Training Run on Looped Course gets Testy

DontBeADick wrote:

I regularly talk to runners on this particular trail. Not dumb jocks wearing headphones pretending to be hard.

As you mentioned he looked over his shoulder as you were about to pass him, it would seem his headphones were playing too loudly. Since he had to look back to see you, he likely heard you coming. But in any event, a thumbs up as you passed him rather than assuming his intellect was substandard probably would do more to promote the sport of running to a non-runner (or jock as you called him).

But hey, elitist attitudes like only talking to runners certainly will help build enthusiasm for what is unfortunately a dying sport (meet attendance falling, programs being cut at the collegiate level).

But maybe I learned something during my time running in the south that has yet to dawn on you, it's reasonable to get angry when people steer their cars at you or throw bottles at you. But getting your knickers in a twist because some non-runner uses you as motivation to push himself a bit - well that's on you, not him because in effect he was paying you a compliment.

Get over yourself.[/quote]

Dude, what are you smoking? You start spouting off about how track is a dying sport, cutting programs, etc (which is all happening). These guys weren't running on a track. They are distance runners running on some path. Anyway, methinks distance running has seen a spike in participation over the last couple of years, so I don't get your logic.

in japan wrote:

What you could also do to test him is to stop and take a shit next to the trail, and if he stops and takes a shit too, he's probably an ultra marathoner, in which case you're never going to lose them.

For sure.

Sage Canaday does that…like all the time.

Bummer.

Emaciated Hobby Jogger wrote:

Dude, what are you smoking? You start spouting off about how track is a dying sport, cutting programs, etc (which is all happening). These guys weren't running on a track. They are distance runners running on some path. Anyway, methinks distance running has seen a spike in participation over the last couple of years, so I don't get your logic.

Unfortunately, even road running participation is dipping in addition to the fans not watching (aka the ones paying for the sweet prizes we all will never earn) at the major events.

The point I was trying to make is that if you want the sport to grow at any level, it starts with the simple attitude of sharing positively rather than being a dick to some guy because he may not run like you. So, when you mock people trying a sport you love that is in an elitist attitude and it is kind of easy to see why those people are even less likely to flip on the tele to watch a non-olympic games event, why they might never even consider showing up to watch the adidas games in nyc, why the millrose games are have floundered or watch a local college or high school meet.

So yes, be an advocate for your sport by encouraging anyone and everyone to appreciate it in any way they can. Otherwise, as interest decreases - revenue gets cut and less money for elites, less money for college scholarships, the list goes on and instead of just griping about the guy who can't run like you - encourage him.

Once again if you read anything I wrote you would realize this man was a dumb jock, not a runner, and deserves no pity. He sprinted not as part of a workout but to pretend like he was competing with me and it was comical to watch. But carry on proving that you read at a 1st grade level.

Your point might make slightly more sense if this fellow was actually a runner. But clearly he wasn't. So please take your conspiracy nonsense about ruining the "sport" elsewhere.