NY Times article - UNBELIEVABLE! "Stragglers sully marathons..."

[bounceliketigger]

A friend of mine @ work told me "if your pace is under 10min/ mi., you're a runner; if it's over 10, you're a jogger". Being new to the sport I don't know if that's a real standard by which people in the running community are judged, but I do know that I trained my *** off from couch to 13K in 6 months. Kept going through illness & injury & finished the race #1522 out of 3200+ & in the top 3rd of women. I wasn't very fast, finishing in 1hr, 28min, but I didn't walk one step. (Not that it would've mattered if I did.) So, the way I see it, if you train, you run, & you finish, you're a runner for sure. Ok, so you may not be as fast as some, or even most, but since when does it mean that you shouldn't participate? I played soccer for almost 20 years. I never played in the World Cup, but does that mean I shouldn't be allowed to play?

 

[TheWho]

I've always been in decent shape but never ran more than 4 miles in a row[I'm 46]. To make a long story short, I ran the WDW half last January and racked up the miles preparing for it. I ran it in 2:26 and was very proud of myself. I just ran the Phila half in Sept in 2:16. All I was trying to do was improve my time but just wanted to finish safely again. I'm writing this because I'm so surprised how people are so quick to ask me my time. Isn't the point that I made a commit to an "unthinkable" goal (to me at least) and trained my butt off? The only two races I have ever run are these two halfs and I never pressure people to ask their time. (I'll admit I'm curious but I talk about the experience more than the measure of time). For all the people who I saw run in Orlando in January or in Philly in Sept, I give them all a lot of respect and admiration for their drive.

 

[timmac]

I definitely think the article is, mostly, ridiculous. That said, there were two points in it I'd have to agree are valid. Keeping the course open for very long periods of time adds a lot of cost for a relative few. On that note, though, I do love seeing marathons that offer an "early start" option, which allows even the aforementioned 'stragglers' to participate, but in a way that doesn't really affect the cost of organizational difficulties. If a course needs to have a time limit, so be it. But that doesn't mean slower running is bad at all, either.

The other point I wholeheartedly agreed with is about the Honolulu marathon, with people stopping for lunch and the like. Granted, a flaw in the rules basically allowed it, but I think that kind of behavior borders on outright taking advantage of volunteers, and personally I can't say I'd be proud to call myself a marathoner if I completely stopped for an hour like that. Regardless of pace, there's something about 'doing your best' that I think is applicable, and very respectable, at any level. I mean that in only the best way, and hope I'm not coming across in a way I don't intend.

All of that said, if people want to walk the marathon great. If they can only do 11 minute miles (that's me, by the way), hey they're still covering 26.2 miles which is NOT easy to do at all. Anyone has a problem with it, that's their problem.

 

[timmac]

I also want to point out in agreement with others in this thread, that the "elitist" sentiment as expressed in the article, isn't common, even among elites, that I know of. The fact that there were two or three people who felt that way doesn't mean there are many more.

I am part of a local running group where I live. For a marathon relay today, one of my teammates had an injury, and had to drop out, so I reached out to the group very recently to find other participants, which was no problem. One of them volunteered to serve as a driver, while her daughter ran on my team, which was an awesome help. Concurrently, I registered as an individual in the full marathon. So, at the first transition point, I handed off to my teammate, but kept going. At mile 18, I called her (since I knew she had her phone on) to let her know that I'd be later than my predicted 5 hour finish. She asked if I needed anything or if there was anything they could do to help me. I said just some patience, because I WILL be there, but probably 30 minutes later.

Let me point out that this woman, June, is now 64 years old (I think). She ran the 1984 olympic trials, and consistently wins her age division at races of whatever distance. She's got me beat hands down, but ya know what? She's supportive as a fellow runner, friend, and team-mate (well driver, but that was an essential part of the team!) I run/walked as best I could from mile 18 onward. I was in bad shape for the remainder of the race, but I was going to finish, no matter what. Just before mile 25, I see a few people coming towards me on the course... it was two of my teammates, and June, in her running shoes. "We're here to help you with the last mile. Let's do this!" We ran/walked for just under a mile, when at about 25.8, I took off from them, and started running. And as I passed mile 26 and rounded the final curve for the last tenth, I broke into my best sprint. And guess what? They were all cheering for me. The course was almost barren by this point, but every random pedestrian, delivery worker, driver, and participant who'd already finished was giving me a heck of a cheer, and I finished.

Relative to what I know I can do (and granted, there were some recent injuries and other circumstances at play, but that's another story), my time was pretty terrible. But ya know what? I finished, and that's all I was there to do.

 

[fashionista311]

did you guys see catch mary wittenberg (nyrr ceo/president)'s response? love it.

I love that the New York Times covers running as much as it does. I also love that we can count on the Times to “be at the center of the debate.”

Let me share New York Road Runners’ side of the debate as to whether “plodders” have a place in the marathon. Our answer begins with this: Both the term “plodders” and the question posed miss the essence of the beauty and power of the marathon.

We at NYRR stress the strenuous, demanding nature of the marathon. We don’t say that it’s for everyone. We conduct over 50 events a year from the mile to the marathon, and clinics and classes that ensure we “have a place for every pace.” We promote the marathon as the Mt. Everest of running. In other words, the ultimate goal. One that takes careful and rigorous preparation. But we specifically don’t say – “you’ve got to be fast to do it.”

To us, it’s about conquering the distance and conquering self doubt. The marathon is about dreaming to achieve and putting in all the work to make that dream reality. That quest, and the runner's ultimate success, routinely changes people’s lives in rich and meaningful ways. Our runners, no matter the pace, typically overcome all kinds of hurdles and challenges to reaching the marathon finish line. It is that ability to persevere that translates to other parts of their lives. Making them stronger and better for the pursuit – well beyond improved physical fitness.

We don’t encourage people to walk the marathon or to take 8 hours to complete it. It is a running event after all. But, it is 26.2 miles – a huge challenge – no matter how fast you are. Ask most marathoners – we’ve all been humbled by the distance at some point. It tends to make us appreciate the efforts of others. Most faster runners I know have a great deal of respect for slower runners (it is tough to be out there longer) and vice versa (it’s “incredible” how fast “they” run).

The marathon is not easy. I am a pretty serious runner. Though occasionally tempted, I haven’t run a marathon in 15 years. I know what it takes, and I know what it takes out of you. There is no debate about how hard it is. So it’s okay – you need to walk a little? Then walk a little. Do what it takes to accomplish the goal of finishing, and be smart about it too. In NYC, our roads reopen at a rolling 6½ hour marathon. We score at the finish until 8 hours, because sometimes folks have a really tough day. They don’t plan on 8 hours, but it happens. And, we are pleased to host the largest contingent of disabled athletes of any major marathon, and the extra time helps them too. We are fortunate – with our final miles largely inside Central Park rather than on the streets - that we can offer this possibility.

On Sunday, November 1, we’ll host 40,000 runners from around the world. We’ll celebrate our superhuman champions who cross the finish line first, stand in awe of all of those that break the coveted 3 hour mark, high five those who qualify for Boston and cheer those that crack the formidable 4 hour barrier. Then you can bet we’ll welcome - with open arms and a hard earned medal - each of our finishers who, despite the challenges, cross our rarified finish line.

A marathoner is a marathoner regardless of time. Virtually everyone who tries the marathon has put in training over months, and it is that exercise and that commitment, physical and mental, that gives meaning to the medal, not just the day’s effort, be it fast or slow. It’s all in conquering the challenge. Ask any marathoner you meet in NYC on Monday, November 2.

 

[escape]

Here's a link to the New York Road Runners' response to the NYT article:

www.ingnycmarathondaily.org

Oops! Sorry, fashionista and I were posting about the same time.

 

[fashionista311]

haha great minds think alike

also wanted to add too that nyrr really is the most amazing running club in the world. i take running classes and participate in a bunch of their smaller races and i really do feel that they try to cater to every pace as much as possible. every experience i have had with them has really been truly wonderful

 

[MouseDogMom]

did you guys see catch mary wittenberg (nyrr ceo/president)'s response? love it.

I love that the New York Times covers running as much as it does. I also love that we can count on the Times to “be at the center of the debate.”

Let me share New York Road Runners’ side of the debate as to whether “plodders” have a place in the marathon. Our answer begins with this: Both the term “plodders” and the question posed miss the essence of the beauty and power of the marathon.

We at NYRR stress the strenuous, demanding nature of the marathon. We don’t say that it’s for everyone. We conduct over 50 events a year from the mile to the marathon, and clinics and classes that ensure we “have a place for every pace.” We promote the marathon as the Mt. Everest of running. In other words, the ultimate goal. One that takes careful and rigorous preparation. But we specifically don’t say – “you’ve got to be fast to do it.”

To us, it’s about conquering the distance and conquering self doubt. The marathon is about dreaming to achieve and putting in all the work to make that dream reality. That quest, and the runner's ultimate success, routinely changes people’s lives in rich and meaningful ways. Our runners, no matter the pace, typically overcome all kinds of hurdles and challenges to reaching the marathon finish line. It is that ability to persevere that translates to other parts of their lives. Making them stronger and better for the pursuit – well beyond improved physical fitness.

We don’t encourage people to walk the marathon or to take 8 hours to complete it. It is a running event after all. But, it is 26.2 miles – a huge challenge – no matter how fast you are. Ask most marathoners – we’ve all been humbled by the distance at some point. It tends to make us appreciate the efforts of others. Most faster runners I know have a great deal of respect for slower runners (it is tough to be out there longer) and vice versa (it’s “incredible” how fast “they” run).

The marathon is not easy. I am a pretty serious runner. Though occasionally tempted, I haven’t run a marathon in 15 years. I know what it takes, and I know what it takes out of you. There is no debate about how hard it is. So it’s okay – you need to walk a little? Then walk a little. Do what it takes to accomplish the goal of finishing, and be smart about it too. In NYC, our roads reopen at a rolling 6½ hour marathon. We score at the finish until 8 hours, because sometimes folks have a really tough day. They don’t plan on 8 hours, but it happens. And, we are pleased to host the largest contingent of disabled athletes of any major marathon, and the extra time helps them too. We are fortunate – with our final miles largely inside Central Park rather than on the streets - that we can offer this possibility.

On Sunday, November 1, we’ll host 40,000 runners from around the world. We’ll celebrate our superhuman champions who cross the finish line first, stand in awe of all of those that break the coveted 3 hour mark, high five those who qualify for Boston and cheer those that crack the formidable 4 hour barrier. Then you can bet we’ll welcome - with open arms and a hard earned medal - each of our finishers who, despite the challenges, cross our rarified finish line.

A marathoner is a marathoner regardless of time. Virtually everyone who tries the marathon has put in training over months, and it is that exercise and that commitment, physical and mental, that gives meaning to the medal, not just the day’s effort, be it fast or slow. It’s all in conquering the challenge. Ask any marathoner you meet in NYC on Monday, November 2.

This is absolutely beautiful! Thanks to you and Susie for sharing.

Jackie

 

[FireDancer]

To us, it’s about conquering the distance and conquering self doubt. The marathon is about dreaming to achieve and putting in all the work to make that dream reality. That quest, and the runner's ultimate success, routinely changes people’s lives in rich and meaningful ways. Our runners, no matter the pace, typically overcome all kinds of hurdles and challenges to reaching the marathon finish line. It is that ability to persevere that translates to other parts of their lives. Making them stronger and better for the pursuit – well beyond improved physical fitness.

This paragraph is exactly how I feel about a marathon. Had anyone asked me in 4 years ago if I thought I would ever run a marathon I would have laughed in their face. One week ago today I crossed the line after my first ever attempt at 26.2. I was hurting and wondered what the heck I was thinking at 26.0 but as soon as I crossed that line I knew it wouldn't be my last. The sense of accomplishment ANYONE gets from finishing a marathon is deserved 100% full stop!

I think the article was out of touch with what most of the very welcoming running community thinks and, much like most of the news in the paper and on TV, was written more to get a reaction than to actually inform us of anything.

Look at news teases. "Could one of your kids toys be killing them? Find out tonight at 11." If they really cared they would say "Hey, don't let your kids eat Legos...see you at 11"