Making 26.2 Work for All of Us
by Melissa Field
The New York Times recently published an article entitled, Plodders Have a Place, but Is It in a Marathon? This article, as the title gives away, argues that some runners are simply too slow to run a marathon. I read this article in horror and was relieved to see, among the many comments, a post from Tish Hamilton, Executive Editor of Runner’s World magazine. Since I can’t say it any better, I will quote her:
Really, what amazes me most about this article is that the writer was able to find people who'd go on record (on the front page of the NYT!) dissing other marathoners. In my experience, runners welcome anyone who wants to put one foot in front of the other, mile after mile.
I have completed 35 marathons--in times ranging from 3:29 (yay! in ideal conditions) to 5:45 (ouch, when temps reached 95). I was well-trained, fit, and under age 40 when I ran both races, and because the slower time was so much harder--I ran, I walked, I staggered--I will never be able to say to anyone, no matter what their finish time, that they didn't really "run" a marathon. If anyone thinks running 26.2 miles "not a big deal," please come join me for my next marathon, and we'll have plenty of time to discuss that issue! :)
Amen Tish!
And here’s my addition: Dear Runners, would it kill you to be nice and supportive? Because really, one day you might run well, and the next day, well, life has a way of humbling us all. I can promise you that running, if it hasn’t already, will humble you, too.
If you are concerned about the “swelling of the marathon”, may I suggest that you instead concern yourself with the swelling of our nation’s waistline? The CDC produces a map tracking the alarming increase in obesity from 1985-2008. This map is cause for concern, especially when you stop to consider the consequences of obesity: diabetes, heart disease, and even death. And yet, in the midst of this public health epidemic, we run. We line-up to run 26.2 miles because we believe in living this lifestyle; and if we are kind and encouraging to others, they will join. If we are elitist and judgmental, we will make others feel excluded and intimidated, not inspired.
Is it important to take the marathon seriously, and most of us can agree that doing something purely for show, or without dedication, is not admirable. But instead of criticizing slow runners, criticize the marathoners who run without love or passion for the sport. This fall, thousands of runners will line up to run a marathon. Some will run for the first time and some will run for the 50th. Here are some tips for how each runner, fast or slow, can make 26.2 work for everyone
FAST |
SLOW |
Look for races with wave starts, or line-up with a pacing group. Slower runners will inevitably still get in your way during the first few miles, but think of dodging them as an interval warm-up. The race will, eventually, level out, allowing you to run your fast pace smoothly after the first few miles. |
Move to the side before you stop or walk. Stopping or walking in the middle of a marathon can be dangerous. Be respectful of other runners and allow them to pass you, not trip over or bump into you. |
If the big city marathons lack the seriousness and speed you are looking for, consider harder marathons. As a Colorado native, may I suggest the Pikes Peak Marathon? At 12,000 feet, trees won’t even get in your way. Races like these offer a competitive field, a difficult course, and a fast pace. Ultra marathons can also offer some of the same benefits. If the big city races are too crowded, you can also consider smaller and less popular marathons, such as the upcoming Richmond Marathon on November 14 (tickets still available). |
Train for the marathon appropriately and remember: the marathon is a race, not a walk. Walk breaks can be helpful, but you should be able to run most of the race. Start with a 5k and move up to half marathon, before attempting a marathon. Do not rush to the glory of a marathon, build your way up and earn it. It will make it that much sweeter. The marathon is not a bucket-list item; it’s a serious race. It’s okay to run slow, but train well and try to keep running! |
Don’t eat all the bananas! You finished fast, you feel great, and the table is full of bananas. You want to grab a bunch. Please don’t! Many people will come after you and they want a banana, too. Take one banana, get your medal, get your bag, and move out of the area. Instead of clogging the finish area, move to a tough mile marker and cheer on slower runners! |
Marathons require entire cities to be shut down. Eventually, however, streets need to reopen. We know you paid money and deserve your time, but recognize that cities need to reopen and be respectful. Certain things will slow you down and irritate others—cell phones, ipods, and stopping for food. Leave your electronics at home, practice running with enough gels or sports bars to get you through, and enjoy the experience by staying focused on the race and the great people around you! |
When I run, it is that sound—that only in a marathon sound of thousands of running feet—that gets me through. That sound comforts me. There are few times in life when people unite, not in protest or anger, but in celebration of perseverance and a better life. So let our running movement grow, let our marathon streets swell, and let our feet be inspired by the sound of other feet.
Fast or slow, we are better when we run together.