Coming from an elite wrote:
I know a lot of 2:20-something guys (and 2:45+ marathon women)-- they are usually trying to juggle too much crap in their lives, while trying to train like an "elite" (or just below the level of an elite). They don't know what it's likely to fully commit to running and reap the benefits. These runners are sub-elite for a reason.
So is Annie Bersagel (an attorney) fully committed to training? How about Alisha Williams (a accountant)? Are they "elite" or not? Matthew Elliot (a teacher)?
Was Tony Sandoval fully committed to training while being a med school student? He sure was an elite since he WON the Olympic trial, wasn't he?
And I am still waiting for your answer to my question. In which country can a 2:17 marathon runner become a "national hero"? Since you are a genius, you can easily answer the question, right?