Purists or Jerks?

Oh this argument again we used to have it a lot at a running forum I used to frequent.

We live in a world (and esp the states) where much of the population is overweight, obese, morbidly obese... suffering from diebeties, high blood pressure, high chloresterol.

IMO, anything that gets people moving, off the couch and into running shoes, onto bikes, or into water is a good thing.  If someone wants to walk 26.2 mi, more power to them.  Who am I to tell someone that they shouldn't do or attempt a marathon because they aren't fast/ aren't a 'runner'?  It doesn't effect me and I'm happy to cheer for people when they finish.  26.2 is an awesome accomplishment... whether it's done sub 3:00, sub 4:00, to BQ, to finish, in 6.5 hrs. 

well, of course.  I mean, if it's someone's first ever triathlon, what's wrong with the 'just to finish' mentality?  I certainly didn't have a goal time for my first sprint... actually, I don't think I've had goal times for any of my 'first' races (first 5K, first HM, first marathon).  The goals started after I knew what I was working with and what I needed to do to get faster.

Jerks.  As in, anyone that judges another person's performance and/or intentions going into a race.

I would add "insecure" to the front as well.

That's pretty much what I was thinking when I read it....

There shouldn't even be an argument.  Unless a race director puts out a rule about a time limit (usually prescribed by permits and course closures) than anyone can enter and participate all they want!

What always kills me is to hear the faster people complaining about the slower people.  Gimme a break!!  Within the first 1/2 mile you will never see any of them again until you are lounging around eating post race goodies watching the later finishers!!

I applaud anyone getting out there and doing it.  As long as they know the ettiquette of not starting in the front and blocking other runners, they can crawl for all I care!

So many ways to go with this....hmmm.

Let's start with this...So what does "giving it their all" really mean? One could interpret this as only those who competed and dropped dead upon crossing the finish line met this criteria, but that's a bit snarky.

So how about we interpret this as only those "intending" to swim, run, bike, climb, etc. the whole event distance need sign up....nah, tough to assess "intent" up front and also a bit snarky.

I say we leave it to the person and the rules set-up by the event no judgement needed - they paid the money, they participated within the rules and did or did not finish the event. I'll save my sanctimonious bleatings for some meatier thread in COJ.

Just to add some feul to the fire and some thoughts.

There are "walking only" events that will pull people if they are found running.  Reverse elitism?

There are Marathon events that are possibly going to do this because they can't guarantee the safety of the walkers if they are out before or after the race.  There are people that are "starting" up to 3 hours before the race officially starts so they can finish before it officially ends.

I figure, if you can't make the cut off time, then don't do it.  Just my opinion.

>should people be in the endurance events if they don't plan on giving it their all?

for some people, walking 26 miles IS giving it their all

Hijack time to defuse a nasty topic, but your post made me think of it...

Brian Fantana: So the team pancake breakfast is tomorrow morning at nine, instead of eight.
Ron Burgundy: Oop... I almost forgot. I won't be able to make it fellas. Veronica and I trying this new fad called uh, jogging. I believe it's jogging or yogging. it might be a soft j. I'm not sure but apparently you just run for an extended period of time. It's supposed to be wild.

You are a smelly pirate hooker!

If I am the OP can we just turn this into an Anchorman quotefest?! I didn't want people to get angry (thought I think we all believe the same thing)!

Edit: I never spell the word 'just' correctly the first time.

Personally, I would never enter an event that I wasn't going to give my best effort.  If walking is your best effort, then more power to you.

But I'm an elitist who takes great pleasure in competition.  I don't propose to deny people the opportunity to enter whatever they want, but I reserve the right to think that a race is still a competition, and not just a checkbox on my life list.