Why I Run with Puppets

One of the questions I hear from people - or see in their faces - is “Why in the world do you run with puppets?” Trust me, I’ve asked myself the same question. I think it started as an extension of running in costume, a chance to do something different. Plus, a puppet gives me something to think about other than the endless miles. But that does not seem to truly answer the question.

I suppose the most obvious answer to most onlookers would be that I am desperately craving attention. I will be the first to admit that there is probably some truth in this answer. I am, after all, an actor. Actors, by their very job description, move and talk with the express intention of getting someone to watch them. That being said, good actors want more than attention. They want to tell a story. For many of us, we NEED to tell a story. It’s what drives us. My puppet running then probably has something to do with storytelling.

My favorite moments running with puppets are when a puppet naturally interacts with something or someone around us. For example, one of my best memories during the Wine & Dine Half Marathon at Disney World was when Remy and I ran through France in Epcot. I had absolutely not planned this before, but Remy was suddenly extremely excited to see his home and seemed to try to get away from me to go explore the shops and (especially!) the restaurants. I wasn’t sure anybody was actually watching me at that moment, but I loved allowing Remy that moment of life. (I found out after the race that a race photographer was indeed watching and caught it perfectly. It’s now my avatar picture.) Storytelling has at its heart connection with another person. I teach my acting students that you need two things to have theatre: one person to perform and at least one person to watch. I think that is the part of running with puppets that I enjoy the most. The chance to connect with other people in such a simple way is amazing.

I am a bit of an introvert (yes, I know that’s ironic for an actor), so communicating with strangers during a race does not come naturally to me. Put a puppet on my hand and suddenly I want to connect with others. Even without a puppet, I have always tried to be encouraging to others during races. I always cheer on my fellow Maniacs and Fanatics, loudly thank the volunteers, and try to give kind words to runners who seem to be struggling. The puppet amplifies this for me and makes it easier and, in some cases, more effective.

So why do I run with puppets? I guess it’s all of the above. To encourage. To entertain. To distract from the miles (for me and others). To connect. To communicate.