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So, according to you, a marathon is both a grueling, serious sport requiring the deepest commitment (which validates you) and an event anyone who just rolled out of bed can finish (which diminishes your "competitors"). Which is it?
Like it or not, unless you're winning marathons on a consistent basis, or are getting paid for your efforts, you and all those reformed couch potatoes belong to the same club: a recreational one. We may agree on the health risks posed to the inexperienced runner, but it doesn't change the fact that most competitors run for the personal satisfaction. If that goal is a legitimate one for you, then it is for them, and you should mind your own business.
You're deriving the same sense of satisfaction from the experience that they do. There is no other reason you'd put them down than to validate yourself. That says a whole lot more about your insecurities than their discipline and commitment. If you're as good as you imply you are, then dusting these cats and kittens should only affirm the commitment, ability and drive for which you congratulate yourself.
Do you. Leave everyone else to their own devices. Let the results speak for themselves. That's the American way, champ.
