tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post7885164259837365712..comments2024-02-01T03:43:38.115-06:00Comments on 50 after 40: Kill The Slow RunnersJim ... 50after40http://www.blogger.com/profile/14165153305680378261noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-77825974077636004282014-03-11T11:51:28.480-05:002014-03-11T11:51:28.480-05:00The guys at the front are only there because the s...The guys at the front are only there because the slower ones are at the back. Lets face it they're only gonna get older and slower or injured. Good things come to those that wait. :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-53357847771514889082013-12-01T15:03:22.831-06:002013-12-01T15:03:22.831-06:00Jim - This is possibly your best post ever, and th...Jim - This is possibly your best post ever, and that is saying a lot because every one of them are entertaining. I am trying to speed up, believe me. But you have to crawl before you walk; walk before you run. This guy is a coach? Really? I would much rather have running50after40 as MY coach.BoBeauhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09400267994354936405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-82093719783282575332013-11-27T18:47:38.245-06:002013-11-27T18:47:38.245-06:00I read that post and then found your blog because ...I read that post and then found your blog because if your response. I love what you wrote here. I'm so sick of these pseudo elite runners. Their experience of racing is affected by their insecurity & puss poo attitude, not the participation of slower runners. My only beef with slower runners are those who line up in the front of a race when and make faster runners run around them. Otherwise, who cares who wants to line up for a race?<br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01785022492469960214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-11155323204409402942013-11-27T07:12:54.888-06:002013-11-27T07:12:54.888-06:00What I hate about stuffy runner attitudes such as ...What I hate about stuffy runner attitudes such as this is that they miss the point: Many of us run for the sheer joy of running. Times aren't that important. We race to challenge ourselves, to push our limits. I always feel a bit sorry for runners who concentrate too seriously on times and races. It's like: Dudes! Throw your watch in the drawer, get out on the trails and run your heart out. <br />My sister finished her first marathon two minutes past the cut-off time. She hurt her back at mile 16 and spent almost an hour in the medical tent with bad spasms. She was advised to quit, twice. Instead, she got up, swallowed a few non-aspirins and got back in the race. She was in last place at the time but kept running. She never slowed to a walk. She began passing people, too, and finished strong. Her back hurt the whole way.<br />There are amazing stories out there in the middle and the back of the pack, where many race for a cause or in memory of someone, not just for a PR or the glory of an age-group place. To me, that is the mark of a true runner.<br />Nice post, Jim.Cinthiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16319692437720914477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-92203876276685005912013-11-26T12:27:07.844-06:002013-11-26T12:27:07.844-06:00Also, Catching Fire movie was awesome overall. I ...Also, Catching Fire movie was awesome overall. I liked it about the same as the book, just a little bit less than the 1st movie and book. And yea Jennifer Lawrence is my favorite actress by far right now. She is just hilarious in her press conferences and speeches, never taking herself too seriously. Nellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11613262056157769496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-7956520040986981302013-11-25T14:15:42.528-06:002013-11-25T14:15:42.528-06:00Bout time I beat you at Words With Friends. Wait, ...Bout time I beat you at Words With Friends. Wait, this is happening more frequently, you failed to mention that to anyone! <br /><br />So, out of all this talk, someone left a 9 min mile comment on Michael's blog. HEY NOW, that's my territory!! They said the cut off should be 9. Why nine? Don't pick on me and my nine's. My hip flexors and knees love 9's. I hope I learn how to run in the 8's soon. I would hate to never be able to run again :(<br /><br />In a slow conumdrum,<br /><br />Coy<br />Coy Martinezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00144649093762262574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-85434611411685209472013-11-25T13:36:43.585-06:002013-11-25T13:36:43.585-06:00I hesitated commenting on this post. The original...I hesitated commenting on this post. The original comment didn't sound like a good one. I actually saw the blog post that this originated in, and I've been interacting with the commenter for 2 years maybe. I will say that the commenter has given me probably the best and most constructive advice of anyone out there in terms of running tips - midfoot running drills, picking up the cadence, etc. <br /><br />About the actual comment - unless you are hosting the marathon olympic trials, you want to get the highest number of people to enter your race as possible. So that means likely having the race cutoff be as slow as legally possible to include as many runners as possible. A good example is the Lululemon CEO basically saying that fat people shouldn't buy his clothes - he is excluding likely half his market or something. That guy is a complete idiot, and he shouldn't be able to talk to the press ever again. Nellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11613262056157769496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-25485042855096175132013-11-25T11:26:49.200-06:002013-11-25T11:26:49.200-06:00I commented on the same comment, and yes, I'm ...I commented on the same comment, and yes, I'm a slower runner and I was offended. Ironically, today, the same person responded to my comment:<br /><br /><br /><br />I’m sorry if I touched a nerve, but maybe it’s me as a coach that is upset with runners… And be all means it’s not the back of the pack runners, but it’s the front guys!!!<br /><br />I remember back to went I started running and running a 73min half in a small race would place me about 20th. Last year I finished 5th in a half with a time of 74:30, and in a big race this year with 10 times more people and ran a 74:30, I place about 20th.<br /><br />So yes the number of runners have increased, but the number of front runners has decreased… Now while this might be good for the health of a country, till people start to put there bodies on the line and go for good times the Kenyans will dominate the front of the field.<br /><br />I’m not saying all of you have a hidden Kenyan inside, but some of you do, and I long to see it released. A friend of mine ran her 1st half in 2h15, and yes it was fun and she could have been happy with that, she wasn’t and now runs a 1h22 half!!!<br /><br /><br /><br />So there you go. Apology while not being apologetic. Oh wells :DBeckahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10260238987157763316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-35098457389318630692013-11-24T17:14:09.248-06:002013-11-24T17:14:09.248-06:00First your title cracked me up. I read this comme...First your title cracked me up. I read this comment before Michael had her great post and chickened out from commenting but it offended me hugely. It's not a new issue but truly one I just don't get. Why do some faster runners get their panties in a twist over the slower runners out there? Shouldn't we all be out improving our well being and health? Thanks for having your wife's back and the rest of us!ajhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-72859172710768164632013-11-24T16:09:35.989-06:002013-11-24T16:09:35.989-06:00Ugh, I cannot deal with elitist morons like that. ...Ugh, I cannot deal with elitist morons like that. There are so many things wrong with that kind of attitude--morally and logically--that I don't even know where to start. Thanks for supporting *everyone* who works hard & shows up to do their best and/or have fun and/or just get some fresh air & exercise. Angela Knottshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01596658700954456205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-71633693212580994382013-11-24T11:10:53.629-06:002013-11-24T11:10:53.629-06:00I think your response was lovely and much apprecia...I think your response was lovely and much appreciated. Just did a very hilly 8k this morning and was thrilled to have finished it in under an hour, post injuries.<br /><br />For those of us who love to run, and enter races once in awhile just for the experience, and as part of keeping our motivation going, it's so saddening when we encounter elitist attitudes like this. <br /><br />I promise you, I will get out of your way when you want to pass me, I won't block the lanes running with my friends six across, and I will cheer you happily on when you get your medal for your finishing best in your age group.<br /><br />But spare me the holier than thou attitude about times. Qualify for Boston if you want, but I got into running because it made me feel happy.. and all I needed was some cute kicks.<br /><br />SadafAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00856708363761638585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-77104409388441833362013-11-23T19:26:11.756-06:002013-11-23T19:26:11.756-06:00I am behind on the reading and I just read the pos...I am behind on the reading and I just read the post and now see it all.... Nice nice....Carolinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01784257254057007640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-79637693496805903852013-11-23T19:22:15.531-06:002013-11-23T19:22:15.531-06:00Thank you.
From the slow Canadian over here.:)
I w...Thank you.<br />From the slow Canadian over here.:)<br />I would love to know what blog this came from Carolinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01784257254057007640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-12377056943490980602013-11-23T11:41:59.272-06:002013-11-23T11:41:59.272-06:00In a way, I understand his comment. I don't th...In a way, I understand his comment. I don't think whether or not you should race a half or a full marathon has anything to do with speed - I run with, or know well, many runners who post race times slower than mine, yet are infinitely better runners overall (more consistency, fewer injuries, more longevity in the sport, better contributors or volunteers, coaches, sage givers of advice, mentors). But I think - maybe, I didn't see the entire exchange - the comment touched a little on race preparedness. I have noticed that many people take on the marathon or half marathon too early in their running career, and it doesn't serve them well: they aren't ready for the distance, and they are easily injured or discouraged. I count myself in that group: I ran several junk marathons that only served to tax my ill-prepared body. So I agree with that angle - that runners should choose a distance they are prepared to run well. However, I don't think that finishing time is the meter by which we should measure preparedness. I run with a brilliantly consistent 64 year old woman who runs a 2:40 half, but can knock those out several times a year injury-free. If anyone is prepared, she is, even if "slow" by some standards! Graciehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05641028266038110278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-13280474888784370192013-11-23T10:13:01.902-06:002013-11-23T10:13:01.902-06:00Thanks for this. I have no idea the background to ...Thanks for this. I have no idea the background to this discussion, so I can't comment on that ---- but, there's plenty of this sentiment out there and it's really discouraging for beginning runners and those of us who will just always be slower no matter how much we train. What's the point of belittling us - how does that help the snobs in their races (I mean, just focus on your own race and you'll do better, right?)? And how does having slower folks out there hurt anyone? (Again, "my race, my pace")!Sarah C.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-63032748723029139392013-11-23T06:31:49.313-06:002013-11-23T06:31:49.313-06:00Thank you for your comment, and I appreciate your ...Thank you for your comment, and I appreciate your point of view. <br /><br />Just so you understand, I removed my "Third World Country" comment because it was simply a passing jab that was completely inaccurate, irrelevant to the conversation, and not specifically related to his country. I probably would have used the phrase for any country, regardless of where he was from. And if he would have been from the United States, I probably would have used it for the particular State he was from. At the time, it simply was used as an ill advised way to belittle him ... not his country. But after I posted it I realized that it was really offensive for some citizens from that particular country, (mind you not all, because I got two different emails from folks from that same country, laughing at agreeing with the comment) and my intent is not really to offend anyone. So I removed it. The removal is why I restated my feelings here ... so they would be clearly understood without an insensitive careless remark about a country that I've never even been to clouding the issue.<br /><br />I don't know this gentleman, and like I went out of my way to point out in the post - he's probably a good guy. The overall point here is that there is no need for this attitude, from anyone regardless of ability. And by the way, his point was not simply ... "He thinks there should be shorter cutoff times". That's sort of twisting his words to make them less impactful. If that were merely is point, I could have lived with that. Rather, his overwhelming point was ... "Slower runners didn't train and don't have any business lining up". Just so you understand, that's what everyone is so upset about. Not only on this blog. But also on my wife's. And on the original post where he left the comment. There have been many comments that disagree with his outlook on running and racing.<br /><br />You're indeed correct friend, we're all entitled to our opinions. I just felt like the comments were a faster athlete picking on or judging those who are not blessed with his ability. And as a somewhat faster athlete myself, I just felt it merited a response. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I really value your opinion. Have a great weekend.Jim ... 50after40https://www.blogger.com/profile/14165153305680378261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-53015111989793884562013-11-23T05:49:37.485-06:002013-11-23T05:49:37.485-06:00Can´t believe I have to defend this guy. His comme...Can´t believe I have to defend this guy. His comment was less offensive than yours. In your comment (or in this post) it was not just a problem with a 3rd country comment, seemingly it becomes important to you to rank countries when you are pissed off. You are offending this guy simply because of his opinion. According to you, he is an asshole, arrogant, narrow-minded, etc... It is just that your comment is now deleted, while his is not, and now he is crucified. No, nobody "appointed him" to set cut-off times, he simply has an opinion about it and expressed it. The cut-off times exist. Some people think it is appropriate 4h for a half, he thinks it is 2:30. But you know what? It does not matter what he thinks, or you. It is up to race organizers, and their decisions are driven by market and profit chasing, mainly. Cool off.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-86042780750854157242013-11-22T22:25:10.730-06:002013-11-22T22:25:10.730-06:00Attitudes like this are what deters people from ev...Attitudes like this are what deters people from even attempting to run. Glad to know you've got your wife (and us slow pokes) back(s). :)Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03260849456165444444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-2844597666734075382013-11-22T22:23:53.657-06:002013-11-22T22:23:53.657-06:00This comment has been removed by the author.Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03260849456165444444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-82922616889452336682013-11-22T21:46:44.900-06:002013-11-22T21:46:44.900-06:00Ahhhh. Thanks! In coming to your wife's defe...Ahhhh. Thanks! In coming to your wife's defense, you came to mine. I run races as a personal challenges. And since most of them are on extremely difficult terrain with mucho elevation gain, my race is against the cut-off anyway. To make the cut-off's even shorter would be eliminating me from the beginning. I'm happy to be out there coming in toward the end of the pack. And I love races that allow walkers to complete the race. Laurenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05538884619777387595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-66554743770410894302013-11-22T21:34:25.251-06:002013-11-22T21:34:25.251-06:00AWWWW...he isn't as big of a dick as he came a...AWWWW...he isn't as big of a dick as he came across in that comment. But yeah, it could definitely be interpreted as offensive.MILF Runnerhttp://milfrunner.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-16939940250774954772013-11-22T20:56:44.703-06:002013-11-22T20:56:44.703-06:00Thank you!!! At least I could compete in his 1/2.....Thank you!!! At least I could compete in his 1/2... I wouldn't want to, ever. This attitude and I feared all fast runners had; it was what kept me from getting involved with my local running club. I've since found they really don't care. As one said to me, Beth, we cheer on the last person in as much as we cheer the first person, even more, because they didn't quit. <br /><br />Thank you for this, really. I'm going to look for your wife's blog too!! Bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02902173640094934686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-43782971939192618702013-11-22T20:21:27.229-06:002013-11-22T20:21:27.229-06:00Well, I left my thoughts on this on Michael's ...Well, I left my thoughts on this on Michael's post, so I won't copy it here. The whole clique-y vibe you've experienced is certainly not the norm in MY experience...which shows me how lucky I am. <br /><br />My teammates have a name for the people who show up with the best of everything and snotty attitudes...PAMs (Poser A$$ Mother... You get the idea.). <br /><br />All the downed leaves can hide holes in the trail, roots, sticks, etc. I'm always waiting to go over my handlebars. Kate Geisenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11854561265520868538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1963402677916553399.post-32179689763932805402013-11-22T20:16:45.751-06:002013-11-22T20:16:45.751-06:00It's a very elitist attitude and certainly not...It's a very elitist attitude and certainly not one I ascribe to. Speed wasn't handed out to everyone on an equal basis and lack of speed doesn't mean lack of training. It was an ignorant comment by an ignorant person.Charhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13819714901550763235noreply@blogger.com