The Ladybug: Ezra Weisz’s Journey in Endurance Sports

Ezra Weisz, known as “The Ladybug” in the running community, has a unique story that blends his passion for endurance sports with his work as a voice director. His journey from a non-athlete to an ultra-runner is both inspiring and entertaining.

From Zero to Runner

Weisz didn’t start as a natural athlete. He recalls, “I was not an athlete in high school at all, and I never played competitive sports.” His introduction to running came by chance when his gym closed for renovations. “I said, well, I’m dressed to go work out. I may as well just go for a run,” he remembers.

Initially, Weisz struggled with running, but he found a way to make it work for him by applying principles from his tai chi practice. “I loved how the body needs to be in alignment for efficiency. I loved the component of pairing breath with movement, and I really also loved the meditative state that it puts my mind in,” he explains.

The Marathon Bug

Weisz’s running journey quickly escalated from short distances to marathons. He completed his first marathon in 1999, just months after starting to run regularly. The experience was transformative: “I loved the sea of humanity that everybody references when they see the streets filled with runners. I loved listening to people breathing. I loved all the different bodies.”

As he continued running marathons, Weisz discovered a powerful tool for motivation: encouraging others. “The thing that helps me the most as a runner when I’m in the struggle cave is encouraging another person,” he says. This realization shaped his approach to running and his role in the running community. Having run the LA Marathon more than once, Ezra is now an ambassador for the race.

Transitioning to Trail Running

After years of road racing, Weisz discovered trail running. He fell in love with the natural environment and the different challenges it presented. “I love being out in nature. If you ask me beach person or a mountain person or a desert person, I’m definitely a mountain person,” he shares.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Ladybug is Born

Weisz’s alter ego, “The Ladybug,” emerged from his work as a voice director for the animated series “Miraculous Ladybug.” He started running major races in a ladybug costume, complete with a tutu and sunglasses.

“I took it upon myself to dress up as Miraculous Ladybug. Red with black polka dots and her sunglasses and a wristband that is like her wristband,” Weisz explains. His costume serves multiple purposes: it brings joy to spectators, especially young fans of the show, and it sends a message about the inclusivity of running.

“I want to have those young eyeballs watching a race that feels like it’s foreign to them. See maybe their favorite character run by,” he says. The Ladybug costume also helps break down barriers for newcomers to the sport. “You can do this thing without having to be the best at it. You don’t have to race it. You can have fun with it,” Weisz emphasizes.

Bringing Running Lessons to Work

Weisz finds that his experiences in endurance sports carry over to his work as a voice director. He applies the principles of encouragement and positive reinforcement that he’s learned from running to his directing style. “When I work on complementary positivity… I shine a light on their personalities. I point out the good things that I am noticing, and that elevates the space for us to have a good job,” he explains.

Advice for New Runners

For those looking to start their running journey, Weisz has some advice: “I would definitely encourage that person to push themselves to show up to a local run club meetup.” He emphasizes the welcoming nature of the running community, saying, “People don’t want to compete with you. They want to run with you and support you.” Ezra leads by example in this regard, being one of the leading voices of the Glendale Runners and the Pasadena Pacers. 

Ezra Weisz’s journey as The Ladybug exemplifies the joy, community, and personal growth that endurance sports can bring. His story reminds us that running is not just about competition, but also about encouragement, self-discovery, and sometimes, dressing up in polka dots and a tutu.

ADVERTISEMENT