Finding community, culture, and running "unplugged" with Massimo Alpian🎙️

For New York City native Massimo Alpian, distance running started as high school conditioning for soccer. Over time, it evolved into a transformative force that helped him navigate personal identity, overcome an eating disorder, and build a rewarding career in the athletic industry.

When Massimo joined Marathon Journal for our latest Your Story, Your Why feature, we explored how his multicultural upbringing in Queens and Brooklyn shaped his deep commitment to community, hospitality, and human connection.

Here is how Massimo shifted from using running as a closeted high school escape to leading MarComms at Tracksmith, building inclusive run communities, and finding joy in "unplugged" miles.

FROM HIGH SCHOOL ESCAPE TO LIFETIME GIFT

Growing up in a traditional, conservative immigrant household in the 1990s, Massimo found himself using running as an escape while coming to terms with coming out. The pressure for control during that time temporarily spiraled into a battle with an eating disorder.

Through recovery and self-acceptance, Massimo reframed his relationship with movement. Running ceased to be an evasion and became a daily celebration of health and self-expression.

"My mantra to myself every day is that my body is a gift... Running allows you to take a look at yourself in the mirror and say, 'Who am I as an individual and as a runner?'" — Massimo Alpian

BRIDGING NON-PROFIT MISSION WORK & BRAND LEADERSHIP

Massimo’s career didn't begin in sports. After graduate school, he worked with international non-profits like UNICEF, living in Rio de Janeiro to rehabilitate youth gang members through sports programs.

When the global financial crisis hit, he pivoted to his passion for running, starting on the retail floor selling shoes and working his way up to executive brand marketing. Today at Tracksmith, he uses his platform to ensure runners from all backgrounds, cultures, and identities feel seen and welcomed.

MINDFULNESS & THE "UNPLUGGED" RUN

Beyond high-volume marathon training, Massimo maintains balance through a weekly ritual: running completely "unplugged" with no watch, headphones, or GPS tracking.

"Once a week I run with nothing digital... It's a great mindfulness practice to really be in tune with your body and be in touch with your surroundings." — Massimo Alpian

Stripping away metrics allows him to eliminate pace anxiety, tune into his body, and stay connected to the pure joy of the sport.

LISTEN & READ MORE

Want to dive deeper into Massimo's journey, community work, and mindful running practices?

📖 Read the Full Feature Article on Marathon Journal

🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

Keep moving forward,

Letty Lundquist

Editor-in-Chief, Marathon Journal