In a recently written article in the Sacramento Bee, Gina Kim writes: “…recreational runners are different. They’ve pulled on their shoes, donned anti-chafing balm and pounded on road after road over and over again for months, carving out time away from work, family and friends. Quitting is simply not an option.”
The article is heralding the statistic that the majority of runners in the Cal International Marathon (or any marathon) who drop out or quit are elite runners. For the masses of non-professional runners, quitting is not an option. These masses of non-professional runners have sacrificed, they have pounded the road for months! It is the elite runner, according to Mrs. Kim, that quits. The non-professional, family sacrificing, anti-chafing balm wearing, road pounding non-professional runner has no capacity for quitting – they have dedicated and sacrificed too much!
Complete and utter nonsense.
What Mrs. Kim fails to acknowledge is the fundamental difference between the elite, professional and non-professional, recreational runner. The latter doesn’t depend or rely on their performance to eat, to pay rent, to travel to their next competition. The difference is that if an elite runner pulls out of a race midway, they have a damn good reason for doing so. They’re either hurt, or they’re concerned for their next race. It may not be understood that if a professional marathoner records a poor time, they may not be invited to their next race. A lot rides on their performances. Running is not just about being “tough”. It’s about being professional. It’s not an opportunity to wear a “I finished medal” or having bragging rights over your co-workers.
The idea that professional runners don’t make sacrifices similar to the non-professional is abundantly absurd. The entire life of a professional runner is dedicated to running! It’s not a hobby or weekend getaway. It’s not a chance to get fresh air and clear their minds. It’s not an opportunity to meet up with friends or family or raise money for a local charity (though, that’s an option!). It’s two runs a day. Every day. It’s careful control of your diet. It’s no partying on weekends. It’s no late nights. It’s constantly focusing on how to be a better runner – day in and day out. It’s sacrifice and commitment through all aspects of life, down to naps in the afternoon to 30 intervals on the track in sub-freezing temperatures.
Finally, when an elite “quits”, it brings into question their entire professional/non-professional structure. It forces a total reexamination of their training, which is their life. If a non-professional quits, they still go back to their professional careers – financially unaffected. A lot more is on the line for the elite – their entire livelihood.
Mrs. Kim should learn the difference before writing an article with the headline: “Elite Runners More Likely to Quit”.
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