For runner and creative Jose Luis Osorio, training for the Austin Full Marathon is less about chasing a finish line and more about proving what consistency can unlock. Rooted in the welcoming energy of Houston’s run clubs, Osorio’s journey reflects a steady commitment to showing up—mentally and physically—while balancing freelance videography, web design, and collaboration with local brands. As he shifts into a more morning‑focused rhythm, he’s carrying that same discipline into his creative work, aiming to tell deeper, more intentional visual stories that mirror the patience, community, and self‑trust he’s built mile after mile.
Hi Jose, thanks so much for joining us again. You’re gearing up for the Austin Full Marathon in February after completing your first half marathon last year — what inspired you to take that next step, and what has training taught you about discipline, consistency, and showing up for yourself?
The funny thing is that I actually wanted to do the Austin Half Marathon right after finishing my first half marathon in Houston— even though I could not fathom the idea of doing something like that again. But hanging out with everybody at the run clubs and seeing all their marathon progress made me think it was time to step up into the big leagues.
As far as what training has taught me, it’s all about “mind over matter”. I was a student-athlete back in high school (Bridgeton High School) and university (Stockton University & Rutgers-Camden University) and I learned that the sport of running is very much an individual sport. If you want to get better and be faster, then you mush show up and be ready to put in the work. The Houston half marathon was the first time ever that I ran more than 8k, and further the distance the harder it is. Sometimes it seems harder to keep going mentally than physically, but it is part of the process and I enjoy it.
You’ve been training both solo and with different Houston run clubs. How has being part of the local running community shaped your experience, and what do you love most about the energy of running in Houston?
The running community here in Houston is very welcoming. They shaped my experience by allowing me to explore more of Houston than I would have on my own. We meet at various locations and run routes through new and different parts of the city all the time.
What I love about the energy of running in Houston is the people that you will meet. I have met so many new friends and have seen them go on to make their own run clubs too. Having moved here on my own only 2 years ago, this really made me feel like a part of the city.
Alongside running, you’ve been building momentum with freelance videography and web design projects for local businesses. How did you get started in that creative lane, and what kinds of stories or brands do you enjoy bringing to life through your work?
I started my creative endeavors back in 2017 when I was a senior in high school and slowly started learning the basics of photography and eventually got into videography.
I enjoy documenting/interview style of videos. Back in the northeast; I did two interview videos (a barber and tattoo artist). One of my favorite videos was when I did a video for Veloci Running (a local running shoe brand based in HTX), they were collaborating with a local run club in Houston. I loved the passion Austin had for his product/brand and I am glad I was able to share that!
You’ve worked on projects ranging from barber schools to real estate, and you’re planning more content with brands like Moment and other photographers. How do you approach collaboration, and what excites you about creating alongside other creatives?
I approach collaboration like approaching someone I want to be friends with. Every creative has their own unique style, methods, and personality. I feel like it is something we both can learn from each other, which is exciting. For example, I am not the best at posing my subjects during photo shoots. But I know at least 5 photographers that are amazing at posing. By collaborating with them, I can learn new things I wouldn’t have on my own. A few of my photographer friends love the way I color grade, so I teach them what I know and they can make adjustments based on that.
With a shift from night work to a morning schedule, it sounds like a new chapter is opening up. How do you see this lifestyle change — along with upcoming travel plans — influencing your running, creativity, and overall direction this year?
It’s definitely an improvement for my mental health, since I’ll be able to participate in run clubs again and get more time with the community. I still had a decent about of time for myself since I work 4 days a week, but when my shift 9pm or later, I definitely missed out on some cool events. I am looking forward to being with friends. It sort of feels like I’m the new kid on the block again now that I’ll be around more often.
For creative goals this year, I really want to focus on bringing more storytelling into my photography. I hope to emphasize the subjects that I am posting about and go deeper than just posting a photo dump. I have been working on this with the carousels feature on Instagram by posting more curated collections and adding text to narrate. I want to capture things like an average day or an interesting trip in a way that feels cohesive and real from start to end.
Image Credit:
The image of me running with the bib was taken by @thevintageportfolio.
