Comments on: Chicago Marathon: Defending Slow, Fat, Poorly Trained Runners

By: my chicago marathon experience

my chicago marathon experience — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 05:06:07 +0000

[...] strong but was … I am not bitter, angry, or sad, it was a great experience and I will do it …http://completerunning.com/archives/2007/10/11/chicago-marathon-defending-slow-fat-poorly-trained-ru…Bank of America Chicago Marathon Gain Inspiration … dream became a reality and my goal was [...]

By: jeff miller

jeff miller — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 02:39:15 +0000

i am a fat guy; i finished the “chicago fun run” despite the heat, lack of water and advise from chili dog eating chicago police persons. many of the “monday morning quarterbacks” are just that…never done it, never will…but they can still critisize and critique. we run because we want to, love to, or in my case – for lasagna. we run because we choose to run regardless of our size, or speed. NO ONE CAN EVER CRITISIZE MY PACE, MY SHAPE, MY ABILITY UNTIL THEY FINISH THE SAME EVENT IN FRONT OF ME!

By: Brian

Brian — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:09:46 +0000

Mark, You nailed it!
It was my first marathon, and at age 46 I trained through injuries and sickness. I was a Charity Runner and raised money for ACS. Huge amounts of money was raised by runners supporting dozens of charities. For many it was more than a sporting event, it was a LIFE EVENT. I am not bitter, angry, or sad, it was a great experience and I will do it again. Those who speak negatively are ignorant and narrow minded. The race was a success for many on so many levels. I can’t wait until next year. Last but not least… Thank you to all those who lined the streets encouraging the runners!

Brian – North Carolina

By: Chicago Marathon: Runners Share Their Side of the Story » Complete Running Network

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 12:01:35 +0000

[...] on Chicago Marathon: Defending Slow, Fat, Poorly Trained Runners: I hadn’t read much press other than the fact it was called off early, but that is ridiculous to [...]

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 01:03:36 +0000

I hadn’t read much press other than the fact it was called off early, but that is ridiculous to imply 90% of the runners don’t deserve to be there! Great post!

By: Joe Garland

Joe Garland — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:01:26 +0000

I hate to break this Kumbaya moment, but Mike P’s observation that he ran Chicago in 2001 “on 3 weeks of training” bears noting. As I said, that’s what I consider a lack of respect. If you’re running huge positive splits — second half slower than first — it’s evidence that the work has not been done and if the work hasn’t been done maybe the race shouldn’t be run.

The marathon itself is the pay-off for the work done for months beforehand. Sure, people can make mistakes on race day and blow up (I had an 8 minute positive split in New York). But if you haven’t done the work, you’re either jogging the course or you’re going on a wing and a prayer and you’re going to be suffering mightily in the final stages.

It’s not a question of time but of effort and ultimately of commitment.

By: Christina

Christina — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 21:33:19 +0000

I’m not sure I would even want to run the Chicago Marathon next year, if I were any of you, especially if the marathon officials are putting the blame on the runners instead of taking some or all of the blame. I say get them where it hurts…their pocketbook.
I know some of you said that Chicago is normally a great event, but it speaks volumes when those in charge deflect responsibility away from themselves. There are other great races out there. Why promote one with officials who are irresponsible.

By: Dawn - Pink Chick

Dawn - Pink Chick — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 20:33:08 +0000

Awesome article Mark. Thanks for sticking up for us slow old farts. As a runner who is over 50 and has often finished not only near the back but also as the last runner of a race I applaud your article.

For the Chicago Tribune to say that runners who cannot finish under a particular time do not respect the distance is wrong. I do respect the distance and see nothing wrong with setting it as a goal. However in doing so I set up a training plan that include the appropriate running I needed to be strong on race day no matter how long it took me to do my marathon. I trained in heat, rain, sleet and hail. I was prepared for any condition. I knew what I needed to eat and what I needed to hydrate. To be safe on race day I packed some of my own supplies. When I did my marathon which was thankfully not Chicago I ran strong but was out there a long time. I finished strong and feeling great even though I was out there for 7:27:03. Knowing and resecting the distance has nothing to do with speed.

If all runners are supposed to be fast and young why is registration open to all and age categories that even go to over 80 even at Boston. Heck if your over 80 at Boston you can take up to 5:30:00 if your female. That’s what I’m aiming for…lol.

As for water stations and earlier runners perhaps wasting water by splashing it on themselves. I’ve done plenty of races and always see runners doing that. Volunteers have often offered 2 glasses to each runner. I usually drink one and wear one on hot days. Heck at our marathon one year the water stations had kids with super soakers and they soaked any runner that was willing. In San Diego there were people with garden hoses. I was surprized that runners ran by. I didn’t I stood there until I looked like a drowned rat but it felt great.

All that said in this case I would say the only lack of respect here was by the marathon committee and their lack of respect for the many who paid fees, spent money to travel, shopped at their expo, and only expected in return to run a race where they had the opportunity to say “I did it”. Saddly many were robbed.

By: Dori

Dori — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 05:15:24 +0000

As someone who brings up the back of the pack, thank you for your thoughtful article. I have nothing but admiration for elites and mid-packers and I don’t understand the sneering that goes on towards slower runners. When it takes 6 hours to run a marathon, you have a lot of time to respect the distance! I still get an incredible sense of accomplishment when I cross a marathon finish line.

By: Rich

Rich — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 02:25:44 +0000

Amen brother!