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Oh c'mon! Oprah has made American Marathoners slower?!? Just because the author doesn't share the disdain of the Penguin for "nylon shorts" guys, doesn't mean he should disdain himself for not being competitive in the marathon. Like a lot of guys, I no longer feel the pleasure of running through the pain in my knees, but surely it is not a bad thing that thousands of overweight smokers have been inspired to get off the couch and TRY to push themselves. We have too much of the "feel-good" syndrome in this country, awarding accolades for little or no achievement. But as one who knows he can't finish a marathon, I have nothing but respect for ANYONE who tries, and finishes. That actually IS an accomplishment, having nothing whatsoever to do with those who run for the sake of winning the race. Slower runners do nothing to dimish the success of the competitive runners and as for checking things off the to-do list--how about checking off the last bit of self-loathing? That would truly be an accomplishment!
