業餘跑者精神：與Tracksmith創始人 Matt Taylor對談

RANK 最近與 Tracksmith 創辦人 Matt Taylor 對談，探討他對跑步的理念以及背後的文化。他重新定義了「認真業餘跑者」的概念——將跑步視為日常儀式，而非單純追求獎牌。Matt 的每個決策，從產品設計到社群活動，都體現了精心的工藝、敘事與共享體驗。在數位優先的時代，他仍偏愛紙本與實體物件，認為這能建立更持久的連結。對他而言，跑步不只是距離，更是理解生活、設計以及圍繞熱愛事物建立社群的角度。

RANK recently sat down with Matt Taylor, the founder of Tracksmith, to explore his vision for running and the culture around it. He has reimagined what it means to be a serious amateur runner, treating the sport as a daily ritual rather than a pursuit of medals. Every decision he makes, from product design to community gatherings, reflects a thoughtful blend of craft, storytelling and shared experience. Even in a digital-first world, Matt remains drawn to print and tangible objects, seeing them as ways to create lasting connections. In our conversation, it quickly became clear that for him, running is never just about the miles. It is a lens for understanding life, design and the communities we build around the things we love.

RANK：我們先談你的「認真業餘跑者」概念。當初推出時，你如何定義這群人？有沒有一個經驗最能代表他們的精神？

RANK: Let’s start with your “serious amateur” concept. How did you define this group when you launched, and is there an experience that best captures their spirit?

Matt：當初大部分品牌只關注菁英運動員或休閒跑者，但其間有數百萬跑者，他們對跑步投入更多，不是專業，也不是初學者。我自己就是其中一員，其他品牌沒有真正與我們對話。這就是我們想開始的地方。有一個傳統很快引起共鳴：在東京馬拉松等大型賽事，我們會手工蓋印跑者成績的海報。第一次做時，我意識到這創造了獨特的親密時刻——聊比賽、認識家人、共同慶祝成就，跑者對這份真誠連結非常感激。

Matt: When we started, most brands focused on elite athletes or casual joggers. But in between are millions of runners with a deeper relationship to the sport, who aren’t professionals and don’t consider themselves beginners. These “serious amateurs”—committed runners—connect with running as a core part of who they are. I count myself among them, and other brands didn’t speak to us as real consumers. That’s really where we wanted to start.

One tradition that quickly resonated was stamping marathon posters at major races like Tokyo. After a race, we create a special design and hand-stamp runners’ times as mementos. From the first time we did it, I realized it created something unique—an intimate moment where I’d ask about their race, meet their family, and celebrate their accomplishment. Runners are so grateful for that genuine connection.

RANK：Trackhouse 不只是零售空間，更像社群中心。這個想法是如何形成的？你希望跑者在這裡獲得什麼體驗？

RANK: We noticed Trackhouse is so much more than a retail space—it feels like a community hub. Could you share how that idea developed, and what you hope runners experience there?

Matt：這是自然發展的結果。第一個波士頓辦公室後，工作後的跑步會變成喝啤酒或咖啡的聚會，朋友加入，口碑擴散，週末跑步變成團體活動。開店時，我們希望創造「第三空間」——超越家與工作，讓跑者連結的地方，像成年人的更衣室，讓跑前後的時光都特別。

Matt: It happened organically. After we got our first office outside Boston, post-work runs turned into casual beer and coffee hangs. Friends joined, word spread, weekend runs turned into group events. When we opened our first store, it felt natural to create that “third space”—a place beyond home and work where runners can connect, like a locker room for adults. We wanted somewhere the pre- and post-run moments would be special.

RANK：你們的產品也展現社群氛圍。以 Eliot Runner 為例，有沒有特別的時刻或最後一刻的設計變動讓你印象深刻？

RANK: The community vibe you’ve built also shows in your products. With the Eliot Runner, was there a key moment or last-minute design change that stood out to you?

Matt：我們的標誌性設計之一是鞋與服裝上的斜紋帶。原本 Eliot Runner 的斜紋延伸至中底，外觀獨特，但製作穩定性不好。我們也希望風格更簡潔、經典，所以最後改動了設計。

A distinctive design element for us has always been the sash, appearing on our shoes and apparel. The original Eliot Runner had the sash extend into the midsole for a unique look, but it was tough to manufacture at consistent quality. Plus, we wanted a cleaner, more timeless aesthetic, so that was a last-minute change we made.

RANK：品牌風格「經典但不懷舊」很重要。你如何決定何時沿襲傳統、何時創新？

RANK: It’s such an important direction for the brand, especially with your Puma experience. On style, Tracksmith’s look is described as “classic, but not nostalgic.” How do you decide when to lean into tradition versus push forward with something new?

Matt：沒有固定公式。我們依故事或消費者洞察決策。例如 Van Cortlandt 背心（靈感來自岳父高中球衣）刻意延續傳統，但用現代材料與工藝；Meridian 短褲則保持低調美學與高品質，符合現代輪廓。重點是故事與解決問題。

Matt: There’s no strict formula. We’re guided by stories or consumer insights. Sometimes, like with the Van Cortlandt singlet (inspired by my father-in-law’s high school jersey), we intentionally channel tradition, but use modern materials and construction. Other times, we develop modern pieces that stick to our understated aesthetic and high-quality standards, like the Meridian short—crafted with current construction and silhouette. It’s always about the story and the problem we’re solving.

RANK：品牌視覺與內容也很講故事。推出 Meter Magazine 的想法是什麼？

RANK: The story-driven approach is felt in your visuals and brand content too. On that note, what was your vision when launching Meter Magazine? Did you always see it as more than just a brand publication?

Matt：大學時就想做跑步雜誌，但當時只有兩本美國雜誌，沒有吸引我。創立 Tracksmith 時，我們同時推出雜誌與五款產品。紙本長篇內容獎勵堅持與努力，也契合跑者心態。Meter 不只講產品，也講運動裡的有趣人物與故事。

Matt: Even in college, I had an idea for a running magazine. There were only two in the US, and they didn’t excite me. So when we launched Tracksmith, we also launched the magazine alongside five products. Long-form print rewards commitment, consistent effort, and suits the runner’s mindset. It also fits our visual and writing style. Meter became a banner for storytelling not just about our stuff, but about other interesting people and stories in the sport.

RANK：在數位時代，你認為紙本仍重要嗎？

RANK: Do you still believe print matters, now everything is online?

Matt：我不知道答案，但人們仍渴望實體體驗。紙本或用心製作的物件能建立深層情感連結。數位內容快速方便，但精心打造的實物影響更久。因此我相信紙本與實體產品——雜誌、書籍、蠟燭甚至鉛筆——雖然不是每個人都會訂閱。

Matt: I don’t know the answer, but I know people crave physical experiences even as life goes digital. A tangible, heartfelt item builds a deeper emotional connection. Digital content is fast and easy, but the impact of something crafted with care lasts longer. That’s why I believe in print and physical products—magazines, books, candles, even pencils—though maybe not everyone will subscribe to a physical magazine these days.

RANK：在香港，我們的跑步社群還在起步。對於想建立類似社群的人，你有什麼建議？

RANK: Our community in Hong Kong is still new, and your experience is inspiring. For those of us trying to build something similar locally, what have you learned about growing a strong running club or collective?

Matt：沒有放諸四海皆準的方法，但領導者需對社群理念有明確觀點。有的以速度訓練為主，有的強調放鬆社交。目標明確，社群才會強大。堅持也很重要——跑步不易，生活與傷病會影響承諾，但長期堅持才能建立真實社群。

Matt: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but the leader needs a clear point of view on the group’s ethos. Some clubs focus on speed and training, others on relaxation and socializing. When purpose is clear, the community is strongest. Consistency matters—running is tough, life and injuries happen, commitment levels fluctuate. Long-term consistency helps build real community.

RANK：個人來說，你最喜歡哪件 Tracksmith 製品？

RANK: On a more personal note, with so many products under your belt, do you have a favorite Tracksmith piece for your own runs? What makes it special to you?

Matt：我偏愛冷天服裝：Bislett 長褲使用技術伸縮織物與護腳設計，防水防雪，經典又獨特；Fells 美利奴羊毛高領衫，舒適又保暖。暖天則是 Grayboy T-shirt，簡單棉質，隨時間越穿越好。天然纖維比合成纖維耐用，也更有味道。

Matt: Oddly, my favorites are for cold weather—the Bislett pants are made of technical stretch woven fabric with stirrups to keep out moisture and snow. They’re classic and unique, no other brand offers anything like it.I also love our Fells merino turtleneck, a waffled long sleeve with a roll neck for winter—comfortable and classic. For warmer weather, our Grayboy tee, one of our first products, is a simple cotton T-shirt that actually improves with age. Natural fibers last much longer than synthetics; they just get better over time.

RANK：跑了這麼多年，跑步對你意味著什麼？

RANK: After all these years running, what has the sport come to mean to you personally and what keeps you lacing up again and again?

Matt：跑步是我生活的一部分——每次跑完都感覺更好。它是每日儀式，若受傷或停跑，我會感覺不同。它是我生活中不可或缺的元素。

Running is just part of me—I never finish a run feeling worse than when I started. It’s a daily ritual and habit, and if I’m ever injured or stop, I genuinely feel different. It’s an essential ingredient in my life.