Wittenberg weighs in on the "plodders" debate

Mary Wittenberg, CEO and President of the New York Road Runners (NYRR), has weighed in on the continuing debate about the role of the "plodders" in the marathon. Her response is excellent and captures what I believe is the heart of the marathon: a distance that humbles you; a distance that requires focus, dedication, and perseverance; and a distance that, when conquered by you, empowers you.

You can read her full comment by following this link: "Wittenberg: Plodder debate misses the point". Here are a few excerpts from Wittenberg's response that are particularly compelling:

"To us, it’s about conquering the distance and conquering self doubt. The marathon is about dreaming to achieve and putting in all the work to make that dream reality. That quest, and the runner's ultimate success, routinely changes people’s lives in rich and meaningful ways. Our runners, no matter the pace, typically overcome all kinds of hurdles and challenges to reaching the marathon finish line. It is that ability to persevere that translates to other parts of their lives. Making them stronger and better for the pursuit – well beyond improved physical fitness."

"A marathoner is a marathoner regardless of time. Virtually everyone who tries the marathon has put in training over months, and it is that exercise and that commitment, physical and mental, that gives meaning to the medal, not just the day’s effort, be it fast or slow. It’s all in conquering the challenge. Ask any marathoner you meet in NYC on Monday, November 2."

We couldn't have said it better ourselves. Thanks, Mary Wittenberg, for expressing so eloquently what many of us not-so-swift runners feel.

Now, who wants to go for a run?