- Top Features:
- War Room
- Glenn Greenwald
- Broadsheet
- Joan Walsh
- Camille Paglia
- Since You Asked
- Follow Salon:
Read other letters about this article
I'm with slowpokejoe - I think McClelland and pals are deep down just frustrated that it has been proven that most healthy adult humans can run 26.2 miles if they put their minds to it, so they can no longer keep commoners out of their exclusive club. And I use run in the #1 definition of the the word by Webster's New World Dictionary: (verb) - to go by moving the legs faster than in walking. You may call them "joggers" with a sneer, but they are true runners, they do something that I can't stand to do, and I admire them for it.
Just like I admire anyone who climbs Mt. Everest. Yes, some people do it with bottled oxygen, and may take a few days longer to do it than elite climbers, but as long as they get it done on their own two feet, it is really impressive to me. I think even more healthy adults could climb the world's highest peaks if it were not so expensive to do so. Which is what makes the marathons so fantastic. It is a test of endurance that is cheap to train for and particitpate in.
If you elite distance runners can't handle mixing with the masses, there are ultra marathons out there just waiting for you. But be warned - those who take it the most seriously will likely belittle you the same way you are treating the Johnny-come-lately marathoners. Will you deserve their scorn?
