runn wrote:
I can't read through every post- I would throw up. Here it is- she's run at a very high level- Olympics, Worlds, Big City Marathons. She's popular- people love her, she helps make the sport popular among the masses.
I work with a beginner's Running Group- women in that group look up to her.
You know what? That's good for running.
All you young guys- I remember when you had to travel just to find a road race to run or an all-comers meet to compete in.
You heard about them through word of mouth (hopefully).
These hobby joggers (who look up to Kara) are the ones who make it possible to have a race on a certified course more than once a weekend.
What is your problem with successful runners?
I'm not the OP, but I'll respond:
Look up to her, why do they do that? Is it because of her running...or is it because of something else? Look at Flanagan's times and tell me who's better? Kara is marketing herself, period.
Speaking for myself, I could care less if she's successful or not as it doesn't affect my life in the least. The bottom line is she's not doing it out of the goodness of her heart, which if I'm reading the posts right, that's what most of the naysayers seem to be fixated on. She IS there for the money, don't kid yourself pal.
As far making the sport more popular, you're not all right there either. I know a lot of women who run, and I mean A LOT. Without Kara's presence, they'd still run as they don't follow her or her blog.
A very small percentage of women read her blog, am I mean very small. The problem is you're fixated on some numbers and believe that it's the norm. You're right, many might know her name, but trust me, they all don't gush over her presence or talk about her as that's the small minority, the ones that you hear or perpetuate to represent the masses.
I'm a guy and I run sub 3 hours (no big deal, but I am over 40). I know at least 4 dozen women that are training for Chicago and never once when I've been with them, helping them:), have I heard the name Kara Goucher, not once. They are training for their own races and that's what's important to them. Also, not one wears Oiselle sportswear, not one (I'd know).
People love her? She's popular? You really have to start working on your own life and don't be so consumed with a female distance runner who's on the way down and trying to market herself at every possible chance...not blaming her, just calling it what it is.