Capturing the Journey of Running on Film

Written By Stevie Lyn Smith

What does a pro BMX rider have in common with a running photographer? More than you might think. From grinding rails to grinding miles — Jim Cielencki was a former pro BMX rider and entrepreneur, co-founding Sunday Bikes. In 2016, he ran every street in Buffalo. Today, he captures the world of running around him, highly influenced by his experiences in BMX and skateboarding.

In episode 51 of Real Fuel with SLS, Stevie sits down with Jim Cielencki (known on Instagram as @milebymilephoto), a Buffalo-based photographer and runner who has built a cult following by capturing the "unglamorous," gritty, and beautiful side of endurance sports.

The BMX-to-Running Pipeline: Behind the Lens

Jim didn’t start as a traditional sports photographer or even a runner. He grew up in the 80s, obsessed with the high-contrast, double-page spreads of skate and BMX magazines.

As a professional BMX rider, he learned a vital lesson: If you aren't in front of the camera, you’re behind it, says Jim. He used injury as opportunity to develop his photography skills. He says “in the action sports world, when you’re injured, you pick up the camera to stay connected to your community.”

Mile by Mile: Running Every Street in Buffalo

In 2016, Jim embarked on a massive urban exploration project. He ran the full length of every street in the City of Buffalo—a feat he plans to repeat starting January 1st, 2026.

The why behind the project? To break personal bias: Using his background in urban planning, Jim used the project to explore neighborhoods he otherwise never would have visited. Some of this inspiration is from photographer Milton Rogovin who went to shoot photos throughout the decades to document the working class residents of Buffalo’s lower west side.

  • The Humanity of Buffalo: Jim noted that while it started as a physical feat, it became a lesson in community trust. Buffalonians, true to their reputation, always wanted to help or hear the story behind his project.

  • The Finish Line: He timed the project so that the final streets he ran were the final miles of the Buffalo Marathon.

You can catch Jim’s TED talk on the project here.

Running is About the Journey: Photography can Capture This

If you follow Jim’s work, you know he isn’t looking for the perfectly posed "race photo." He’s looking for the real side of running and it’s community.

  • Abstract Expressionism: Influenced by artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko, Jim loves color blocking and motion blur.

  • Authentic Vulnerability: "Who looks good working really hard?" Jim asks. He prefers the mouth-open, grit-filled, un-guarded expressions of a runner in the pain cave over a staged smile.

  • Cross-Country Season: Jim calls this the best time of year. The raw emotion of collegiate runners, the fall colors, and the spread-out courses allow for unique angles that journalistic photography often misses.

Every Runner Has a Story (Even the One in Jeans)

During a recent marathon, Jim captured a photo of a man running in blue jeans at mile 12. Instead of just taking the shot and moving on, Jim found the runner at the finish line to get the story: the runner was raising money for a pet animal shelter.

Whether it's a 2:15 marathoner or a fundraiser in denim, Jim’s goal remains the same: to show the world that running is awesome.

Top Takeaways

  • Perspective is Everything: Your background dictates how you see the world. Use your skills to find your niche or look at something you want to share with the world from a different lens.

  • The Value of Scouting: Jim doesn't just show up to a race. He scopes the course, looks for angles where other photographers aren't, and plans his movement like an athlete.

  • Community Connection: Photography is a "bridge" and an icebreaker that allows you to tell the stories of people you might never otherwise meet.

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Stevie Lyn Smith
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