At times over the last 20 years I’ve felt alone, on an island, on a different planet, in a different universe.
I’ve maintained since moving to Nebraska that Real Racing is not dead. Pretty close, but not dead yet.
My 40 years in the sport, at all levels, has given me an insight into the morph that I see coming. A return if you will.
Please remember that in the 70s and 80s Running and Racing were the domain of loners. Sinewy, gaunt fellows (and ladies too!) that had a single purpose when lining up. The same singular approach that dictated their training. Yes, there was a time when the Only participants in a RACE were on the line to put everything on the line.
There was a big shift in the mid to late 90s. Charities across the United States began using our sport as fundraisers with little to no regard of the most competitive athletes. I endured.
But all is not lost. The afore mentioned shift is occurring in front of our very eyes. As I gaze into my crystal ball I see a new day coming to our sport, nationally, regionally, and locally. A day when the most serious, those gaunt shadowy figures reclaim distance Running and Racing.
The general fascination with the marathon is waning. The pandemic has contributed. Without the thousands charities are going to find other vehicles for fundraising. Without the thousands many races will fold. Their modus operandi no longer functional in the real world.
Leaving it to those most serious about 26.2.
All The Best.
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