Perspective for us BOP'ers

[Spirit Unleashed]

We can all cook up reasons for not posting race reports or daily workouts (too fast, too slow, too ugly, dnf). No one is really special in that regard. But, this would be a boring place if we all succommed to our embarassment and decide to hide our experiences. What a place: a few post and the rest lurk. At the moment, there is enough posting so no one feels too much like a sore thumb because they post everyday.

I only keep a journal because Habs4ever reads it....

[Mid_Packer]

[/quote]
For me personally, its the MOP/BOP race reports that I find most entertaining. No offense to the really fast guys/gals. I read race reports to look for the flavour of accomplishment, and 9 times out of 10, I get that from the racers who deem themselves 'slow'. This is coming from a guy who flirted briefly with being one of those fast guys, got injured, and now runs happy as a mid-packer.[/quote]


Hey I got a mention in the post

Dave

[HCcD]

For me personally, its the MOP/BOP race reports that I find most entertaining. No offense to the really fast guys/gals. I read race reports to look for the flavour of accomplishment, and 9 times out of 10, I get that from the racers who deem themselves 'slow'. This is coming from a guy who flirted briefly with being one of those fast guys, got injured, and now runs happy as a mid-packer.[/quote]


Hey I got a mention in the post

Dave

Umm, A "-" was used and not an "_" in mid-packer ...

[Jwolf]

We can all cook up reasons for not posting race reports or daily workouts (too fast, too slow, too ugly, dnf). No one is really special in that regard. But, this would be a boring place if we all succommed to our embarassment and decide to hide our experiences. What a place: a few post and the rest lurk. At the moment, there is enough posting so no one feels too much like a sore thumb because they post everyday.

I only keep a journal because Habs4ever reads it....

Hey, I read it too.

I agree with you, Laura.

I've actually been surprised lately to hear about other people who aren't even regular posters (that I didn't even know about) that read my journal. I don't really feel like I say anything earth-shattering, but if it helps or inspires some people it's worth it to keep it public. I stopped posting in the daily thread for the most part, because that seems fairly inconsistent and redundant.

[DougG]

Wow, I can't believe the replies t this thread! I a, very surprised - pleasantly - and taken aback by some of the responses posted here. There are so many positive replies here, which is great. Reading what Robbie T wrote was a surprise and an eye opener. It is interesting how so many of us feel the same way, whether we are BOP'ers or near the front. I am fascinated by the great times that are posted, and cannot believe the obstacles that so many of you have overcome, whether they were from injuries, from being overweight, personal/relationship issues or just 'stuff' from everyday life. Well done maniacs.
Thanks for the support, and keep up the great work everyone.

Excuse me, I have another race this Sunday that I must get ready for.

[a_beacher]

Doug - Look who's speedy now?

[seuss]

Let us celebrate our BOP status!

At Calgary 70.3 this past weekend, I was 702/770, in my age group I was 111/115. I finished in 7:16:17.

That's right. I finished. While other men 35-39 were sleeping, watching TV, eating breakfast (and lunch ), etc., I was swimming, cycling, and running. Sure, I was doing it slowly by many people's standards, but I damn well did it.

So I hear what you are saying, because the perspective is shared. And I am extremely proud - of both of us!

p.s. - Spirit - I also won my AG one time by being the only person in my AG in the race. The gold medal hangs on my wall with the rest of my race medals!

ahem - if a certain someone actually posted a race report, some other someone could post a couple of photos that certain someone could be very proud of.

just sayin'...

[drghfx]

Great post Doug and congrats on the race!

[Joe Dwarf]

I dunno - there are a few quite quick people on here but mostly this is a support and advice board for recreational runners, right? So don't be shy about contributing. My other hobby is martial arts - I always tell the guys who hit a wall after a couple of years where they feel like they're going nowhere - "you are better than 99% of the people who start because you are still here". Keep showing up, keep at it - you are better than the quitters and never-starters, no matter how slow you are. Your motivation better be internal because if it's to be a world-beater, it ain't happening for any of us, the Robbie-Ts included.

[Jo-Jo]

Wow, I can't believe the replies t this thread! I a, very surprised - pleasantly - and taken aback by some of the responses posted here. There are so many positive replies here, which is great. Reading what Robbie T wrote was a surprise and an eye opener. It is interesting how so many of us feel the same way, whether we are BOP'ers or near the front. I am fascinated by the great times that are posted, and cannot believe the obstacles that so many of you have overcome, whether they were from injuries, from being overweight, personal/relationship issues or just 'stuff' from everyday life. Well done maniacs.
Thanks for the support, and keep up the great work everyone.

Excuse me, I have another race this Sunday that I must get ready for.

I've read all the posts (including the last ones )
Love all the posts.
And I agree...well done Maniacs.
Another round of Orange Kool Aid for All

As for me I'm in non-racing mode these days...and quite frankly lovin it. I think I needed a season where I needed to run just for the joy of running. My personal "aha" moment came when I got back from a Sunday long run and dh asked..."how did your run go" and I answered in an apologetic tone..."well it wasn't really long..it was only 12km" I then thought to myself.."how many women do you know who are in their 58th year who run 12km and feel guilty..cuz it wasn't really a long run". That's when I decided to have a Summer of Fun

[Joe Dwarf]

Just going on about my own comment about world-beaters, because I realize there actually are a couple who post here from time to time - Rick Ball comes to mind.

Anyhoo, my martial arts club isn't that dissimilar to here - a bunch of people who mostly started late in life, are in it for fun and aren't going to be competing at the top levels. But once a year we run a seminar and bring in some genuine world-beaters - national team members who contend for top spots at the world championships. Every last one of them has expressed amazement at the attitude of a bunch of people practicing hard for the sheer joy of it, without the serious competitive goals that they have. For some of these guys it isn't always that fun - it's just too much work, pressure, seriousness. But they come here and see the participation, the enthusiasm: they don't care at all what the level is - all they want to do is support that and help us out, whatever our goals are.

That's kind of how I see the top dogs here.

[AirForceRunner]

My personal "aha" moment came when I got back from a Sunday long run and dh asked..."how did your run go" and I answered in an apologetic tone..."well it wasn't really long..it was only 12km" I then thought to myself.."how many women do you know who are in their 58th year who run 12km and feel guilty..cuz it wasn't really a long run".

And you wonder why I've elevated you to 'personal hero' status. This (among other reasons) is why.

[trixiee]

Awesome report Doug! And way to start a really interesting, thought provoking thread! It sometimes feels funny to be caught in the world, of "slow" in comparison to some, "and holy sh!t, you biked/ran/swam how far? ". I post in the daily thread, because (mostly) if I say I'm going to do something, I do it!

[Spirit Unleashed]

As for me I'm in non-racing mode these days...and quite frankly lovin it. I think I needed a season where I needed to run just for the joy of running. My personal "aha" moment came when I got back from a Sunday long run and dh asked..."how did your run go" and I answered in an apologetic tone..."well it wasn't really long..it was only 12km" I then thought to myself.."how many women do you know who are in their 58th year who run 12km and feel guilty..cuz it wasn't really a long run". That's when I decided to have a Summer of Fun

Somewhat related to back of the pack (BOP) is other comparisons. I've had to realize that I'm not guilty (or less than anyone) if I "only" run ______ instead of (for instance) 100 miles. My time is mine and so is the rest of my exercise parameters.

I am healthy and fit. I want to be an athlete; and I no longer define "athlete" by anyone else's set of number.

But if you are fast: PLEASE share that with me! I love hearing about it.

[SteveF]

I like this thread. I try to read everyones reports. I always find something I can relate to or learn from, regardless of whether they're faster or slower than me. Everyone is motivated by different things and I find reading about someone elses successes, or failures for that matter, help keep things in perspective. Nobody should be embarassed by their speed, distances or goals. And sharing those experiences is the "community" part of this board. It would be pretty dull without them.

[Spirit Unleashed]

I realized this morning that it is not someone's time that impresses me (or not). Its how much heart they put into it. Sometimes a talented runner doesn't have to put their heart into it because it is so natural; while the ungifted plodder has to throw their heart over the bar just to finish.

I find this in the race reports. The speed demons and the plodders all share their hearts. This I like to read very much.

Its not the glory, its the guts!

[trixiee]

I realized this morning that it is not someone's time that impresses me (or not). Its how much heart they put into it. Sometimes a talented runner doesn't have to put their heart into it because it is so natural; while the ungifted plodder has to throw their heart over the bar just to finish.

I find this in the race reports. The speed demons and the plodders all share their hearts. This I like to read very much.

Its not the glory, its the guts!

You hit 'er right on the nail there UM!

[Jo-Jo]

I realized this morning that it is not someone's time that impresses me (or not). Its how much heart they put into it. Sometimes a talented runner doesn't have to put their heart into it because it is so natural; while the ungifted plodder has to throw their heart over the bar just to finish.

I find this in the race reports. The speed demons and the plodders all share their hearts. This I like to read very much.

Its not the glory, its the guts!

You hit 'er right on the nail there UM!

Well said Laura

[Spirit Unleashed]

I realized this morning that it is not someone's time that impresses me (or not). Its how much heart they put into it. Sometimes a talented runner doesn't have to put their heart into it because it is so natural; while the ungifted plodder has to throw their heart over the bar just to finish.

I find this in the race reports. The speed demons and the plodders all share their hearts. This I like to read very much.

Its not the glory, its the guts!

You hit 'er right on the nail there UM!

Well said Laura

I'm willing to bet JoJo that your Boston experience will be THE most memorable of you running career, no matter how many PBs or AGs you ever win. As we know, the time on that was not your best: but you scored really high on heart. If you go back to Boston, it won't be the same.

[militarybrat]

Excuse me, I have another race this Sunday that I must get ready for.

Doug, I looked for RunningMania Orange but must have missed you... How did you do?

Sylvie

[DougG]

I had the Barrie Baydogs tri top on today with my bright lime green hat . My placing wasn't great but I was very happy with my day(see my report). Too bad we didn't connect this morning.

[runlolarun]

I realized this morning that it is not someone's time that impresses me (or not). Its how much heart they put into it. Sometimes a talented runner doesn't have to put their heart into it because it is so natural; while the ungifted plodder has to throw their heart over the bar just to finish.

I find this in the race reports. The speed demons and the plodders all share their hearts. This I like to read very much.

Its not the glory, its the guts![/quote]

You hit 'er right on the nail there UM![/quote]

Well said Laura I'm willing to bet JoJo that your Boston experience will be THE most memorable of you running career, no matter how many PBs or AGs you ever win. As we know, the time on that was not your best: but you scored really high on heart. If you go back to Boston, it won't be the same.[/quote]

Yes to heart and moment. There are moments that we all hold close to our heart. Mine was finishing the Ottawa 1/2 in 2007 in 2:15 - I never could have believed it possible. Whether I am running or whether I am not, I stay with this forum - with all the encouragement here I am able to still believe that I am a runner, even if at times, it is only in my heart. All the stories inspire me here, that is why I log in every day. Laura is so correct, I am inspired by the guts of my friends and the guts of my running community which is RM.

Doug hope your day was fabulous.

[turd ferguson]

Everybody here inspires me in their own different way. Whether its by being fast, being strong, training hard, persevering, fighting through adversity, balancing life obligations.

The only people who don't inspire me are the people who don't try.

[Spirit Unleashed]

Racing is not just about the numbers. Its about the character of the person who generated the numbers and the journey of their soul...

[ceileigh]

I love reading the race reports on RM too. Speedy, BOP or somewhere in between I read about people who face their personal battles 'out there' and realize that it isn't the time we finish at that unites us but the desire to challenge ourselves, meet our goals, and break down the obstacles we face.

I am truly a BOP. I've knocked off a whole 13 minutes since my first half. To look at me I am a healthy individual ... I 'look like a runner' (or so I've been told). So people think I 'should' be faster. But I face issues people would never suspect. Through the many reports at RM I have learned how to set up and go for a running program that meets the need of my body. The result ... I am SLOW! But being a BOP'er has resulted in increased strength, improved health, and increased confidence as I achieve things I never ever thought I'd do in my life.

So how bad is it to be a BOP?