We are not elites, but we are also not the norm. Who are we?

John Kilpatrick wrote:Thanks for the topic Kenny and thanks for the sentiment, Nick. I agree with everything you said.

Stephanie - I am a newbie as well and appreciate the opportunity to learn from everyone - you included! I also agree with Nick that I look up to everyone here - a lot. I don't know and probably can't pronounce the names of many of the elites - my elites are the Jims, Michaels, Gobbles, Schueys, Mikes, Kenny’s, Matts,
Randys, Marks, Toms, Seths, Julies, Micheles, Gregs, Nicks, Chris’, Natalies, Lisas, etc. of the world. I feel very lucky to have this group of folks to lean on.

I don't know if this is true, but being what the world calls an elite is probably determined in large part by genetics. Being what I consider elite is the heart that people put into what they are doing. Dave breaking 2:30 would be an incredible feat - not because it would impress any Kenyans, but because we all can see how hard he is working towards the goal. Same for a bunch of others here. I'm proud to be a part...

Nick Morris wrote:

Kenny B. wrote:

Nick Morris wrote:I think that everyone wants to strive for excellence and be the best runner that they can be. I think that we all are working hard and in my mind we are all elites in our own way. Some of us have families and we still manage to get our runs in. Some of us have stressful jobs, but we still manage to get our runs in. I think it is great the things that we can do, when we really want to. Everyone should be proud of the work that they put in day in and day out.

If you think about the runners on this forum it really is quite amazing. I mean Daily Mile and other forums have great dedicated runners but it seems this place actually helps create them. Don't you think?

Most definitely! I think that the comradery here matches no other site out there.

Alex Kubacki wrote:I know I'd likely be injured and definintely clueless with my training if it wasn't for this site. Plus it's just nice to communicate with others who get the running thing as most everyone I know really could care less.