Ozzie Gontang said:Thanks, and I'll stand on my own regarding my viewpoint and perspective. I believe that you can
find many of the running coaches over the years in the US came from other countries. They wanted to
share what they learned while making a living.
That's true. There are so many fools in Yankee-land ready to believe *anything* an *expert* tells
them, and to pay good money for the privilege of being duped. Where do we start? The 'pose' method?
Quoted message said:The rigor over the 8 years here at rec.running has been to continue the dialogue and make my
assumptions and viewpoints as visible and transparent as I am able. I am appreciative of those who
have showed my faulty or incorrect thinking.
Saying "I'm transparent" is a lovely way of hiding our opacity, isn't it?
Hell, I could change my ISP, user name, writing style, and post on rec.running giving essentially
the same advice as I do presently under the guise of a caring, concerned, informed running guide. In
short, I would colour your perception of the worth of my words by polishing the frame in which my
advice is contained. You may argue all you wish, but the manner in which we say something usually
has far more effect upon the listener/reader than the content of our text.
You have developed a running philosophy which you are singularly uninterested in amending. It isn't
totally wrong - some of your advice on stretching and injury rehabilitation is excellent - but I
find your 'inclusive, we're-all-winners' Yankee drivel simply too much to swallow.
Running - despite the 'boom' years - never has been, isn't, and never will be, an all inclusive
activity. By virtue of the severe physical and mental requirements of the sport it's only open to a
select few within the population. To pretend that a four hour marathon, or a 50 minute 10k, is an
accomplishment worthy of applause is to delude both yourself and your cohorts into a world where the
simple act of living is viewed as having merit. 'S'not so.
I will never possess the sailing skills of an Ellen MacArthur. Despite the fact that I toddle around
in boats, I don't consider myself a 'sailor'. That's reserved for those who have faced danger and
hardship at sea, and who have mastered navigational and technical skills that are, I suspect, beyond
my abilities. The only thing we have in common is that we both get wet. Similarly, the only thing I
have in common with most rec.runners is that we both get out of breath.
I like the word 'jogging', because it accurately describes the activity levels and passion of
those who run for fun. I'm a jogger now, and would find little to gripe about were that term
applied to me. I don't, however, subscribe to the theory that jogging is an activity the needs a
philosophy, a lifestyle or a ream of books written about it to encourage it's adherents. If you
*have* to develop a philosophy, make it simple, fun, light and honest. Four words that you
'running gurus' would do well to take to heart in your pseudo-scientific mumblings and quasi-
religious rants. Broom handles indeed!