General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Why so much hate for Ultra runners? Rss Feed  
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2011-01-28 9:13 AM

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Subject: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?
I frequently visit other running messageboards and have noticed a lot of bashing on ultra runners, and I am wondering why this is?  I don't get it. I understand everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but does it really matter if someone runs a 5k versus a 100 mile race and what time they finish in?  Aren't we all just runners?  Hopefully this will lead to some sort of meaningful discussion.  Thanks

-Kevin


2011-01-28 9:49 AM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?
It's really no different than the comments that fly about triathletes not being "real" cylcists/swimmers/runners.  People say negative about what they don't/can't do themselves.  I'm sure you see it on other sports as well with all the variations that have popped up over the years but unless you're a part of the sport, you don't really hear about them.
2011-01-29 2:53 PM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?
I can't imagine what someone can say negative about ultra runners.  All of those I know are wonderfully supportive to other runners, slow or fast.
2011-01-31 1:05 AM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?
The ultra community is SO friendly. I LOVE it. I don't understand the bashing. To each his own.
2011-02-01 6:28 AM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?
i think the only people who hate ultra runners are runners who cant run 50-100 miles, but want to be able to really,really bad.
2011-02-02 6:34 PM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?
Perhaps those who go long may inadvertently be dismissive of shorter races and offend those who do shorter distances. I know I've done this.



2011-02-04 4:23 PM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?
enginerd - 2011-02-02 7:34 PM Perhaps those who go long may inadvertently be dismissive of shorter races and offend those who do shorter distances. I know I've done this.



I'm guilty of this once, but I was pretty clear about kidding and very supportive of their race.
2011-02-04 11:50 PM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?
It is just cuz your insane - Ultras Sheesh
2011-02-05 8:14 AM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?

carrie1 - 2011-02-04 5:23 PM
enginerd - 2011-02-02 7:34 PM Perhaps those who go long may inadvertently be dismissive of shorter races and offend those who do shorter distances. I know I've done this.



I'm guilty of this once, but I was pretty clear about kidding and very supportive of their race.

So it' YOUR FAULT!!!     

I agree with those who say ultra runners are some of the nicest, most helpful people around. I've never heard/seen any "hate" talk. 

2011-02-06 4:11 PM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?
It is because you get to eat a whole pizza during a race.  All those 5k runners are always hungry and thus grouchy.
2011-02-07 8:52 PM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?
pga_mike - 2011-02-06 4:11 PM

It is because you get to eat a whole pizza during a race.  All those 5k runners are always hungry and thus grouchy.


hahaha!!!


2011-02-13 5:56 PM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?
pga_mike - 2011-02-06 5:11 PM It is because you get to eat a whole pizza during a race.  All those 5k runners are always hungry and thus grouchy.


LOVE this quote!  I'm totally stealing it! 

People bash what they don't understand.  I'm totally in awe of those capable of running a hundred miler (or 50 for that matter  One of these days.....  
2011-02-13 9:36 PM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?
When I used to run ultras @10yrs ago, there was often criticism from the shorter distance crowd about the way folks in general ran ultras - i.e. walking a lot, stopping to eat or change shoes or clothes, etc. (basically time spent NOT running = not real runners)

Personally I just let it all blow by - I did ultras because I loved being out there and loved the ultra community. Maybe one of these days I'll actually manage to do one again!

so what kind of bashing takes place these days?
2011-02-14 9:56 AM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?

annabananamc - 2011-02-13 10:36 PM When I used to run ultras @10yrs ago, there was often criticism from the shorter distance crowd about the way folks in general ran ultras - i.e. walking a lot, stopping to eat or change shoes or clothes, etc. (basically time spent NOT running = not real runners) Personally I just let it all blow by - I did ultras because I loved being out there and loved the ultra community. Maybe one of these days I'll actually manage to do one again! so what kind of bashing takes place these days?

My guess is "Not really that much" - but the squeaky wheels get the grease, right?

or

My guess is "Not really that much" - but we've all got to be annoyed at something, right?

2011-02-15 8:57 AM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?
annabananamc - 2011-02-13 9:36 PM When I used to run ultras @10yrs ago, there was often criticism from the shorter distance crowd about the way folks in general ran ultras - i.e. walking a lot, stopping to eat or change shoes or clothes, etc. (basically time spent NOT running = not real runners)


I heard this very conversation at the gym the other day between 3 guys in the locker room.  However, the generalization was made regarding Triathletes instead of Ultra runners.
2011-03-06 4:24 AM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?
I think ultra runners and trail runners are WAY NICER than road racers and DOUBLE WAY NICER than triathletes. At least on race day. In my experience, they are more out there for the experience, to test limits, they are more respectful of the terrain, kinds to newbies, less impressed by fancy gear, and ironically, WAY more humble and low key.


2011-03-08 12:24 PM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?

possum - 2011-03-06 5:24 AM I think ultra runners and trail runners are WAY NICER than road racers and DOUBLE WAY NICER than triathletes. At least on race day. In my experience, they are more out there for the experience, to test limits, they are more respectful of the terrain, kinds to newbies, less impressed by fancy gear, and ironically, WAY more humble and low key.

x2!

I would guess the criticism comes from people who don't participate in ultra's.

2011-03-11 3:39 AM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?
This discussion reminds me of an article I read several years ago bashing people who weren't "fast" marathoners. ("Running With Slowpokes - How Sluggish Newbies Ruined the Marathon" by Gabriel Sherman). It infuriated me. They guy totally misses all the benefits of training for endurance events regardless of a person's ability: health, comradarie, personal goal setting, race day fun, etc.

http://www.slate.com/id/2149867/

2011-03-15 1:27 PM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?

just for the record, i kinda stumbled in here to this thread, as a short course triathlete that is turning into a  bike racer more and more, i personally think Ultra runners are total bad azzes, anyone that can run for the time and distances you guys do is something to be admired and awed by.

 

don't listen to the haters

 

Keep up the incredible work!!



Edited by Rudedog55 2011-03-15 1:29 PM
2011-03-18 3:06 PM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?
Rudedog55 - 2011-03-15 1:27 PM

just for the record, i kinda stumbled in here to this thread, as a short course triathlete that is turning into a  bike racer more and more, i personally think Ultra runners are total bad azzes, anyone that can run for the time and distances you guys do is something to be admired and awed by.

 

don't listen to the haters

 

Keep up the incredible work!!

 

Oh no, listen, and use that hate as motivation...

2011-04-11 3:58 PM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?
I have done one 56K trail run on top on the regular marathon fair, so I am far from being an 'ultra' myself. I think the hate is really jusy an envy. Like when someone passes you when you are going as fast as you can on a weekend run, oh c'mon, you know the feeling. Having said that I do agree with prev. comment on not doing shorter races. If I am flying, 'hotelling', and paying for the race, why would I go half???


2011-04-12 10:22 AM
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Subject: RE: Why so much hate for Ultra runners?
ditchdoc - 2011-03-18 2:06 PM

Oh no, listen, and use that hate as motivation...

My motivation comes from within, there's no reason to keep hate around. Wink

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