Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of what I would call “pace-ism” in running.\u00a0 People posting negative comments about slow runners.\u00a0 Belittling their accomplishments.\u00a0 Claiming they aren’t runners because they’re so slow.<\/p>\n
I really don’t understand this opinion.\u00a0 Who cares if someone else is running slow?\u00a0 Sure, I agree that if you’re slow (mind you, I’m a slow runner and I own it), you should make sure that you’re not getting in the way of faster runners.\u00a0 But other than that, why does it matter?<\/p>\n
I suppose some races fill up quickly and some of those spots are taken by slower runners, but that isn’t the fault of the slower runner.\u00a0\u00a0 They’re just faster at registering.\u00a0 But on the other hand, the reason there are so many races is partially due to the slower runners.\u00a0 More people who want to run races = more races.\u00a0 More runners spending money on gear = more gear.<\/p>\n
In my opinion, speed doesn’t matter.\u00a0 Sure, it’s great if you’re fast and you can win age group awards.\u00a0 I will never be one of those runners. Well, maybe if I’m still running in my 80’s.\u00a0 Of course, I know an 80-year-old woman who is faster than me now, so maybe not.\u00a0 But that’s okay.<\/p>\n
A local 10k gives a prize to the last finisher in the race.\u00a0 And it’s not a joke prize – I believe it’s been a running watch in past years.\u00a0 The point isn’t that the person finished last – the point is that they dedicated themselves to the distance and even though they were last, they didn’t quit.\u00a0 In my opinion, that takes more guts than coming in first.<\/p>\n
One of my favorite things is watching the end of a race when the last groups of finishers come in.\u00a0 So often, the looks on their faces are just amazing.\u00a0 Grins and happy tears and such amazing pride.\u00a0 So what if they’re among the last finishers?\u00a0 They clearly have accomplished something great.<\/p>\n
Now, I’m not trying to belittle the fast runners.\u00a0 I have many friends who are fast runners.\u00a0 And if you’re fast, that’s awesome too.\u00a0 I don’t think slow runners should belittle fast runners and vice versa.\u00a0 We’re all individuals.\u00a0 No one is the same.\u00a0 And running is a great sport where you can do it with a group and still perform individually.\u00a0 You can show up to a race with a group of friends, all run your own race, and meet up at the end to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments (preferably with waffles).\u00a0 And regardless of how you finished, you should be proud of yourself and of your friends.\u00a0 You all did something great.<\/p>\n