I’ve recently noticed a theme when reading running magazines, blogs, etc lately:
Running has become “popular.”
Apparently, many runners think that’s not a good thing.
- So many people are running that big races are moving to lottery systems for registration.
- So many people are running that it takes too long to run a race.
- So many people are running that they get in the way when you’re trying to do training runs.
I could go on. But I won’t, because every time I read these complaints I think one thing:
Get over it.
- So what if we have to do lotteries for big races? There are dozens of races every weekend nearly everywhere. It’s not as though there aren’t options.
- So what if some people take seven hours to run a marathon? It’s their marathon time – not yours.
- So what if some people are slower runners on the trails? You can pass, wave and keep on going.
The point is that running isn’t a special club. It’s not a me vs you unless you’re an elite runner.
And 99.999% of runners aren’t elite runners. You included (probably).
Running is a me vs me sport.
- Me vs my desire to be lazy.
- Me vs my culture that’s designed to promote a sedentary lifestyle.
- Me vs my mind that tells me I can’t do it.
All that’s to say – I’m glad running is popular. I’m glad biking and triathlons and kickball and yoga are popular, too.
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Run on, people. Run on.