pro vs elite wrote:
guy who finds it hard to be a fan wrote:
Jorgensen and Allie Kieffer illustrate a problem with elites' social media presence.
don't confuse pro vs elite
there are 3 hour marathoners who are actually pro
both of these athletes (and the 3 hour women) are marketing geniuses to make a living from running despite not being in the top 10% of world-class marathoners
there are faster runners who are far worse off because they have poor business skills or simply love running far more than pushing product
This is a very important distinction, but its not so clear cut.
There are some sub elite level pros who are very good at picking and choosing races where they can win prize money. Aside from their shoe, energy bar, sunglasses, etc. marketing deals which provide them with little bits and pieces of cash, they also pick up little chunks of change by placing well in some races.
I personally have more respect for the pros who earn most of their cash from results not marketing. Its a tough life, and some of these runners become race whores, but you have to give them credit.