elite runners are born, not made

So, while doing a little site clean-up, I came across this old post (from 2004 when I didn't know about the Shift key) that never made it out of the draft mode. I post it now. Only 3 years late.

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http://www.active.com/story.cfm?story_id=11216&sidebar=13&category=running

<satire>

... well, now I finally have an excuse to stop running. Since I'll never run with the big dawgs, I better stay up on the porch with a cooler of beer, some pork rinds, a bottle of jack, a little weed, skynyrd on the 8-track and just watch the world go by.

the hell with being an elite.

i actually feel sorry for them. they'll be burnt out soon and since racing is all they've ever known, they will loose their sense of identity, question the meaning of their existence and be driven to the very edge of sanity.

</satire>

besides, they are missing out on the true meaning of running. it really isn't about VO2 MAX or anaerobic thresholds or efficient form. it's about shuffling along at the middle or back of the pack. about continuing to move forward even though you will not win or place in any age group. it's about running when all the world expects (and even encourages) you to stop; when you would be totally justified in doing so. water stops with nothing left. deserted finish lines with only the race volunteers left (and they are busy cleaning up). courses littered with empty water cups. cars beeping and drivers swearing at you to "get the hell out of the way cuz you ain't gonna win". being out on the course long enough to experience all four seasons of the year. dealing with serious hydration, dietary and bathroom requirements on training runs (not to mention during the event as well). it's about getting water bottles from elderly women in wheel chairs. dealing with the glances from others who just know you "are not a real runner". trails that were once pristine for the elites but are now nothing more than a muddy cow path. wondering if you missed a turn cuz you can no longer see anyone ahead of or behind you. learning during a race that the woman you have been running with for the last couple of miles is a hero: she is a breast cancer survivor who is running to raise money for research and is running in memory of her mom who didn't survive the disease. the pure, unadulterated, uncompromised, unsponsored, uncoached, unabashed joy of progressing from a serious couch potato into someone who can participate in an endurance event.