2007 has turned out to be a year with many incredible performances in distance running, a sport which is making leaps forward with continually growing enthusiasm. This is partially due to the resurgence in performances of recent years. If you are a distance running fan, this is a great time for our country. There are many men and women inspiring some of us mortals to get out there, train harder, and live better.
Running USA, a non-profit association “dedicated to serve and facilitate the growth of all aspects and entities of running and its health and fitness benefits,” has been a much needed backbone to the development of the sport since 1999. Every year they recognize great performances. This year there were many! Of which, I’m grateful to receive an honorable mention in “The 10 Best Moments for Distance Running in 2007″ for my Spartathlon victory. (Last year I was honored with a #8 ranking for my win in the same event.)
It is an honor to be recognized as an individual, but more so for the sport of ultrarunning. This year ultrarunning saw two performances garner honorable mention. The second was the bronze medal earned by the US team at the IAU 100K World Cup. My hat goes off to the team, which included Howard Nippert, Greg Crowther and Chad Rickleffs.
Also a big congratulations to Greg Crowther for receiving USAT&F’s Ultrarunner of the Year award for 2007. Greg is a relative newcomer to ultrarunning and has posted some great results. He won both the 50K and 100K USAT&F Road Championships, PR’d at the 100K World Cup, and posted a strong result at Miwok 100K. I’ve been fortunate to train with Greg last year during my preparations for the 100K champs. Look for more to come from Greg!
Where do you get off using the term “us mortals”?
Yeah, us mortals? Pwew. Everyone knows the correct term is monkeys. Or, as in the case above, morons, but I digress.
BFT
I was a bit surprised by Ted’s response, but I guess my implication may have been unclear. I was suggesting that Scott certainly doesn’t qualify. Then again you’re a far more accomplished runner than I am, so maybe Scott appears more mortal from your perspective.
If we are incarnated, we are by definition a muggle; however, we can aspire to be gods, and, at times, attain amazing heights, some much more than others, but in the end, there is a end, and with that, we all are equal.
For those who inspire us to test our own limits and push our own boundaries, to them honor is certainly deserved, and should be given, and yes, even a kind of immortality is touched and passed into the future with great success in great deeds.
So, yes, I would say your implication was unclear. Where do you get off on directly addressing a god?
BFT