Have you hugged a "slow" runner today?

I was reading through the annual summary of running stats on Running USA.  After I digested the information, do you know what my first thought was?  I don't think us slow/ordinary runners get enough credit.  There is a lot of great stuff going on in the sport - and I think we are the reason.  But we are dismissed too easily with labels like joggers, weekend warriors, mommy runners, fun runners, charity runners, middle/back-of-the-packers and recreational athletes.   

We don't get commercials, million dollars deals, free stuff or cereal boxes.    Heck, we don't even get a spot near the front of the starting line or the porty potties.  And not that we need those types of rewards - cause we don't - but we do need a little recognition of what we have brought our beloved sport.  Here are a few of our contributions:

• We have sparked more races.  Did you know that the number of races increased for just about every distance?  The number of 5K's up 5%, Half Marathons up 10% and Marathons up by 3%.   You know why?   Almost 7.85 million "fun runners" where out there whooping it up.   More races equals more opportunity for Mr. Speedypants to show off in his shorty shorts.  But, hey, we are happy here in the back licking the last drops of water off the table.
• We make slow look cool.  Did you know that in the largest marathons, like Chicago and LA have 25-33% of the finishers cross the line after the 6 hour mark?   Honolulu boosts that 42% of its finishers are after 6 hours.   11% of all marathon finishers (greater than 1 in 10) finish after 6 hours.  This has fueled a record setting number of finishers. When you look this good and have this much fun, everyone wants to do it.
• We fund all the great advancements in gear.  There are about 12 million of us in the US alone.  We are generally "educated and affluent".   Our spending power has fueled a growth in the running apparel industry by 8% for one year and 20% for two years.  We have pushed athletic footwear sales up 8%.   We love the gadgets and gear, in fact we crave them.  And more importantly, we weren't born natural runners and need all that stuff to get us through the rough miles.  The millions of us fund the true needs of Sir Fasty Fastman.
• We help others!   Through charity runs alone we have raise over a half billion dollars each year.   
• Without us, there wouldn't be so many choices of gels, drinks, and bars.  Think about it, who needs energy food more?  The guy/gal running a marathon in 2:30or one who is out there for an additional two or three or four hours.  (As a speedy friend once said to me after my 5+ hour marathon...."I could never imagine running that long.") With some many of us out there running slow, a whole industry was born to satisfy the energy needs on our loonnggg runs (and we mean time, not miles).
• We know our neighborhoods really well.   Running this slow we know all the cracks, crannies, regular stuff and not so regular stuff in our neighborhoods.   We take it slow and enjoy the sites.   We are rewarded with being the number one group to find dead people.   But, hey, that's the price we pay.
• We are fun to cheer on and we cheer back.   Ever see an elite runner stop and say thanks to a police officer, chat with a race volunteer, back up to give high five to a little kid or give a cheer on a spectator?  Nope, too busy trying to hit those splits.   But us?  Yep, we appreciate being out there and everyone that makes it possible.  And we inspire others.   People look at us ordinary runners and think, heck, if that slow fat girl can do that, so can I.

Look at all we have done!  Thank goodness for the ordinary-salt-of-the-earth runners!  Sure we are sweaty and smell funky - but give us a hug anyway.  Three cheers for all the unsung heros out there running today!

And one last fun fact:  According to 2005 data, the average finisher time for a 5K for a woman is 32:26 minutes and for a 10K is 1:00:39.  So all of you runners who think that if you aren't way under 10 min/mile pace you aren't a runner - think again -- you are an average runner - says so right here.  Welcome to the club!

Photo of runners hug by Kath B

Photo of go runners by bengoc

Photo of mug by HandsOff

Comments

[runwitme]

Hi Amy,
Great post! (Insert HUUUUUUUUUG here!)

[Joe]

Very fun and smart post Amy.

[Marcy]

Awesome post! Love it! ;D Especially the last point and it's very true!

[August]

I don't know how you guys come up with such interesting running topics every day but I loved this post, as I have all your and Toms posts.

[Diana]

Well put Amy!! I learned new things from this post and now don't feel as bad that I am running roughly a 12 min/mile. Thank you for the recognition! *HHHUUUGGG*

[Bill Carter]

Another great post Amy. I am fortunate enough that I usually finish quite high in most of the races I run....when I don't totally bonk! But I still think the most pure running/racing experience is the first timer or that person who is out there for the casual, almost social side of the sport. I certainly agree with you that the "slow ordinary" runner is much more important. They embody the spirit of achievement and seem to do it in a much more appreciative, emotional way. If I am fortunate enough to finish ahead of someone, know that I never feel anything but the greatest respect and admiration for anyone who runs. We all run the same distance.... some just like to take their time getting there.

[Maggie Mae]

So true! This post gets one big AMEN!!!

It reminds me of those Bud Lite commercials where they toast the "Great American Hero" and it's always something like "taco salad inventor" and "shirtless man in the 300 level at football games" or something...I think we need to do our own jingle.

And I don't care what mile a minute someone runs...you are running. Anyone who runs knows where you are coming from. Anyone who doesn't run has no room to speak.

Rock On Fun Runners!!!!!

[MOM Hunold]

Here's a BIGGGGGGGG HUGGGGGGGGGG to a real trooper,youngest daughter. You've got more guts and get out than 'ole Granny here. CHEERS!!!!

[david]

Although I'm trying to be one of those runner closer to the front of the pack, this post reflects why I started running in the first place. Great post.

[Andria]

Well said. I'm sending you a hug and I know you're sending me one! I finally did my 5k this morning without walking, so this post was well timed and a real booster for me. Thanks.

[Rob]

Great post Amy, well done.

[Nancy]

I am SO slow and have been feeling bad about it. It is the reason group runs and joining a running group makes me nervous. So I decide to look into it. Worst part -- fears confirmed. Our own Capital Striders on the Capital Pursuit race --

"Police support will be provided for runners maintaining a 12:00 minute or better pace. Slower runners should move to the sidewalk."

I'm guessing this has to do with the police and not so much the group, but not sure.... And the 2006 results don't have anyone over a 11:51 pace.

Do they stop recording times or do slow people just not do this race?

Bummer. I guess I am even slower than I thought!

[pat monahan]

Good post. They should have a race that instead of a sweeper in the back, they could have a pace car in the front doing an 11 minute pace. Anyone faster need not apply. If you pass the pace car your out of the race. It would be a race for back of the pack crowd.

[Bella]

Amen, greatly stated! Yes, we do rock!

[Amy]

Oh, I feel the love! You know "slow" is such a relative term and one I use in only the most complimentary way. Regardless of your speed or lack of it, congrats on making our running community bigger and stronger everyday.

And did you see we had a celebrity stop by and comment? My MOM! Now that's cool!

[Kent A]

I know what you mean Nancy. It is hard enough to get my wife to run with the Capital Striders group on Saturday morning, but when she gets left in the dust, it is a bit discouraging for her. On the topic of having a sweeper, the Bix 7 race guarantees no one will be last in their race. They have volunteers that follow every last runner to ensure everyone is covered and can finish. The Des Moines full marathon this year is allowing the walkers to leave a couple hours early to ensure they can finish on time as well.

While I might not like the term "Walker friendly" races because many of the slow runners are still indeed runners.

[Ian]

Reading this makes it feel good to be slow...

[Brian]

Some great info here...

[Sandy]

Amy,

You're so right; if it weren't for us average folks, most races wouldn't occur. This post was just the shot in the arm we all need once in a while - THANK YOU!

Sandy

[Sub]

That's so true. There wouldn't be such a huge variety of races without the "slower" runners. While some (not all) faster runners complain, there's no doubt that they are benefitted (in some way) by the mainstream running movement we are seeing...

[Gregg Lynn]

Fun post to read.

Thanks for visiting my blog and making fun of my missing mojo! :)

[Bob]

Slow runner love!!!

...and you KNOW that, if it weren't for all of us Lemmings running for intrinsic rewards somewhere in mid pack, most races would just look completely silly if only people with a legitimate chance of winning could enter... Huge, balloon arches, finish chutes, course officials, mile markers and time clocks... all for what? ...10 "skinnies" running so fast they don't even get a chance to enjoy the race? If it weren't for us, they wouldn't even HAVE a race to run... they should thank us... they NEED us... ;)

[Kathleen]

You bring up a good point about diversification in running related products and apparel. Previously, the market wasn't big enough to justify investment in active wear clothing. Now there is. Imo, the more adept runners have us to thank :).

[Amy]

Bob - you always make me laugh. I had mometary visions of an elite looking at the balloon arch thinking..."waht the...".

Kathleen - I knew running was hip and cool when I can find performance fabrics at Target and Walmart. Runners have arrived!

[Art Dinkin]

Amy, reading your posts always boost my confidence as a runner. Thanks!

This reminds me of a t-shirt I saw someone wearing at the Living History Farms fun run two years ago. The back said "I drink real fast, and run real slow. Both make you look better!"

I laughed so hard and then ended up running with him the rest of the way!