NEED TO KNOW
Irene Choi came across a viral video of content creator Libby Claire churning butter while out on a run
Afterward, the Orange County, Calif., runner couldn’t stop thinking about it and decided to try it herself
She posted a video of the experiment on TikTok, where it went viral, amassing over 2.4 million views
When Irene Choi came across a viral video of content creator Libby Claire churning butter while out on a run, she was convinced it couldn’t possibly work.
Still, the Orange County, Calif., runner couldn’t stop thinking about it. Curious to see if the unusual experiment was actually possible, she decided to try it herself. Before heading out on her next jog, Choi poured heavy cream into a ziplock bag, tucked it into her running vest and set off to see if the motion of her run would turn it into butter.
“I was a little nervous that it wouldn’t work, and I never thought I’d ever say the words, ‘I’m insecure about my butter,’ especially during my run,” she tells PEOPLE exclusively.
As the miles went on, the experiment stayed top of mind. Throughout the first half of the run, Choi says she kept checking the bag, hoping to see the cream begin to separate — the first sign that butter was actually forming.
“I was really skeptical going into it, so the only thing I could think about was waiting for that separation,” she says.
Amused by the whole situation, Choi decided to film the experiment and later posted the video to TikTok, where it quickly struck a chord with viewers. The clip has since racked up more than 2.4 million views and hundreds of comments from people fascinated by the idea of churning butter mid-run.
“I didn’t think people would be as invested in churning butter on my back as I was,” Choi says. “Someone commented, ‘You really never know what’s in someone’s running vest,’ which is honestly very true.”
Many viewers also joked that the video might finally motivate them to start running — something Choi says she fully supports, even if the idea started as a silly experiment.
“A lot of people said this might be what inspires them to get into running,” she says. “I’m not sure if they were joking, but it would make me so happy to see more people outside and moving their bodies in whatever way works for them.”
Irene Choi holding up a stick of butter
Credit: Courtesy of Irene Choi
With the video continuing to gain attention, Choi says the comment section quickly filled with suggestions for what she should try next, with some viewers encouraging her to attempt ice cream — or even cheese — on a future run.
“I love experimenting with food, so combining two things I enjoy — running and cooking — was an easy sell for me,” she says. “Cooking has always been a creative outlet, and I love any chance to bring curiosity and play into what I’m doing.”
Not long after, she decided to take the idea even further. Last week, Choi shared another video showing herself making ice cream while out on a run.
“In an act I like to call: unemployment activities. We’re making ice cream while running!!! I believe @zacharyfrisch started this dairy movement. What else can I habit stack??? make cheese?? yogurt? on my runs?” she captioned the post.
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Irene Choi holding the butter
Credit: Courtesy of Irene Choi
While she isn’t sure how far she’ll take the trend, Choi says she’s open to new ideas — within reason.
“I think I might be tapped out on my habit-stacking ways, but my DMs are open to suggestions,” she says with a laugh. “The video itself was pretty silly and wasn’t meant to have a deep meaning, but if it inspires someone to get outside or add a little whimsy to their day, that’s a win in my book.”
Read the original article on People
Dining and Cooking