No argument on your commentary on the writers noted here.
As a race director myself (triathlon), if the standards were so high to enter, not many would engage in the training, let alone signing up. There's a value in that alone. Yes, set standards; lowering a bit to encourage the masses, not so horrible.
I get it, Boston Marathon was once an elite event. Inevitably, it became commercialized, like most big events. I personally can't think of one vaunted event that hasn't. Sure, sad that standards have eroded, but I do see the value in engaging the public in a healthier lifestyle.
Boston does still have a standard. I'd not meet it, but Big Sur was a highlight in my life, a paltry 4:07 for which I worked hard for. But, I imagine I can out swim you. I know, I know, you're running centric, just attempting to draw a comparison ;-) just, I can't be that publicly brutal, no matter how long water support during races needs to stay out there.
I don't want to dissuade your ball busting style, it's why i read you, and i'm not that delicate. Your thrust is more about the top end of the sport of Running, yet writing to the ether is a slim group. An occasional nod to the 'every-man' wouldn't hurt, no matter how you'd need to rationalize it ;-).
No matter sir keep on, please, and know you're appreciated either way, simply my 2 cents! :)
No argument on your commentary on the writers noted here.
As a race director myself (triathlon), if the standards were so high to enter, not many would engage in the training, let alone signing up. There's a value in that alone. Yes, set standards; lowering a bit to encourage the masses, not so horrible.
I get it, Boston Marathon was once an elite event. Inevitably, it became commercialized, like most big events. I personally can't think of one vaunted event that hasn't. Sure, sad that standards have eroded, but I do see the value in engaging the public in a healthier lifestyle.
Boston does still have a standard. I'd not meet it, but Big Sur was a highlight in my life, a paltry 4:07 for which I worked hard for. But, I imagine I can out swim you. I know, I know, you're running centric, just attempting to draw a comparison ;-) just, I can't be that publicly brutal, no matter how long water support during races needs to stay out there.
I don't want to dissuade your ball busting style, it's why i read you, and i'm not that delicate. Your thrust is more about the top end of the sport of Running, yet writing to the ether is a slim group. An occasional nod to the 'every-man' wouldn't hurt, no matter how you'd need to rationalize it ;-).
No matter sir keep on, please, and know you're appreciated either way, simply my 2 cents! :)