In another thread someone didn't like anonymous LRC trolls criticizing Ryan.
There are several reasons why Ryan should be a big boy and handle a little criticism from this little running site:
1: Ryan chooses to post his new muscle-building endeavors on Social Media. As a former skinny runner it feels he is almost making fun of his former self and those of us who don't choose to bulk up for looks. The Social Media need to advertise "Look At Me" for validation and promotion can sometimes provoke the reverse outcome when vanity seems to be an underlying reason for the self-exposure.
2: Ryan's career as a marathoner should be lauded especially his posting the fastest non-African marathon time. However, many a running fan could argue he made some poor choices in training and coaching decisions which did not produce good results. Rightly, or wrongly, fans of Ryan might argue he did not achieve all he could in the marathon.
3: One appeal of any running is it simplicity and the fact that in any race the aim is to make it to the finish line first and in the fastest amount of time. For the average runner on LRC, bodybuilding and weight lifting feel like opposite ends of the sporting world.
4: It's okay for Ryan to pursue any activity in his post competitive running days, but he actively promotes his former 2:04 marathon time as a way to validate his current pursuits. Best leave the past in the past.
5: Seth Demoor who is the same age as Ryan (35) just won the Pikes Peak marathon. Although, Seth hasn't run a U.S. Olympic qualifying time as of yet for the marathon, I find his most recent accomplishment more relatable and inspiring than Ryan's need to attempt to run Ultras or increase his bicep width.
6: We anonymous LRC trolls are hard to please and don't think participation medals mean much.
Sorry Ryan, no hard feelings.