Deena Kastor now values speaking engagements and appearances "just as much" as racing

I would value it more too. Good money for work she enjoys. She had a great career with an Olympic medal.

And you want this to sound like a bad thing? Why?

She has worked her butt off for quite a few years, made some money, earned an Olympic medal -- and now, for a few years, can keep working in an area she loves. All good--for her and for running.

She had a long successful career unrivaled by any American woman distance runner of her generation. She's now 41. She's contributing in the most meaningful ways she can.

By the way, the More Fitness Half Marathon, which she mentions, may be the slowest road race in the United States. The Rock 'n' Roll events are gallops in comparison. Within the first mile, about 80 percent of the More Fitness field is barely moving.

Cash rules everything around us, get the green, dolla dolla bills y'all.

I really enjoyed listening to her commentate the LA Marathon. She knows what's going on up front and can offer a perspective others can't. I say good for her- our sport needs knowledgeable, well-spoken commentators.

I am inferring that you think this is a bad thing.

1) Few care about masters records but it could earn her a few more dollars.

2) She is a great ambassador for the sport and she is moving into the Joan Samuelson phase of her career.

3) This is how she earns her living now.

Running is just a sport until you make it a business ... unless you want to keep it a sport ... and then you can't complain about not being in the business.

Nobody should think they can make a living from a sport unless they can create a business from the sport.

Bobby Jones would be an example of creating a sport.

great commentator wrote:

I really enjoyed listening to her commentate the LA Marathon. She knows what's going on up front and can offer a perspective others can't. I say good for her- our sport needs knowledgeable, well-spoken commentators.

+1 Great commentator and very classy lady.