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This article was just ridiculously mean-spirited. I love running. It has been the only way I've consistently exercised to keep in shape. I will never be a "good" runner. In fact, by the author's standards I am, and always will be, a "terrible" runner. But I enjoy entering road races, and I always strive to beat my personal best time. I usually finish mid-pack. I am always careful to respect "real" runners by starting at the back of the back, so as not to slow anyone up. I believe most road races are arranged that way anyway. I would hate to keep someone from achieving his/her own personal best, as I strive to beat mine. Yeah, I'm not racing the best, but I'm always racing myself. The idea that my presence in a race somehow degrades the whole sport, or slows elite runners, is hurtful. I would hope that the author, in his future marathons, will be able to take his mind off the back of the pack and allow himself to remember the pure joy of achieving a personal goal.
