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Let me get this straight: you've never actually FINISHED a marathon, and you're ragging on people who have?
First of all, instead of assuming you'll be faster than these folks, why don't you actually finish the whole 26 mile length before you lecture us.
Second of all, your article's premise, muddled though it is, is flawed. The elite American runners are not hampered in any way by the amateur marathoners (of which you are not even one). At no point do those few top American runners, blessed by genetics and honed by hard work, look back from their scrum at the front of the race and say "Damn, all those fatties back there depress me. They treat this race like a fun run and therefore I am emasculated and will slow down..." They're too busy trying to win, and frankly, are probably well-aware that all those flabbies out back admire them and are the closest thing to a fan club they will ever have.
And sir, I am not a competitive marathoner, but I ran varsity cross-country in high school, have done my share of 5Ks since then, and am very much looking forward to crossing the marathon off my life list this time next year.
So you can kiss my amateur butt. As for the rest of you, good luck and finish strong!
