I'm not being elitist, but I HAVE slow runners.

Thanks for the lecture. I'm aware of the factors that have led to the current obesity epidemic. I've just got an idea to address the low standards in running. I wouldn't be too harsh - ie 5k (30 min minimum standard), 10k 60mins, HM 2hrs, M 4hrs. I think it would inspire people to make the cut.

I think it may just deter people from entering races.

I think the staging of a race with an entry standard - to inspire and provide targets for those who wish to improve IN ADDITION to a mass participation for the joggers, fun runners and such who merely want to be active and improve their quality of life.

One of the things I love about running is that anybody can do it - no practice is required to jog. At the same time only those who are truely dedicated, motivated and hard working will be any good.

I know of a local 5 mile race where you are banned from future entry if you BREAK 30 mins. ?!

somebody....

anybody....

"still annoyed" has me locked up in his basement - somebody PLEASE call 911...

PLEASE!

I really don't understand this disdain for the celebration of mediocrity. Do really think it is ruining society? I don't think so. What happens when a kid who usually fails his classes brings home C's on his report card? Hopefully his parents congratulate him on his improvement. And why do they do that? It's not because C's are good in and of themselves. It's because encouragement often leads to further improvement. When people feel like they are improving and accomplishing something, they tend to continue that activity and get better. So when a fatty finishes a 5k in 28 minutes, you applaud their accomplishment and hopefully that encourages them to continue improvement. It doesn't work that way for everyone, of course, but for some it does and that's what makes it worth it.

When I ran my first 5k road race I came crawling in at 21:40, getting beat by women and old people. I felt pretty pathetic. But were people scowling at me and telling me to go home? No. If they had I would probably have never particpated in a road race again. Instead people were smiling and clapping and telling me I did a good job. That made me want to do it again and I have steadily improved over the years.

People seem to think that the celebration of mediocrity will eventually result in the extinction of our species, or something. But I disagree. I believe it can bring us closer as a society and serve to strengthen our ability to survive. Not because we are all gun-slingin' hardcore he-men. But because we try to lift up the "mediocre" instead of letting natural selection wipe them out. I think it's a more progressive way of living than "only the strong survive".

Do you feel that your accomplishments are being diminished when someone else slower than you also receives praise?

i kinda like running wrote:

People seem to think that the celebration of mediocrity will eventually result in the extinction of our species, or something. But I disagree. I believe it can bring us closer as a society and serve to strengthen our ability to survive. Not because we are all gun-slingin' hardcore he-men. But because we try to lift up the "mediocre" instead of letting natural selection wipe them out. I think it's a more progressive way of living than "only the strong survive".

In Disneyland maybe.

"I'm fed up of mediocrity being celebrated!"

You hate mediocrity yet mispell the title of his own thread... amazing.

If you actually are a race director I think you will find that you welcome anyone that pays an entry. It comes down to dollars at some point, and (at least where I live) if I only had the fast guys running we might get 100 participants-- maybe. That wouldn't even pay for the police to close off the roads.

"I'm fed up of mediocrity being celebrated!"

That's a quote the Incredibles

EZ10Miler wrote:

If you actually are a race director I think you will find that you welcome anyone that pays an entry. It comes down to dollars at some point, and (at least where I live) if I only had the fast guys running we might get 100 participants-- maybe. That wouldn't even pay for the police to close off the roads.

When did I say only the fast guys could run?

Anyone can enter - but if they fail to make the (generously easy) standard, then they don't get a time, medal or t-shirt.

I mean seriously, if you're not nine or ten minute miling, what's the point?

Get up to a minimum standard, then compete.

I think that's what you'll find happens in every other sport. We've been hijacked by a bunch of losers for some reason.

Still Annoyed wrote: We've been hijacked by a bunch of losers for some reason.

I think anyone who's forced to go through life getting worked up about shit like this is a loser.

How about this.... the day Lagat, Webb, El G, Geb and the like band together and declare that nobody slower than 13:15 for 5k deserves to run, that day I will consider you've made a valid point.

You need to find something more important to get wrapped around the axle about, buddy. Look in the mirror. That's where you'll see the real loser.

How fast are you anyway? Post up the PR's big guy!

'Contrary' opinion???

You're exactly the same as 99% of the sanctimonious liars who've posted so far.

If you care about running, and you care about the general health of the nation then why wouldn't you get worked up about this serious issue?

Still Annoyed wrote:... why wouldn't you get worked up about this serious issue?

As my old maw would say, buddy you're a nucking futjob. I mean that in the nicest way.

"Serious issue"?!? Allowing slow runners to finish races at a leisurely pace?

OK, thrill me with your intellectual omnipotence.... explain for me the so-called serious issue to which this contributes.

I think you should aim your venom at the lardasses that can't be pried off the couch, not the ones who have made at least some token effort at exercise and self-improvement.

I ask you again, because your credibility in this matter depends on the answer.... what are your PRs?

PS - where does your anger spring from? Mommy didn't love you? Daddy beat you?

Maybe it was supposed to be "I WAVE slow runners?"

Nice of him to wave. Everyone needs encouragement!

I HAVE all of you. Screw you all, you slow asswipes.

Still Annoyed wrote:

If you care about running, and you care about the general health of the nation then why wouldn't you get worked up about this serious issue?

You ruin your argument right here. By letting anyone into a road race you are improving the health of the nation. Running is a great activity for losing weight and it is a unique sport in that you can be a 30 minute 5k runner but still line up at a race with some elite guys who may go sub 15 or 14. That is incredibly motivating and can get some people who may have otherwise stayed home and done nothing out and about on a path to a better lifestyle. Straight up, there are some people who even with some training could not break 30 in a 5k. If they saw these stupid limitations you put on the race they might not go and thus would remain unhealthy.

You've probably been lucky and always been healthy, skinny, and semi-fast. Put yourself in someone elses shoes.

Still Annoyed wrote:

'Contrary' opinion???

You're exactly the same as 99% of the sanctimonious liars who've posted so far.

If you care about running, and you care about the general health of the nation then why wouldn't you get worked up about this serious issue?

WTF? Ok, I now realize you are not just an elitist, but a f***ing insane elitist. You're concerned about the "general health of the nation" are you? Well then, if that's true I would think you'd be thrilled about the fact that all these slow pokes are at least making the effort to run a few miles even if they are moving at 9-10 min pace. I think most medical doctors would be happy about this as well. As just as others have stated, if you make a cutoff at road races you would almost certainly see participation go down. This all-inclusive approach to fun runs is part of a movement to improve the overall health of our nation, not to pander to the egos of snobs like yourself so you'll feel better about the quality of your beloved sport.

You say you are concerned about the general health of the nation, but I'm pretty sure that's a complete lie. Just be honest here and admit that you are only taking issue with slow runners because it makes you feel better about your own status as a "real" runner. This is an ego trip, plain and simple. Just own up.

annoyed wrote:

Isn't it about time that race organisers set a maximum finish time for all races? It might improve standards, rather than people think they've 'achieved' something by shuffling a half marathon in 3 hours. If you don't make the cut, tough, try and improve for next time. I'm fed up of mediocrity being celebrated!

ok, for real man

What are your personal bests? You probably only consider yourself a "fast runner" because you've been running with people near your ability and getting top 10 or 20 regularly.

Consider this:

you look like to a 13 minute 5k runner what a 30minute 5k runner looks to you.

Until you are considered likely to get to the finish line first, you are a "slow runner". That means that in any major marathon, if you're running in the elite bracket, a 2:25 guy is slow. However, in the open competition or age group brackets, a 2:25 will most likely be fast.

And besides, most local races aren't about winning. They're about running the distance and having good, social enjoyment (fun runs)

I'm not angry but very passionate. My concern lies in the constant 'dumbing down' of standards. My prs are very respectable, thanks for asking.