To think organised runs are pointless?

[ineousa]

They’re too busy, it takes forever to get there and forever to leave because of the sheer scale of people. You can run a 10k, marathon or half marathon any time you like. Why bother with an organised route?

That’s not the same at all though. I like running. And I never said I wanted to close them all down. Not sure what’s with this obsession posters have with putting words in people’s mouths.

I'm not an elite athlete but I do race to compete. I like to have an officially measured time on an accurately measured course, and you can run your best when there are others to compete against.

We're talking about a fun run not the olympics...

Sheep like to run in a flock

Is it just in relation to running that you can't comprehend someone liking something you don't or does it apply to all activities?

I've done a few organised runs in the past and they were nothing like you describe

Who knew people and things aren't all the same

“Why do people run the marathon? Most of us won’t perform on a stage. But whether a person is a world-class athlete or a four-hour runner, the marathon gives us a stage, where we perform and be proud, while millions of people applaud. In an unequal world, in this one endeavor, people of vastly different abilities share something in common: the act of going the distance.”

-Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder

Not sure there are many organised races for sheep, what's your point?

I couldn’t comprehend why they’d want to face the crowds when they could just run alone. People have now explained it’s due to the atmosphere and camaraderie. This is not a particularly difficult or complex conversation, is it? If you’re finding it too hard to follow though probably best to fuck off to a different thread.

It was posted today, I think it was more about the London Marathon, which took place today, and is very much a feeder into the Olympics.

Over a million hoped to feed into the Olympics?

I got a place at UTMB this year, watched a video of it, saw the start with 1000's of people filling the road and lost all enthusiasm on the spot and didn't didn't bother taking up the place. Looks like actual hell on earth for me. Would be up for running the same route or similar on my own or with one or two others though.

It was in response to a 'fun run' comment. For some people the London Marathon is not a 'fun run' - hence why the elite athletes start earlier.

You accuse other people of putting words into your mouth...

Because it’s fun!

Why not at least try a smaller event so you can experience it first hand, rather than sit and judge sneerily from the side?

What?! You went to all the trouble and expense of getting your running stones and ITRA index, without actually looking into what you were applying for? Are you insane?

I'm not sure if anyone else has mentioned this, but for me the absolute biggest reason is motivation and accountability. You've paid money to an official organisation to run a certain distance and that can very often feel like you're far more accountable than, for example, arranging to run that distance with a mate or deciding to do it yourself. Moreso if you're doing it for charity because then you have people relying on you to actually do it.

You're a runner so it may seem to you like anyone could run a certain distance whenever they want but as someone who has never managed to run 10k, I'll vouch that it's not the case for everyone. Perhaps I may be able to do it physically (I can walk 10k), but it's a huge mental game to keep running when I'm the only person I'm accountable for and could just stop any time I want.

I picked up the running stones just doing one of the qualifying races a few times but never with the intention of UTMB. Then got drunk and thought about it when the ballot was open and got a place, much to the disgust of many and then thought about it for a few minutes, was at the point of booking a lodge nearby but the video just killed it for me, absolutely no enthusiasm for that sort of carry on bugger that 😂 I was hated!

It’s much easier to run a pb with that extra adrenaline boost

I imagine the people doing them enjoy it. Would that not be the point? They like it?

You can play solitaire or poker with friends. You can watch TV in your home or go to the movie theatre. You can do lots of things solo or with the community. I don't understand the point of the question. Did a runner jump in front of your car or something? I, personally, hate when that happens so entirely understand the rage, if so.

I agree that it's all a bit much for a lot of people, but it's a very well known race with a very particular atmosphere - crazy that you didn't know about it all till you got a place

I certainly find it extremely tedious when people drone on about their park runs. I’m just not interested in their times or distances etc. They seem to think everyone is vey impressed by their feat and would love a detailed description.

I don’t enjoy running, but it gave me a goal as it was organised and felt I couldn’t just back out. Same with people doing classes at the gym when they could do a YouTube class for free.

I think you are projecting or over sensitive.

You are misinterpreting the tone, or are perhaps just in a bad mood.

Never in a bad mood! Tell me what I misinterpreted. Is this a joke thread? Admittedly, I have had less caffeine in recent days so could be slightly less attune than ordinary.