NYT: Modern Marathoners Have Fewer Miles on Them (Read 940 times)

Good article. Thanks, Trent. I can't help but notice that this incarnation of the inevitable "debate" about what counts as a real runner began by someone (who has since apologized) imagining the way faster runners look down on slower runners and then talking about how that sort of elitist attitude is indefensible. This is a common occurrence on running message boards--and it comes from both "elites" and "penguins"--that leads to a lot of unnecessary disagreement. Best to wait until someone makes an offensive remark before attacking that offensive remark. Though I did start a thread in the 2000 mile club that unfortunately led to a similar conversation, I have to say that one thing I really like about RA is that we don't waste too much time trying to convince others about the true meaning of running, maybe in part because we "elite" runners can look at the logs of you "penguin" runners and see how hard you work!

Good article. Thanks, Trent. I can't help but notice that this incarnation of the inevitable "debate" about what counts as a real runner began by someone (who has since apologized) imagining the way faster runners look down on slower runners and then talking about how that sort of elitist attitude is indefensible. This is a common occurrence on running message boards--and it comes from both "elites" and "penguins"--that leads to a lot of unnecessary disagreement. Best to wait until someone makes an offensive remark before attacking that offensive remark. Though I did start a thread in the 2000 mile club that unfortunately led to a similar conversation, I have to say that one thing I really like about RA is that we don't waste too much time trying to convince others about the true meaning of running, maybe in part because we "elite" runners can look at the logs of you "penguin" runners and see how hard you work!

Not very prick-like of you, Jeff! Oh, and nice comeback, slowandsteady! Lynn B

I have to grin. As a penguin about to embark on my first marathon in less than 48 hrs, reading this article actually makes me proud to be a part of this ever growing trend. I have no aspirations of ever competing in running. Being 5'6" and built like a fire plug, I am not built for it. So when I am out plodding along at my 9-10 min/mi pace and some 6'2" dude with the split shorts comes flying by me as a 6min/mi pace, I don't envy him, I applaud his efforts. And I am sure as he run's by, he doesn't look down on me, he applauds my efforts. OK, maybe that is too 'Hal Higdon-ish', but bottom line is, as a country having a trend where normal people are getting off the couch and out from behind a desk and strapping on shoes to compete/complete anything physical is a step in the right direction.

I second Scout7. Running is something that you can do joyfully without pain or injury for your entire life, if you do it correctly. When it comes to many beginners hell-bent on that first marathon, I see a lot more pain than joy. And not the good kind of pain. Of course, that's their own choice. I wouldn't think of trying to tell them what to do. I don't think it's an exageration to say that running is religion for some of us, so people naturally get all bent out of shape when others interpret it differently. My way is the True Way, you heretics!

...but bottom line is, as a country having a trend where normal people are getting off the couch and out from behind a desk and strapping on shoes to compete/complete anything physical is a step in the right direction.

This was very well said and was essentially my take as well. Maybe it's because I'm extremely comfortable after all these years in my non-serious-runner status, but I didn't see the article as pointing a finger at me or any other non-elite. I saw it as pointing out the fact that in addition to the few hundred very serious runners who toed the line in 1968 and still toe the line today, there are thousands of regular people, for whom running is not a full-time job or even a major pursuit, but who just want to finish for the sake of doing it. Nothing wrong with that. When Amby Burfoot won Boston in 1968 there were a few hundred runners in the field, all of them serious about the sport. In 2007 there were still a few hundred very serious runners in the field. But there were also thousands of regular people with real jobs and lives and responsibilities who prioritize running enough to get to the start, as well as a couple of thousand charity runners, most of whom will do this one marathon and then move on. I said earlier in the thread that there is a big difference between training to race a marathon and training to finish. Some people bristled at the mere suggestion that anyone who shows up at a marathon is training to "just" finish, but I truly believe many if not most of the participants this article is talking about really are training just to finish. We all know these people. They are our neighbors, spouses, doctors, co-workers and our kids' school teachers. They do their one marathon, get their medal and the amazing sense of accomplishment and camaraderie that goes with it and then they move on with the rest of their lives. But they always have that accomplishment to look back on and draw strength from. What's wrong with that? Once upon a time I was one of them. Say what you want about everyone who toes the line showing up to race but I KNOW I went into my first marathon with one goal and one goal only--to finish. As such, I didn't train nearly as hard as I later would when my goals were all the things people have talked about on this thread such as running PR's, meeting a time goal, RACING! But I did enough to finish. It was a tough day and there were several moments when I didn't think I would finish but, like 99% of those who start marathons, I finished and was glad I did. And then a funny thing happened. Something about that experienced ignited a spark and from that spark there came a fire and from that fire there came...me. Mike the runner. And this happens to some percent of all of those first timers who show up at marathons woefully under-prepared and overconfident with the goal of simply finishing. They become runners. And that's a good thing, I think.

when in reality it only matters that I do it because I love it.

End of story. Oh and your race entry fees don't fund the prize purse for elites who finish in half your time--that comes from the sponsors, so not to worry

This is what I love about RunningAHEAD. Heated discussions always turn into peace and love and teddy bears and butterflies and puppies.

So true.

Unlike other message boards.

Yep, getting ugly over there.

Once upon a time I was one of them. Say what you want about everyone who toes the line showing up to race but I KNOW I went into my first marathon with one goal and one goal only--to finish. As such, I didn't train nearly as hard as I later would when my goals were all the things people have talked about on this thread such as running PR's, meeting a time goal, RACING! But I did enough to finish. It was a tough day and there were several moments when I didn't think I would finish but, like 99% of those who start marathons, I finished and was glad I did. And then a funny thing happened. Something about that experienced ignited a spark and from that spark there came a fire and from that fire there came...me. Mike the runner. And this happens to some percent of all of those first timers who show up at marathons woefully under-prepared and overconfident with the goal of simply finishing. They become runners. And that's a good thing, I think.

Ditto!!!! But it IS a good thing. Without a long-distance goal, I wouldn't be getting out there the 3-5 days that I do right now. I probably wouldn't be running at all...like after I finished my 1st marathon in 2004, i stoppped for about a year and half, gained lots of weight. Decided i needed to run again, and the ONLY thing that kept me going was another Marathon goal.