13.1 Sticker

you sure about that?? wrote:

AreYouKiddingMe wrote:

If you wonder why no one likes our sport, its because of assholes like you.

So the 13.1 stickers are motivating people to like our sport?

Yes, when they aren't chastised for being proud of their accomplishment of running 13.1 miles...they tend to take more of an interest in our sport.

Its ok, when these kids graduate (hopefully) and discover that when you have a job, a family, and some injuries, you become proud of things that you took for granted in your youth. While it may be nothing to you now, see how you feel 15 years from now.

I think they probably established a motivated interest before they bought the sticker and slapped it onto their yuppiemobile.

AreYouKiddingMe wrote:

you sure about that?? wrote:

So the 13.1 stickers are motivating people to like our sport?

Yes, when they aren't chastised for being proud of their accomplishment of running 13.1 miles...they tend to take more of an interest in our sport.

The wussification of America continues.

KUFI wrote:

Its ok, when these kids graduate (hopefully) and discover that when you have a job, a family, and some injuries, you become proud of things that you took for granted in your youth. While it may be nothing to you now, see how you feel 15 years from now.

Something you guys have to remember is that sure, 13.1 might be considerate a pu$$y run for most of us, but we are the elite runners of the world. I don't mean world class, but we are really the top 1%. Even if you're a dude who runs a 21 minute 5k, you're still better than a ton of the world. It's perfectly reasonable to be proud that you finished a half marathon, if a bit douchy to brag about it (or anything) with a bumper sticker. Cut people some slack.

I mean the 13.1 sticker is unusual. It's possible it's being used by those who specialize in the half-marathon competitively, but very likely a sticker like that is sported by those recreational runners who train 30'ish miles per week, never done 26.2, and are happy to have completed(finished) a half-marathon. There's NOTHING wrong with this though, so stop being elitist just because you're a competitive runner.

Also keep in mind that for society this is not a bad thing. After all most people are obese so what these people are doing is awesome. Im happy for them. I think they could use some coaching to get their miles up if they want to run a 13.1 at a good clip. Even the least talented can run relatively well (and beat most recreational runners) if they understand how to properly prepare - ~60+ miles/wk even for slower half marathoners would be a good start.

demographics wrote:

Actually when you look at a lot of threads, you find that a lot of the people who post on here are decent but not great runners.

The type who weren't good enough to run in college but are better than the masses, and like that special feeling of being called "fast." They get into it as an identity thing, and then they disparage others who take it up as a hobby or just enjoy it regardless of pace, rather than embracing the growth of the community.

Seeing a 13.1 sticker prompts them to think "you suck", rather than "hey there is someone else who is into running who may not be quick, but can appreciate what I do instead of asking how far is that marathon?"

Actually, I think most on this board are/were good enough to run in college but obviously not professional. Chances are if you are a varsity high school distance runner at a decent high school, you can easily walk onto an XC team at a D3 school in the fall. Generally speaking, everyone here is interested in reaching full potential and training like an elite (relative to fitness level) to do so. Some though are not that good (e.g. 15 to 18 min 5k guys on the board) but they at least want to work very hard to get better. But some of these guys act elitist and like to point out others who are worse who come on this board, and that's disappointing.

demographics wrote:

Actually when you look at a lot of threads, you find that a lot of the people who post on here are decent but not great runners.

The type who weren't good enough to run in college but are better than the masses, and like that special feeling of being called "fast." They get into it as an identity thing, and then they disparage others who take it up as a hobby or just enjoy it regardless of pace, rather than embracing the growth of the community.

Seeing a 13.1 sticker prompts them to think "you suck", rather than "hey there is someone else who is into running who may not be quick, but can appreciate what I do instead of asking how far is that marathon?"

Actually, I think most on this board are/were good enough to run in college but obviously not professional. Chances are if you are a varsity high school distance runner at a decent high school, you can easily walk onto an XC team at a D3 school in the fall. Generally speaking, everyone here is interested in reaching full potential and training like an elite (relative to fitness level) to do so. Some though are not that good (e.g. 15 to 18 min 5k guys on the board) but they at least want to work very hard to get better. But some of these guys act elitist and like to point out others who are worse who come on this board, and that's disappointing.

I'm proud of all runners. I just think recreational runners could use some coaching and then they could be just as good as most of us on this board (15-18min 5k range). I met up with a group of runners of various abilities at a running store club once on a Saturday morning at 8AM. We all went different distances and paces. I did about 10 miles at 7 minute pace for a 1:10 run. There was this other stocky runner (he looks more like a football player than a runner) who did his at 8:45 to 9:00 pace and he had lots of fuel belts and gel packs, etc. He even told me his "trainer" tells him to do his long runs at 9 min pace even though he felt like going faster. I believe he's a 4 hour plus marathon runner. But hey, the guy is really really nice. He happens to have a "26.2" on the back of his SUV.

Is it just me, or do others think it is douchy to have ANY kind of bumper sticker or vanity plate? Whether it's your alma mater, political preference, or being proud of an honor roll student. You could have 26.2, 13.1, 5k or whatever. It's all an attempt to get people to notice you.

Look at me! Notice me! Please!!

Oh, and Disco Stu doesn't advertise!

Disco Stu wrote:

Is it just me, or do others think it is douchy to have ANY kind of bumper sticker or vanity plate? Whether it's your alma mater, political preference, or being proud of an honor roll student. You could have 26.2, 13.1, 5k or whatever. It's all an attempt to get people to notice you.

I completely agree. The only way that someone is going to know that I run half-marathons is if they see me at work, where I wear one of my finisher medals instead of a tie.

Hmm. I gave birth 3 months ago and ran a half marathon 2 days ago. That's something to be proud of. Takes balls, ya know? How about just congratulating people who run and encouraging them, instead of making fun of them? You don't know their story.

You try giving birth, breast-feeding a baby, working full-time, taking care of a house and family, then running a race, any race, or even finding time to train, for that matter, asshole. And for the record, I do no have cankles or drive a minivan. Give me another month or two and the 26.2 sticker will be right there next to the 13.1.

Oh, and I ran till 19 miles. So don't give me that half-way bullshit.

THANKS :)

vanity wrote:

I just saw a SUV today with a 13.1 sticker on the back window. That's the strangest sports-related vanity sticker I've ever seen. Who takes such pride in completing a half-marathon, besides that guy?

Take it easy. Not everyone is as tallented of a runner as you obviously are. People who participate in our sport should be congratulated no matter what speed nor distance they accomplish. Positive reinforcement means more participants. This person obviously felt covering 13.1 miles was a big accomplishment for them. Maybe not for you, but for this individual it was.

And for the record, my sister is very proud of her recent accomplishment of completing a half marathon. It was a big deal for her, she worked hard at it and ran it in barely under 2 hours. I know, I know. Slow for you, but for her it was something she only dreamed about. Now she has done it. So, she takes great pride in completing a half, just like this guy.

runnermama wrote:

Hmm. I gave birth 3 months ago and ran a half marathon 2 days ago. That's something to be proud of. Takes balls, ya know?

Giving birth doesn't take balls, it takes a vagina.

I don't do bumper stickers but if someone twisted my arm to choose between a 13.1 sticker and a letsrun.com sticker I wouldn't even have to think about it.

Actually, given just a few more choices, my order of preference would be:

1. 13.1

2. My other car is a Saturn

3. I'm gay and I'm a bottom

4. letsrun.com

5. Palin 2012

I gotta believe that Flatulus is still living at home with his mom putting his laundry away. Try running 1 mi. in the moccasins of someone who has to juggle the responsibilities of a hectic family life and still find time to train. This soccer mom is lucky to fit in a shower every day and when I complete my first half in Dec. You can bet your butt I will display 13.1 on my mini-van, that's right I drive a mini-van. Only now I'm thinking about adding one of those stick figures peeing on a 26.2 sticker right next to it!!!

I don't care what the accomplishment is but putting a sticker on your car to recognize it is just trying to show off. I'm not into ultra running at all but I bet none of them have 100k or 100mi stickers on their cars. Why? Because they're mostly in it for personal satisfaction. NOT to get recognition.

You're one classy bitch!

Kankless Soccer Mom wrote:

I gotta believe that Flatulus is still living at home with his mom putting his laundry away. Try running 1 mi. in the moccasins of someone who has to juggle the responsibilities of a hectic family life and still find time to train. This soccer mom is lucky to fit in a shower every day and when I complete my first half in Dec. You can bet your butt I will display 13.1 on my mini-van, that's right I drive a mini-van. Only now I'm thinking about adding one of those stick figures peeing on a 26.2 sticker right next to it!!!

Kankless Soccer Mom wrote:

I gotta believe that Flatulus is still living at home with his mom putting his laundry away. Try running 1 mi. in the moccasins of someone who has to juggle the responsibilities of a hectic family life and still find time to train. This soccer mom is lucky to fit in a shower every day and when I complete my first half in Dec. You can bet your butt I will display 13.1 on my mini-van, that's right I drive a mini-van. Only now I'm thinking about adding one of those stick figures peeing on a 26.2 sticker right next to it!!!

At least you've found it within yourself to remaind selfless and positive.