desperado wrote:
Appreciation?? wrote:
I like this comparison, and you're right, some kids in that analogy would think they're pricks, but those kids who think that way probably aren't very humble. If you're bad at math, you know it, but that doesn't mean you should just accept that you're bad. Do what you can and just understand that for people who are naturally good at math, calculus isn't hard.
In running, do what you can, but understand the fact that 4:20 to good runners isn't fast, so you shouldn't be satisfied and think you're a hotshot just because you might be some 4:2x or 4:3x miler who smokes everyone else on your mediocre team. Get even better if you're serious and come to terms with reality. 4:20 isn't impressive for serious runners with some talent. It's just not.
And if you're not talented enough to run 4:20 (which by no means should be assumed as early as high school), okay, I'm sorry, but that doesn't change the standard. We shouldn't sugarcoat things.
I appreciate the response. But I think there's a middle ground that's being left out. The alternative to making shirts saying "4:20 isn't fast" isn't necessarily giving everyone participation trophies and making shirts saying "4:20 IS fast." You can set high goals, and have a realistic conception of what 4:20 means (i.e. not much, if you aspire to be a top high school runner), and still not feel the need to rub other people's noses in it.
If I run a race, I try my hardest to beat the crap out of everyone else in the race. But if I win, I don't then turn around and greet all the other finishers by saying "WHY ARE YOU STILL RUNNING, I ALREADY WON THE RACE, BECAUSE I'M FASTER THAN YOU." They know that I'm faster. I demonstrated that by winning the race, not by telling them.
You can claim that wearing a "4:20 isn't fast" shirt is about what you believe, and not about the message it's giving to other people. But that's bullcrap. When you put something on a t-shirt, it's because you're broadcasting the message to others. If it's about your own beliefs and goals, you pin that on the fridge or above your bed, and let your legs do the talking.
I respect the idea of coming to a middle ground - that's fair enough. I like the point about just posting it on your fridge/above your bed and letting your legs do the talking. That's a champion's mindset. I guess I just have difficulty seeing the difference between a t-shirt and that sort of thing. People should focus on themselves and not worry about what others are wearing or how they come off as people. Easier said than done, though.