tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563975145138754443.post4506315588184021519..comments2017-03-07T14:29:08.787-05:00Comments on Notes on a Running Life: The Third Running BoomDouglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09316166415470647885noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563975145138754443.post-4862838473591567502011-10-21T10:57:53.629-04:002011-10-21T10:57:53.629-04:00In reply to "Anonymous" - hey, thanks fo...In reply to "Anonymous" - hey, thanks for the compliments, I'm not sure that I actually have a powerful voice, but nice of you to say so.<br />I thought it was obvious that some of my comments were tongue-in-cheek. Re-read the final paragraph, my friend. I'm all for getting as many folks out and moving as possible! <br />And I've used all of those things to get me through a run too, except for music. Tried it once, hated it. Too distracting, and changed my cadence and breathing. I enjoy running so much, and I enjoy the time to let my mind wander where it will ... I'm never bored, and never need an external soundtrack to move me along. But that's just me, and my preferences are mine - not a formula that must be applied to everyone. I'm a believer in free choice.<br />Let me state unequivocally: There is room for everyone in our sport - although I would argue that running isn't truly "for everyone". Some just aren't built for it, and that's fine. There are other options, all are good. <br />Keep up the good running, no matter what the speed.Douglashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09316166415470647885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563975145138754443.post-41589370813708569112011-07-28T09:36:17.637-04:002011-07-28T09:36:17.637-04:00I have been a very serious runner during the first...I have been a very serious runner during the first and second running boom (started running when I was 11 years old). My accomplishments include a 4:45 mile, a 15:50 5K, and a 53 minute 15K. By any standard, I was a nerdy and very serious runner. As I grew older and under the weight of a family (including a very difficult child with Down Syndrome), I became what you would call a less-than-serious runner...not by choice, mind you, but because of obligations to other people. Still, this sport is big enough for all of us. That is the beauty of the sport. Many of the things you mention, ipods, silly water belts, the Jeff Galloway Run/Walk method are just adaptations to allow less than healthy individuals start to participate in this sport. I have to say that I have used all of these devices/techniqiues to get my large body through 1/2 marathons and even marathons. By disparaging the techniques of the less athletic, you could easily be mistaken for disparaging the back of the packers. More than anything else, this nation needs high intensity sports (such as running and others) to strengthen the body and heal the soul. People can tell who you are. Just by looking at you, they know that you are a serious and impressive runner (which I once was), they can also tell that I am (for better or for worst) a "Jogger." This sport is big enough for both of us. You have a powerful voice, please be careful not too appear to disparage the newbies, and those who appear to be less than serious. Running is such an empowering activity and should be available to all of us.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563975145138754443.post-55483464997862391692011-03-05T20:13:45.050-05:002011-03-05T20:13:45.050-05:00Nice post. You distinguish between social and hard...Nice post. You distinguish between social and hard core running. Since hard core running is still a fringe activity, the spirit of the "lonely" distance runner lives on. In other words, despite the increase in running's popularity, I don't see a net loss for the "happy fringe."brennhttp://turfcasts.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563975145138754443.post-33753305186609214622010-05-02T11:48:31.615-04:002010-05-02T11:48:31.615-04:00This is ... truth and a nice reflection on the las...This is ... truth and a nice reflection on the last couple decades. I would have liked to hear a bit of sarcasm on the running skirt, but that's probably grouped in with the marketing comment. <br />Whenever someone asks me how my "jogging's going" I cringe a little on the inside. Some people may never know the difference.Stephanienoreply@blogger.com