All Hail the Elite Runner

Even though I am an average runner (I mean, I have run well over the many races I have done, but it is not like I ever had a shot at the Olympics...), I have enjoyed friendships with several elite runners over the years.  I liken these friendships to the fact that–distinct from professional football or basketball players–professional runners live their lives very much like the rest of us.  Many work for running stores, coach local high school and college teams, and live in modest neighborhoods.  Elite runners may be normal in life but they are extraordinary in the advancement of our sport.

And yes, running is a sport.  It might also be an activity that many people utilize to keep fit or to keep sane but let us not forget one key truth: running is a sport with professional athletes.  It’s our hobby and passion, but it’s their career, and their dream.

Most professional runners are humble and self-effacing.  A good friend recently finished 2nd overall at the Canadian Half Marathon Championships, and after using my skilled cross examination technique and "evil eye", then a Jedi mind trick, he finally owned up to his amazing finish - otherwise, he would have never mentioned it.  When I read about his performance and congratulated him, he brushed this plaudit aside.  It’s only because he’s a friend (Matt Loiselle, Canadian Olympic marathoner hopeful and coach extraordinaire) that I know about his 2 to 3 workouts a day, his 100 plus miles per week, his 7am mornings, his long suffering girlfriend (also a runner, so I guess she gets it) - all adding up to a 40-hour a week "job". If you think squeezing in one run before work is tricky, try fitting in multiple workouts without much financial backing from our gov't.

Running was a never a sport that paid well—for most, a second job has always been a requirement. Recently, however, some marathons have opted to forgo prize money for elite racers altogether.  The reason: the professional runner may deliver talent but the average runner delivers money.  Since more average runners means more revenue, the money that would be used on prize money is now being spent on advertising for the 4-hour marathoner, not the 2-hour marathoner.

And why should we care?  Why should the average runner have any interest in advocating for the elite?

The answer lies within the history of our sport.  If not for the elites of the past, you wouldn’t 
be a runner today.  Not long ago, marathons were considered dangerous and odd, road races 
didn’t exist, women didn’t compete, and no one believed a 4-minute mile fell within the realm of human possibility.  Then Roger Bannister smashed our doubts, Frank Shorter claimed marathon gold, and Katherine Switzer jumped into a little race called the Boston Marathon—a race thought best reserved for men.  The list of game changing elites is endless.  Elite runners opened doors, smashed glass ceilings, and made us believe, through hard work, the impossible was achievable.  If we love this sport, we will support them in their quest to continue to push the limits and to put food on their tables.  The seemingly unbreakable barriers of today will one day be shattered by the elites of tomorrow.  History, as they say, has been known to repeat itself.

Matt - this one is for you.

Johnny Boy