I understand that there is A LOT of controversy over slow runners partaking in ultras, marathons, and half marathons. There is now an overarching assumption that the sport of running has been weakened by those who aren't fast and/or elite.
As a slow runner I am not offended, but more disappointed that people see me for my speed instead of looking at my effort. I am out running 4 times a week. I have decreased my pace by 2 minutes per mile over the last year. And I have NEVER disrespected a race and have always pushed myself to be better.
I PAY to participate in races I know I have no chance of winning. I also cheer on those who are "fast" and look-up to runners who are considered elite. I recently saw a comment on a post out there in the Internet Universe that said something along the lines of "You aren't a true 'Runner' if you can't qualify for Boston." I may never qualify for Boston, but I do dream that maybe (one day years from now) I just might make it.
I feel like a lot of the controversy stems from the fact that running has no 'real' rules. Anyone can do it. The idea of calling a slow runner an "Athlete" (gasp) boggles the minds of many.
But the real question is, "what's the big deal?" As long as I am not in front of you in a race and I pull to the side when you're lapping me (yes I do) what is the problem? I never register for a race that I do not meet the pace/time requirements. So there should be no reason why the water stations have nothing left for me or that the volunteers are taking down the finish line before I cross.
I just ask for the same consideration from running companies, race organizers, and other runners that I give to them. Putting down the little (slow) guy isn't any way to increase profits, race registrations, or make friends.
I AM A RUNNER. Maybe a slow one... but who are you to judge?
**UPDATES**
A reader of HMR posted this link "Pearl Izumi Ads Separate the Runners From the Pussies… I Mean Joggers" explaining why Pearl is right in their campaign.<--- this blog post has since been deleted and has been replaced with a public apology "Pearl Izumi and Pussy Apology"
I do want to acknowledge something Vanessa said "Runners are runners. Runners KNOW they are runners. Runners are NOT defined by an ad campaign." She really is sincere in the fact that we shouldn't let others define us. As I stated above "Who are you to judge?" We know who we are and will not let othera define us!
To Vanessa (if you ever read this, which I doubt) keep strong! I may not have shared your view on the subject (100%) but I respect the idea that all people have different views on topics. Your intent at trying to tell people not to let a campaign define them was heard and I respected that.
Sincerely,
Me
Also...
Another reader, Elizabeth, received a response from Pearl after she sent them an email explaining her distaste for their marketing campaign and this is their response (also found below in the comments):
Dear Elizabeth,
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts about the Run like an Animal Marathon Ad. This is actually an Ad from 2010 that we decided not to run any longer; we are currently trying to discover where this ad was disseminated?! Please let us know where you saw this!
I apologize that the ad struck such a negative cord with you. Our only intention is to inspire runners to get out and run. This was never about being an elite athlete or the time you finish a race. This is about a state of mind. We want people to challenge themselves and test their limits. We want you to feel great about being a runner and we want to celebrate the human effort to push yourself to be as good as you can be. We consider anyone who is out there testing their limits and trying to be improve to a runner.
Please accept our sincere apology!
Sincerely,
Kody Riley
And also...
Elle posted a link to a public apology made today by Pearl. Here is what they said:
"Hey everyone, we really appreciate you taking the time to share you thoughts about the Run like an Animal Marathon ad. This is actually an Ad from 2010 that we decided not to run any longer; we are currently trying to discover where this ad was disseminated?! Please let us know where you saw this! I apologize that the ad struck such a negative cord with you. Our only intention is to inspire runners to get out and run. This was never about being an elite athlete or the time you finish a race. This is about a state of mind. We want people to challenge themselves and test their limits. We want you to feel great about being a runner and we want to celebrate the human effort to push yourself to be as good as you can be. We consider anyone who is out there testing their limits and trying to be improve to a runner. Please accept our sincere apology!"** Any other update or opinions I would love to see and share!**
You are a runner. No one can judge you. This whole issue is horrible. I can't understand the need for this type of marketing. I read somewhere that the elite runners (sub 3:15 finishers I think) only make up 10% of the field of marathon finishers. So, the rest of us make up 90%. I am sure the race directors would be pretty upset if we all stopped racing :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! It is surprising that people put the "slow" runners down when (in speculation) I think we probably make up the largest part of their consumer market.
Deletethe "slow" runners are making all the purchases. They are also encouraging the sport to grow, thereby increasing Pearl Izumi's revenues and profits! Seems like they are biting themselves in the butt by negating their customer base.
DeleteAlso, lets just remind ourselves that we can be athletes even if we are slow runners....we are still soooo much faster than everyone still sitting on their couch!
To me ( a couch potato trying to change my mind and ways) y'all are AMAZING and most definitely runners! How do you think the elite runners became elite??? Everyone had to start somewhere, and they won't use the products later if the company is horrible now. They (haters) may have taken the add (blog posts, etc...it all counts) down now, but it's still there that they once had those views. ANd, probably still do. So so unfortunate.
DeleteI'm new to running, I'm slow, and I'm offended. So far in the running community I've encountered nothing but encouragement and mutual respect. It's what drew me to it to begin with but for a company to put out such a discouraging add...its upsetting. Especially to someone with a goal of working up to a marathon.
ReplyDeleteI've emailed the USA division letting them know this too. I'd never heard of this company but you can be sure I will never buy anything from them.
I feel the same way. The running community is (for the most part) very encouraging and respectful. I think that by showing people such disrespect for their effort and achievements will ultimately backfire on their overall intentions of making the brand popular and successful. I think emailing the USA division is a great idea! And I am with you on not buying or endorsing anything that they sale.
DeleteJust wanted to give an update, I did receive a response from Pearl Izumi (sorry for the length)...
DeleteDear Elizabeth,
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts about the Run like an Animal Marathon Ad. This is actually an Ad from 2010 that we decided not to run any longer; we are currently trying to discover where this ad was disseminated?! Please let us know where you saw this!
I apologize that the ad struck such a negative cord with you. Our only intention is to inspire runners to get out and run. This was never about being an elite athlete or the time you finish a race. This is about a state of mind. We want people to challenge themselves and test their limits. We want you to feel great about being a runner and we want to celebrate the human effort to push yourself to be as good as you can be. We consider anyone who is out there testing their limits and trying to be improve to a runner.
Please accept our sincere apology!
Sincerely,
Kody Riley
kody riley | Interactive Marketing Manager
pearl iZUMi
1886 prairie way | louisville co, 80027
p: 303.464.6118 | f: 303.466.4237
kriley@pearlizumi.com
pure run… pure ride.
you should tell them - I saw it on the internet (you know, the place where nothing is ever deleted)
DeleteThat ad makes me sick to my stomach. Enough that I want to go home and burn the one item I have from Pearl Izumi.
ReplyDeleteHow could they come out with an advertisement like that and think it's okay? It doesn't matter how fast you run - if you can complete a marathon you are doing better than a large percentage of the American population.
I'm with you on the Boston Qualification - I'm an hour off from mine and really, yes, I'd love to BQ - I won't lie. But if I don't, I don't. I'm not going to stop running marathons because someone thinks my pace doesn't "respect the marathon."
I'm shaking my head right now...I'm still in shock over that ad. It's just awful.
This whole thing is just awful. If I owned a pair of Pearl Izumi I would be wanting to discard them also.
DeleteI think these types of ads and comments can make us feel inferior to other runners, but we just have to let this anger push us to be a better runner (mentally and physically).
I am offended by their advertisement. I am not a fast runner, and I use races as motivation to stay training. I love to race, their fun and the energy is amazing.
ReplyDeleteRaces are my excuse to get out the door when the baby is crying and the house needs cleaning. Sometimes mommy's need a reason to run. And I can't think of a better one!
DeleteThey say one thing...and then they say "as long as you give it your all" ....well, who decides whether we gave it our all? I know some runners who finish a half marathon in 1:30 and definitely did not push themselves. Me? I'm trying to break 2:15 and thats with all of my might (less getting injured). Seems like Pearl Izumi is talking out of two sides of their mouth.
ReplyDeleteThe real question is not the end result (speed or no speed) but did we push ourselves to go past our natural boundaries? For some, this means going super speedy....for some this may be simply finishing, gasping for air, at the sight of the sunset.
tsk tsk Pearl Izumi.
Couldn't have said it better
DeleteUgh. I remember when I first started running Pearl Izumi had another controversial ad. So this isn't new to them. And obviously the other one worked so they're doing it again.
ReplyDeleteThe whole thing is Bananas!
DeleteI didn't even continue reading - I will but I can't believe their ad campaign actually says that. Some people ARE racing when they finish in 5, 6 hours
ReplyDeleteRIDICULOUS - I wonder what Hal Higdon would say about this :P
ok read the rest and I wanted to share this quote that I once published on my blog - by Hal Higdon (in his book, Marathon)
ReplyDelete“In a marathon, except at the elite level, you do not beat others, as you might in a mile or a 100-meter dash. Instead, you achieve a personal victory. If others finish in front of or behind you, it is that their personal victories are more or less than yours. A person finishing behind you wit less talent or of a different age or sex or various other limiting factors may have achieved a far greater victory.”
enough said
And see...right there you erased all the bad feelings I was beginning to have about not being very fast yet.
DeleteThank you so much for posting that.
Awesome! I absolutely loved your comeback quote! Motivation at the best :)
DeleteHere is a tweet that they posted as a way of explanation
ReplyDeletehttp://twiffo.com/Uum
What do you think?
Thanks! Will post in the update section :)
DeletePearl Izumi's first Run Like an Animal ad had a similar message and was taken equally badly by some parts of the running community. I think the ad has some merit to it: anyone running a marathon should have trained and prepared for the distance, respect the distance, and be ready to leave everything on the course and run it to the best of their ability, whether it takes 6 hours or 3.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. I just wish that would have been the main message instead of the small print.
Delete