Forums >General Running>NYT: Modern Marathoners Have Fewer Miles on Them
Why is it sideways?
rectumdamnnearkilledem
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!
Getting the wind knocked out of you is the only way to
remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air.
~ Sarah Kay
You'll ruin your knees!
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!
""...the truth that someday, you will go for your last run. But not today—today you got to run." - Matt Crownover (after Western States)
Not very prick-like of you, Jeff!
Barefoot and happy
...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.
when in reality it only matters that I do it because I love it.
Runners run
This is what I love about RunningAHEAD. Heated discussions always turn into peace and love and teddy bears and butterflies and puppies.
Michelle
Good Bad & The Monkey
I'm running somewhere tomorrow. It's going to be beautiful. I can't wait.
Poor baby
Unlike other message boards.
Do I think the average person needs to do over 50 MPW? No. But I do think that they should be doing over 25 MPW before attempting the marathon.
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.