I'll be the first to admit it; running (and fitness in general) is my hobby, I'm not at all talented or fast but I'm local classed (as if those things matter) and generally finish in top 10% of races. I've "won" a couple age group awards but never broke a tape, never stood on the podium, and that is perfectly okay. I once was very fit then got very fat then got fit again and just kept improving from there. That being said, I'll never make fun of someone for working out or wearing too much gear, or generally being a hobby jogger.
However, tonight, I just wasn't thinking.
I came up from behind a much slower, less fit-looking runner than I during the second half of my steady-pace run tonight. This slower runner happened to be wearing the notorious 4% shoes (the colour is a dead giveaway). They were clearly suffering and I could hear their breathing as I approached. As I passed by, my filter turned off, as I looked at them and said "4% is clearly not enough." Then I smiled and went a bit faster. They did not come along.
I feel bad about my comment. I know saying it was wrong; but was the thought itself so bad? I mean, my slow self is definitely faster than this runner wearing 4% and I'm pretty sure everything I was wearing (including watch & glasses) cost less than those cheater shoes.