'OK, you're a runner. Get over it'

My nephew ran the Philly marathon this morning in 2:40:16 (6:07 pace) and I was happy for him. Seems like an excellent time for a first marathon. I haven't asked him if he will get a tattoo.

 

Dang, 2:40. That's killer. Pass on my congratulations.
I just got back from 11 miles myself and enjoyed this read: http://online.wSportsJournalists.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303289904579199992837374388

"In a nation grown fat, fit is the new rich. Among the fitness have-nots, there's a deep distaste for runner smugness…"

 

No distaste.
I couldn't give a shit how anyone chooses to mollify his insecurities.
I just don't want to hear about it - no offense intended to anyone but Dick.

 

One textbook way to mollify one's insecurities is to troll people on the Internet in an attempt to feel superior.

 

It's very easy for you to label me whatever you wish.
We've been through this, you little strumpet - you're the troll around here.
Your 542 (!) topics created are ample evidence of that.

 

Troll, troll, troll. But you'll never fill that hole.

 

I started running this summer, but recently had to take a break due to pain in my foot. Right at the ball of the foot, second toe. I've been able to continue playing soccer - it doesn't hurt running on grass - but I just went out for a run this morning for the first time in over a month.

I'd much rather play soccer or basketball or tennis to stay in shape, but like kingcreole, I like the flexibility running offers. Now, if I can just get my fat ass out of bed a little earlier...

 

Your verse is even shittier than your trolling, Dickie.

 

2:40 is excellent and the vast majority of runners would be thrilled. Once upon a tiem, the qualifying times for Boston were not aged. It was 2:50 for everybody and the race was an intimate gathering of 3-4000 runners who at least regionally knew each other. You could stand on the green at Hopkinton, before they moved staging to the high school, and renew acquaintances.

As I age, there was a transition from racer to runner. My times are slower. my mileage less and I don;t race anymore. I still enjoy running in the woods and the marsh and along the bike trails but I spend less time on the track working on form and speed.

For those who run long races, the satisfaction is not necessarily found on race day but rather in the hours spent on the road and in the commitment to the weeks of training. The joy of the the last couple of miles of a race and while crossing the finish line is often accompanied by sadness that comes with the realization that a goal has been met. Wihtin a few days, there is a renewed commitment to run another race, not necessarily because of the competition but because of the need to establish a new goal that can be achieved.

 

Point taken by the people who get annoyed at the running talk, and by people who hate running.
I only bring it up when people ask me, never post my (meager) accomplishments on Facebook _ but I keep track for myself. People who run marathons SHOULD be proud of it. The great thing about running pride is it's equal among people who win races and those who finish last but just finish. And fellow runners give respect to both.
It's a personal thing.
I'm motivated by patting myself on the back after a good workout or race. Others need or want a little extra positive reinforcement. It takes motivation to get out on the road regularly. However you get it.

 

Slacker!