Stories like this make it seem crazy that there are guys whose whole lives revolve around running since highschool going into adult hood and still can’t break 3 hr lol
Another way to look at it is the tragedy of wasting talent. If he’s able to run 2:16 at age 33 after only a couple years of serious training and all those drugs and cigarettes, imagine what he could have achieved if he took running seriously starting in high school and continued progressing in college and after. He’d probably be a sub-2:10 guy and maybe even an Olympian. What he’s doing now is too little too late. Nothing inspiring about squandered talent.
Imagine what you could have accomplished in your life had you not foolishly wasted hours and hours on running and harnessed that energy towards building connections and friendships, or studying something difficult like medicine or physics.
did you squander any "talent" by running thousand of miles on the pavement to achieve.....what?
And your someone who has a trainspotting poster on your wall and thinks cuz you smoked pot once you know what type of person does heroin.
So which is it, naive kid or miserable adult with his head up his ass? all types of people do heroin, and yes it is pretty much as easy to acquire as going into a grocery, rural or urban. I’m gonna go with the latter option - you’re a bitter old man whose best grasp for self worth is projecting some moral failing into a guy who got addicted to heroin as a literal child.
Yet everyone on this site is for lifetime bans for taking PEDs but judging a loser meth addict is preaching head up your ass? Are you gonna welcome Salazar back because he dared to say his runners weighed to much?
The sour grapes in this thread is outrageous lol. Pretty understandable. A lot of folks just haven't had anything this difficult, like drug addiction, to overcome in their lives.
This guy is killing it. The greatest motivation for success is trying to distance your present self from your past self.
Its just jealousy by everyone. The average letsrun poster has to their own detriment, devoted a large portion of their life to running. They skipped social events and parties in college to "get in their double for the day". They neurotically ensured they hit mileage targets, ensuring to run on holidays, day of extreme weather, perhaps even the day of their own wedding all to make sure they don't fall behind on their aerobic base. They picked easy college majors like exercise science (or something worthless like that) so they could fully devote their time to running and recovery. Running world records are memorized and scrutinized down to the millisecond. Even after giving up their competitive aspirations, they obsess over random high school runners and their instagram "drama".
Meanwhile, an absolute CHAD texas runner partied hard in his teens and 20s, living life to the fullest, barely worked out (and did not run) , hooked up with probably too many girls to remember, and probably couldnt even tell you who Bekele is. Now he's working a full time job and using running as his hobby to get past some past drug addictions and he's blowing everyone out of the water. He probably views running like a normal person views watching netflix or doing something yoga after work. And he's destroying everyone.
I mean, I'd be upset at someone making a mockery of my entire life. Totally understandable.
The sour grapes in this thread is outrageous lol. Pretty understandable. A lot of folks just haven't had anything this difficult, like drug addiction, to overcome in their lives.
This guy is killing it. The greatest motivation for success is trying to distance your present self from your past self.
Its just jealousy by everyone. The average letsrun poster has to their own detriment, devoted a large portion of their life to running. They skipped social events and parties in college to "get in their double for the day". They neurotically ensured they hit mileage targets, ensuring to run on holidays, day of extreme weather, perhaps even the day of their own wedding all to make sure they don't fall behind on their aerobic base. They picked easy college majors like exercise science (or something worthless like that) so they could fully devote their time to running and recovery. Running world records are memorized and scrutinized down to the millisecond. Even after giving up their competitive aspirations, they obsess over random high school runners and their instagram "drama".
Meanwhile, an absolute CHAD texas runner partied hard in his teens and 20s, living life to the fullest, barely worked out (and did not run) , hooked up with probably too many girls to remember, and probably couldnt even tell you who Bekele is. Now he's working a full time job and using running as his hobby to get past some past drug addictions and he's blowing everyone out of the water. He probably views running like a normal person views watching netflix or doing something yoga after work. And he's destroying everyone.
I mean, I'd be upset at someone making a mockery of my entire life. Totally understandable.
A bit harsh, but there is some truth to this. Though if you really want to know how he feels about running, just read the article.
Its just jealousy by everyone. The average letsrun poster has to their own detriment, devoted a large portion of their life to running. They skipped social events and parties in college to "get in their double for the day". They neurotically ensured they hit mileage targets, ensuring to run on holidays, day of extreme weather, perhaps even the day of their own wedding all to make sure they don't fall behind on their aerobic base. They picked easy college majors like exercise science (or something worthless like that) so they could fully devote their time to running and recovery. Running world records are memorized and scrutinized down to the millisecond. Even after giving up their competitive aspirations, they obsess over random high school runners and their instagram "drama".
Meanwhile, an absolute CHAD texas runner partied hard in his teens and 20s, living life to the fullest, barely worked out (and did not run) , hooked up with probably too many girls to remember, and probably couldnt even tell you who Bekele is. Now he's working a full time job and using running as his hobby to get past some past drug addictions and he's blowing everyone out of the water. He probably views running like a normal person views watching netflix or doing something yoga after work. And he's destroying everyone.
I mean, I'd be upset at someone making a mockery of my entire life. Totally understandable.
A bit harsh, but there is some truth to this. Though if you really want to know how he feels about running, just read the article.
No, there isn't. We're all on a running message board posting on Christmas Day, we're a mix of heathens, obsessives, and loners. Nobody's holier-than-thou in this, not even the site's owners.
No, there isn't. We're all on a running message board posting on Christmas Day, we're a mix of heathens, obsessives, and loners. Nobody's holier-than-thou in this, not even the site's owners.
I’m caring for a sick animal. And I get to stay home today. I don’t mind.
And this is the kind of thing people judge until someone they know or love is affected. It often takes walking through the situation to understand it or have empathy unfortunately. People are too quick to judge.
Where I live it's not hard to get, I've been offered it a shiitload of times and that's just in the town centre, it's a poor ex industrial town so there you go. And from what I know of the US, a lot of people are prescribed things like oxy etc after an accident and then transition over to heroin. Until you've been in the grip of painkillers you just don't know, and you think it's a case of 'oh just stop', but if your withdrawal makes you not want to live that presents a difficult situation. I know some people who think opiates actually saved their life as at the time they wouldn't have gotten through without them. Of course it's better never to take them, but I don't judge this guy, good luck to it, I hate the fact people judge him, and thanks rojo for posting it.
This guy cannot touch my personal best times and never will. No jealousy here at all. I wish him the best. Most addiction stories come from a place of pain. You should maybe have compassion toward this guy but jealousy? Not so much.
Its just jealousy by everyone. The average letsrun poster has to their own detriment, devoted a large portion of their life to running. They skipped social events and parties in college to "get in their double for the day". They neurotically ensured they hit mileage targets, ensuring to run on holidays, day of extreme weather, perhaps even the day of their own wedding all to make sure they don't fall behind on their aerobic base. They picked easy college majors like exercise science (or something worthless like that) so they could fully devote their time to running and recovery. Running world records are memorized and scrutinized down to the millisecond. Even after giving up their competitive aspirations, they obsess over random high school runners and their instagram "drama".
Meanwhile, an absolute CHAD texas runner partied hard in his teens and 20s, living life to the fullest, barely worked out (and did not run) , hooked up with probably too many girls to remember, and probably couldnt even tell you who Bekele is. Now he's working a full time job and using running as his hobby to get past some past drug addictions and he's blowing everyone out of the water. He probably views running like a normal person views watching netflix or doing something yoga after work. And he's destroying everyone.
I mean, I'd be upset at someone making a mockery of my entire life. Totally understandable.
Hit the nail on the head.
THIS IS EXACTLY what’s happening in this thread
its the absolute truth.
many will not want to admit it, but its true.
running brings out a weird obsessive compulsiveness in many who let it take over their lives. in most other sports like baseball or football you can take months off the sport and be fine. even sprinters can take half the year off just cross training.
I was a sprinter in college who was friends with the distance guys (I dabbled in the 800 a bit). they all were obsessive about their mileage, most had borderline eating disorders, and would almost panic if they couldnt run on any given day.
i really think the sport is not that healthy for many people. this chad texas runner is showing that you can treat running like a legit hobby and still be good.
This is a GREAT story for everyone to enjoy on XMAS.
Meet Mitch Ammons. As a freshman in HS, he ran a 4:50 mile. Then he started doing drugs and didn't run again until 2016 when he picked it up while trying to kick a heroine/meth addiction while smoking 2-packs a day.
Now he's run 2:16:48 and is going to the Olympic Marathon Trials.
Kill dogs in illegal ring, do time, play football again, become an analyst..ok. (Mike)
Rape women, do time, still get in the ring, get one -man show...sure. (Another Mike)
Do time, become charity run hero....well then.(Yet another Mike)
Commit crimes, get reinstated into NFL after each crime.(Adam)
Create unrest after traveling over an hour away, shoot people in defense, get a Michael Berry interview. (Kyle)
Meanwhile, Dikembe Mutombo put millions toward medical facilities in Africa.
Pat Tillman died after choosing to give up a suitable pro career in football.
Roberto Clemente died in a crash on the way to Puerto Rico with supplies.
Are we really becoming that depraved that we see accomplishments as central to a good life, rather than respecting the people who didn't need Miranda rights, lawyers, scared straight, bail, time served to naturally stay away from crimes and substances???
Is bad behavior fashionable now?
What a about those who came back to running after conquering or lessening breast cancer, melanoma, other cancers, heart disease, asthma, or came back to running after having to work 60-80 hours a week as a night nurse?
I could go on....but how can people ever spotlight a former addict as if their transcendence was not self-centered to begin with?
This is a GREAT story for everyone to enjoy on XMAS.
Meet Mitch Ammons. As a freshman in HS, he ran a 4:50 mile. Then he started doing drugs and didn't run again until 2016 when he picked it up while trying to kick a heroine/meth addiction while smoking 2-packs a day.
Now he's run 2:16:48 and is going to the Olympic Marathon Trials.
Kill dogs in illegal ring, do time, play football again, become an analyst..ok. (Mike)
Rape women, do time, still get in the ring, get one -man show...sure. (Another Mike)
Do time, become charity run hero....well then.(Yet another Mike)
Commit crimes, get reinstated into NFL after each crime.(Adam)
Create unrest after traveling over an hour away, shoot people in defense, get a Michael Berry interview. (Kyle)
Meanwhile, Dikembe Mutombo put millions toward medical facilities in Africa.
Pat Tillman died after choosing to give up a suitable pro career in football.
Roberto Clemente died in a crash on the way to Puerto Rico with supplies.
Are we really becoming that depraved that we see accomplishments as central to a good life, rather than respecting the people who didn't need Miranda rights, lawyers, scared straight, bail, time served to naturally stay away from crimes and substances???
Is bad behavior fashionable now?
What a about those who came back to running after conquering or lessening breast cancer, melanoma, other cancers, heart disease, asthma, or came back to running after having to work 60-80 hours a week as a night nurse?
I could go on....but how can people ever spotlight a former addict as if their transcendence was not self-centered to begin with?
When someone overcomes something and betters themselves, even if that obstacle was of their own doing, a normal human response is to think positively of them. The 2:16 is why we have heard of him, but not the primary reason we write positive things about him. If your initial reaction is negative, then you were either burned by an addict in the past or you just suck.
running brings out a weird obsessive compulsiveness in many who let it take over their lives. in most other sports like baseball or football you can take months off the sport and be fine. even sprinters can take half the year off just cross training.
I was a sprinter in college who was friends with the distance guys (I dabbled in the 800 a bit). they all were obsessive about their mileage, most had borderline eating disorders, and would almost panic if they couldnt run on any given day.
i really think the sport is not that healthy for many people. this chad texas runner is showing that you can treat running like a legit hobby and still be good.
Interesting.
People on this site had a whole ridicule -laden thread about Chris Barnicle...who...before the trials...treated it like a hobby and was presumably good. Are you willing to say that if Barnicle had dropped a 2:13 and change, nobody would have cared what he enjoyed doing as a pastime?
Kill dogs in illegal ring, do time, play football again, become an analyst..ok. (Mike)
Rape women, do time, still get in the ring, get one -man show...sure. (Another Mike)
Do time, become charity run hero....well then.(Yet another Mike)
Commit crimes, get reinstated into NFL after each crime.(Adam)
Create unrest after traveling over an hour away, shoot people in defense, get a Michael Berry interview. (Kyle)
Meanwhile, Dikembe Mutombo put millions toward medical facilities in Africa.
Pat Tillman died after choosing to give up a suitable pro career in football.
Roberto Clemente died in a crash on the way to Puerto Rico with supplies.
Are we really becoming that depraved that we see accomplishments as central to a good life, rather than respecting the people who didn't need Miranda rights, lawyers, scared straight, bail, time served to naturally stay away from crimes and substances???
Is bad behavior fashionable now?
What a about those who came back to running after conquering or lessening breast cancer, melanoma, other cancers, heart disease, asthma, or came back to running after having to work 60-80 hours a week as a night nurse?
I could go on....but how can people ever spotlight a former addict as if their transcendence was not self-centered to begin with?
When someone overcomes something and betters themselves, even if that obstacle was of their own doing, a normal human response is to think positively of them. The 2:16 is why we have heard of him, but not the primary reason we write positive things about him. If your initial reaction is negative, then you were either burned by an addict in the past or you just suck.
Oh! So people were happy for AJ Acosta substitute teaching while training to make his life (and that of the kids better)....oh wait..
People were happy that Mary Cain decided to turn pro and appreciated everything about her. Oh shoot...
People were happy that Katelyn Tuohy developed an even better kick. Or...hmmm..
People were happy that Lori "Lolo" Jones stayed true to her faith. Darn it...nope as well.
People on this site had a whole ridicule -laden thread about Chris Barnicle...who...before the trials...treated it like a hobby and was presumably good. Are you willing to say that if Barnicle had dropped a 2:13 and change, nobody would have cared what he enjoyed doing as a pastime?
Chris Barnicle ran 3:45 at the 2016 trials. Also, these two situations couldn't be more different. Barnicle had run a 13:36 5000m as well as numerous other very good times. This other dude had a 4:50 high school mile to his credit. One dude was addicted to meth, the other dude liked to smoke weed once in awhile.
People on this site had a whole ridicule -laden thread about Chris Barnicle...who...before the trials...treated it like a hobby and was presumably good. Are you willing to say that if Barnicle had dropped a 2:13 and change, nobody would have cared what he enjoyed doing as a pastime?
Chris Barnicle ran 3:45 at the 2016 trials. Also, these two situations couldn't be more different. Barnicle had run a 13:36 5000m as well as numerous other very good times. This other dude had a 4:50 high school mile to his credit. One dude was addicted to meth, the other dude liked to smoke weed once in awhile.
Would you have pretended he didn't smoke it had he dropped a 2:13 and change?
Oh! So people were happy for AJ Acosta substitute teaching while training to make his life (and that of the kids better)....oh wait..
People were happy that Mary Cain decided to turn pro and appreciated everything about her. Oh shoot...
People were happy that Katelyn Tuohy developed an even better kick. Or...hmmm..
People were happy that Lori "Lolo" Jones stayed true to her faith. Darn it...nope as well.
Nick Symmonds and his engaging YouTube contests?
I'm not clear of your point.
My point is that if your initial reaction to this story is to be negative like you are, there's either something wrong with you or you've gotten burned in the past. Just my opinion - maybe a lot of other people feel the same way and it's more common to pizz on a recovering addict who turned their life around than I thought.
Its just jealousy by everyone. The average letsrun poster has to their own detriment, devoted a large portion of their life to running. They skipped social events and parties in college to "get in their double for the day". They neurotically ensured they hit mileage targets, ensuring to run on holidays, day of extreme weather, perhaps even the day of their own wedding all to make sure they don't fall behind on their aerobic base. They picked easy college majors like exercise science (or something worthless like that) so they could fully devote their time to running and recovery. Running world records are memorized and scrutinized down to the millisecond. Even after giving up their competitive aspirations, they obsess over random high school runners and their instagram "drama".
Meanwhile, an absolute CHAD texas runner partied hard in his teens and 20s, living life to the fullest, barely worked out (and did not run) , hooked up with probably too many girls to remember, and probably couldnt even tell you who Bekele is. Now he's working a full time job and using running as his hobby to get past some past drug addictions and he's blowing everyone out of the water. He probably views running like a normal person views watching netflix or doing something yoga after work. And he's destroying everyone.
I mean, I'd be upset at someone making a mockery of my entire life. Totally understandable.
Hit the nail on the head.
THIS IS EXACTLY what’s happening in this thread
I think this pretty much sums it up. Also, in general, people like to highlight the faults of others to make themselves feel better by comparison. Diminishing this man's accomplishments by degrading him for his history of substance abuse is low hanging fruit.
Chris Barnicle ran 3:45 at the 2016 trials. Also, these two situations couldn't be more different. Barnicle had run a 13:36 5000m as well as numerous other very good times. This other dude had a 4:50 high school mile to his credit. One dude was addicted to meth, the other dude liked to smoke weed once in awhile.
Would you have pretended he didn't smoke it had he dropped a 2:13 and change?
Why would I care if he smoked weed? Are you implying that it is some sort of moral failing that we should care about?
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