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At the two ends of the spectrum you place Ryan Hall and the Penguin.
Ryan Hall lost a friend this year in the NYC Marathon. Ryan Shay pushed himself as hard as he could for the first five and a half miles of the race and then fell over dead. The two Ryans, according to CNN, were planning a celebration after the race. They probably would have raised a glass to all the penguins on the course, or to each other for not being penguins.
Yes, both Ryans are (were) excellent runners. Good for them, but that doesn't mean the rest of us are doing something wrong. For a sport to become popular, not in terms of spectators but in terms of participants, the average levels of talent and commitment will inevitably become more, well, average.
Running has helped many penguins find health and happiness. We have changed the running culture from one of elitism to one of inclusion. Good for us.
