You really don't get it, do you? I really hope the irony inherent in your post is not lost on you.
You claim that there is nothing wrong with being proud of one's personal acheivements. As evidence for this claim, you allude to the fact that performance -- and achievement -- is relative. Sure you'll never be world class, never be elite, but you're achievements do surpass the great majority of the population, so who am I to tell you not to take pride in those acheivements??
Well, let me ask you this? Why do you get a sense of satifaction, but this kid gets beratement? Why do you get to feel proud, whereas this kid gets to read a never-ending string of unprovoked insults? Why do you get a pat on the back for your 16-minute 5K, yet he gets to read some idiot poster offering to "kick him in the face."
That, my friend, is my point. You can't have it both ways. Don't give me your bulls*** about "I wouln't take away someones right to consider themselves a good runner." There's 6 PAGES dedicated to pathetic individuals doing just that. If you think performance and achievement is relative; if you think pride in effort and growth is all we average runners have; then why is this kid the subject of such derision?
My post was meant to be ironic. It was meant to show you people that you have two options, you can either
1)recognize yourselves as inferior to the truly elite, and accept that in the grand scheme of things, you're no better than this kid; or
2) appreciate that you are better than most of the planet, and while you're at it, accept that this kid -- as much as you hate to admit it -- is as well.
Either way, none of you are in any position to judge his choices or question his motivation simply because he doesn't measure up to your nonsensically-determined criteria as deserving.