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I have friends (over the age of 45) who are now trying to do the physically impossible, atleast for them: Run marathons, and 10K and 5K races too, usually by walking them just to be able to say, "I did the so-and-so marathon." It's like some kind of new status symbol among the smug and self-centered. A female friend (over 45 years old) started doing tri-athelons this year although she can barely finish in any respectable time to be comsided competitive. Though there may be just 2 or 3 persons in an age class, everyone gets an Award.
Thirty years ago I was inspired by Frank Short too. His performance made us all feel that maybe, just maybe, we could run too. But most of us were not naive enough to think that we could train the way these athletes train and run competitive times. And few of us had the time or energy to devote to trying.
Yes, I too have heard people brag that their involvement in these activities is simply "to finish." That's not a competitive statement or competitive objective. It's yet another way the ego-centric make themselves feel like they are actually doing something worthwhile with their money and their time.
Remember when water bottles were confined to the running events and other athletic venues (football field, basketball court, volleyball court, etc.)? Today you can't walk down the street without seeing hundreds of people clutching water bottles like security blankets. Hydrating is a sport too I guess.
Maybe it's time for two marathons. One for the 36,800 or so who "just want to finish." And another for about 200 who earn their way into the race with established qualifying times. That way, those who have talent, train, and want competition can get their recognition. Those who want to simply feel good and finish can take all day to say they did. And a few others may be inspired to work their way into the qualifying race.
