Why do you like certain runners?

I root for white American guys because they're the most like me. And no, that's not a joke.

I like runners who seem to be genuine and look like they are enjoying themselves during training. I also take into account how much people complain about runners and mark that as a positive.

Nick Symmonds:his racing style is just like mine, so I like to see him do well.

Galen Rupp/Chris Solinsky: Amazing 10ks for Americans.

Sam Chelanga: Great guy, I've run into him several times.

Danielle Carruthers: Went to my high school, gotta support the hometown girl.

Tyson Gay: Good ole Kentucky boy who works hard to get where he is.

Those are just a few examples, but you get the point

I root for Geb because he is the GOAT, seems to genuinely enjoy running and is very charismatic.

Because some are just more exciting to watch than others. It's helps that they are humble and good guys (at least that's how they come off in interviews).

My favorites are Robby Andrews (recently), Charlie Gruber (a few years back), Jim Ryun (many moons ago).

Personality and style. I root for Haile because he is one of the greatest ever and is always happy. Mo because he is great and charismatic. Bekele because the man is inhuman he comes down to see level every now and again shows us how much we suck and leaves. Abdi and Bernard because I have that Black Cactus state of mind.

I like the Kenyan and Ethiopian runners because they are typically the best despite having to endure terrible living conditions. They're really the underdogs. American's are the Dragos. They get all the high tech gear, the lucrative contracts, and free tuition to the worlds top universities (an education they often waste), and they still lose. The Kenyans and Ethiopians are the Rockys. They train harder and they do it to escape extreme poverty. Americans just do it for fun.

I can tell you why I don't like certain runners, which in turn is why I root for their opponents...

Jordan Hasay, for example, has been excellent since day one. It's hard to root for someone who has never faced adversity or overcome even moderate obstacles. Because she was so fast at age 10, it doesn't seem like she's ever had to work very hard to get where she is today.

Megan Goethals. She looks ill. I stood in line behind her at the porta potty at PAC-12's in xc. It was gross. I don't think it's okay to support unhealthy means for achieving running success.

German Fernandez. He was quoted in Runner's World ~3.5 years ago as one day deciding to run a mile and doing it in 4:26 off of no training. Seemed cocky, like it was his God-given right to be excellent at running.

Neely Spence. I'm a little creeped about by her being born and bred to be a competitive distance runner. Also, I'm not a fan of homeschooling.

Ryan Hall. He's the Tebow of distance running. It's hard to believe that he went to Stanford. Enough said.

I also like certain runners because...

Lukas Verzbicas. I like how open this kid is. He is full of himself and knows it. Kind of like Kanye. At least he's not pretending to be humble/saintly. Plus, it sounds like he worked out a fair amount to get to his level.

Lisa Uhl/Koll. Seems homely. Went from mediocre to excellent by running hella miles.

Angela Bizzari. She's hot. Oh, and healthy looking too.

Allyson Felix. Cute. Always seems happy.

I find myself liking runners who have very smooth efficient form. I will never root for a heal striker. For instance, I always root for Lagat, but never for Abdi.

I admire the work ethic, training partners, running and t&f culture that supports Uceny, Baugs, Meb, Allyson, Ryan Hall, Ginnie Crawford, Shawn Craford, Deena, Lashinda Demus, Alice Schmidt, Kerron Clement, Bryan Clay, Desi, Jason Richardson, Bizzari, ... Just phenomenal people.

Jordan Hasay - she's been succeeding for years, has a good attitude and is just as cute as a button!

Bernard Lagat - runs once a day, 50 miles a week and is still blowing 'em away.

Imane Merga - you don't fvck with Imane Merga.

Ryan Hall - he's like the Tebow of distance running.

I like Solinski and Wheating because they're tall.

I like Ryan Hall because he's nothing like that fake -azz, wanna be Tim Teblow. Ryan Hall is the real deal.

I root for all Kenyan and Ethiopian runners because mostly they are working their asses off to get out of poverty and have a very successful life. They do things that we previously didn't think was possible.

I root for Ryan Hall for the confidence he has in himself and his training regardless of what anyone else thinks.

I root for Dathan because in high school he would give it his all in every single race, and he still does that even today. He truly puts his heart out there and I want to see great things happen to him.

I also generally just like American distance runners, so I really am happy for just about every runner who runs fast. I don't really have a least favorite runner.

I agree with this. Running form is tops. That's why I like E. Mutai and Kipsang from the current crop of marathoners.

Larry David wrote:

I find myself liking runners who have very smooth efficient form. I will never root for a heal striker. For instance, I always root for Lagat, but never for Abdi.[/quote]

i typically like people who

1. i have met or raced against

2. i can relate to somehow

It helps if I think they aren't doping. Beyond that, it's form, racing style, panache, overcoming adversity. I like Abdi's attitude but dislike his form, so it's pretty much a wash. Webb and Hall are fun to watch but are a little weird. Geb of course has it all, as does Wheating. Lauren Fleshman has a great personality (as does her friend, Malindi Elmore) and is a great writer.

And so on.

Mainly I just like the drama and pathos of the struggle for excellence.

Hard to say really.

I like Fernandez even though he doesn't come across as too bright and maybe a bit full of himself. I think it is because when he was on (3 years ago or so) he looked fantastic while running - far better than his (now more successful) graduating class mates.

I like Derrick because he is so damned smart. He comes across as just way smarter and more mature than any of his contemporaries.

I like Lagat - how could you not?

I liked Ovett probably more than anyone. For some reason that I cannot explain, his douche bag waving to the crowd while blowing away his competitors seemed cool (even though I know this is a real douche bag thing to do).

I liked Wottle simply because his '72 Olympic win is what turned me on to running.

I know that I should like Rupp but I have a hard time getting there. The kid is very talented, very tough, will race anyone at any distance from the mile up, has some phenomenal achievements but I just have a hard time relating to him.

I like Robby Andrews come from behind approach.

I'm completely indifferent to Hall though I acknowledge his greatness as a US marathoner.

I liked Wanjiru. In my mind simply the best there ever was both from a talent and heart perspective. Now, if only he had his life together...

I like Bekele. Probably like Fernandez (at a much higher level) - just gorgeous to watch the man run.

Sage Canaday: The guy publicly posts on letsrun. How can you not like that?

Julian Romero: A much-needed rock star in the barefoot running scene.

Michael Wardian: He's just cool, and runs a ton of races. Instantly recognizable.