting yourself first and being true to you. And this authenticity is what makes you such an inspirational figure - not the brands, sponsorships, Instagram posts or YouTube Channel. Just a normal person going, "I run for myself, on my terms." I think so many of us get lost in comparing ourselves to others and never measuring up, or changing ourselves to fit what other people want. It feels like you have gone, "I don't want to be a part of that world anymore."
Thank you for all the writing that you have done this year, Devon, and all the best for the new year.
Sounds like a very healthy yet, for sure, difficult step to take, especially when you have been living that lifestyle for so many years.
I reduced my social media consumption to Substack only as well, since I found this to be the platform I can connect with other people on the deepest level of all the Apps out there.
I respect your honesty and wish you nothing but the best for your future! But I don't want to lie and thus still want to tell you that your writing and other social media content had a huge positive impact on my running and life in general, which is why I would find it very sad if you left it completely... It is your own free choice, of course, just don't forget that social media can also bring a lot of positive things when used in a constructive manor and without the pressure of brands forcing you to create superficial content.
I appreciate so much knowing that what I write and post makes a difference. I think that is why I have and do struggle with the idea of leaving all platforms permanently. I do still very much love writing and will stay here on Substack for as long as I can!
Your are an awesome person. If you are ever in Phoenix/Scottsdale, I would love to see you in person again. It probably sounds silly but that walk with you and Sally to the expo at CIM in 2017 is one of my favorite times I have spent with friends made through running. Big hugs to you❤️ Yissel
"I am no longer a personal brand, I am just a person."
And a remarkable person at that.
let them languish
this is a breath of fresh air. so honestly written about so many of the things that I also grapple with.
I love this for you! You're not alone in reducing engagement on social media and going back to "in-person" and "what feeds your soul"... I think this is healthy and commendable. And I'm a bit jealous. Good luck in all you do. Somehow even all the way here in NC, I can sense that you're already happier, or at least more at peace. I hope you stay on Substack for a while. Love your writing.
Devon, you are a gem. I love every time I see you. I feel like you get me and we can always laugh together or have a real, deep conversation. I’m always in your corner, supporting whatever you do and I think you’re pretty fucking great. Love you!
You are inspiring in so many ways. Please continue to forge your own way. Your authenticity is valuable and respected. Just know you are making a difference and people do care about you.
I am writing to you this from India and basically running is till niche here & talk about ultra running it is niche squared. People majorly here know about marathons or if ultras then just the people who break records. But you can't imagine a person sitting far away from USA has been following your journey since 2020 as I have started running from June of 2020. As I have told you earlier you are both the OG & epitome of longevity in any walk of life. It is not easy to balance life and being able to peak perform for 2 decades.
Whatever suits you, do it your way Devon. One needs to find their own way to do things & it can oscillate also as we as humans are dynamic & not static. All the best Devon for whatever you pursue and just want to tell you DEVON YANKO IS THE BEST HUMAN SOUL OUT THERE.! <3 Rooting for you from India.! :)
Inching on this path myself around IG. Love you, friend!
How is it possible that I love Amelia Boone, Devon Yanko, Clare Gallagher and they all just have same kind of feeling with Strava, IG and other social networking things.Clare can't be seen anywhere, she maintaining her peace as she is focusing on her PHD and I think she is pregnant also. All 3 of you are the OG's and wonderful human being.
I really needed to read this today. I am so done with so much and need some peace and rest. I've always been very anxious and uncomfortable with social media. I don't knkw why I go on it. Well I do. But I am happier when it's just me, my family, my dogs, my home, my running and my life. I don't need to share, but I do. I'm figuring it out, I'm 45, a nobody in running, but I just love it and being outside and with nature so maybe I'll just do that..... really inspired by your bravery and I like your writing and that you explain yourself as it helps people like me explain myself!
I'll be honest, I don't know you but this showed up in my feed and I couldn't agree more with all of it. It resonates in a generic way with me, a non-pro non-athlete, and my relationship with social media as a whole. Thank you for writing it.
I read this article and think it is absolutely brilliant. It almost feels like you are finally coming home to yourself; putting yourself first and being true to you. And this authenticity is what makes you such an inspirational figure - not the brands, sponsorships, Instagram posts or YouTube Channel. Just a normal person going, "I run for myself, on my terms." I think so many of us get lost in comparing ourselves to others and never measuring up, or changing ourselves to fit what other people want. It feels like you have gone, "I don't want to be a part of that world anymore."
Thank you for all the writing that you have done this year, Devon, and all the best for the new year.
Best wishes from the UK,
Danielle
Sounds like a very healthy yet, for sure, difficult step to take, especially when you have been living that lifestyle for so many years.
I reduced my social media consumption to Substack only as well, since I found this to be the platform I can connect with other people on the deepest level of all the Apps out there.
I respect your honesty and wish you nothing but the best for your future! But I don't want to lie and thus still want to tell you that your writing and other social media content had a huge positive impact on my running and life in general, which is why I would find it very sad if you left it completely... It is your own free choice, of course, just don't forget that social media can also bring a lot of positive things when used in a constructive manor and without the pressure of brands forcing you to create superficial content.
Have a nice day and all the best from Austria!
I appreciate so much knowing that what I write and post makes a difference. I think that is why I have and do struggle with the idea of leaving all platforms permanently. I do still very much love writing and will stay here on Substack for as long as I can!
Glad to have you here on Substack an I'm hoping this platform doesn’t change into a sh*thole any time soon.
Ha, amen to that. I really hope so too. I like it here!
Rock on. You do you. Can’t beat that.
Your are an awesome person. If you are ever in Phoenix/Scottsdale, I would love to see you in person again. It probably sounds silly but that walk with you and Sally to the expo at CIM in 2017 is one of my favorite times I have spent with friends made through running. Big hugs to you❤️ Yissel
Thank you for being such an honest friend. Onward!