Without a ball or a modicum of violence, the idioms of American sport, the marathon has never quite caught on with the public as primarily a sporting… Read more “A Pleasurable Difficulty: Reading the Marathon”
Category: Commentary
ALL SYSTEMS GO: JOHN KORIR RETURNS TO DEFEND IN BOSTON
Now 29 and a three-time major champion, Kenya’s John Korir will attempt to defend his Boston Marathon title next Monday in the 130th running of the great… Read more “ALL SYSTEMS GO: JOHN KORIR RETURNS TO DEFEND IN BOSTON”
The $150,000 Glass Ceiling: Why Marathoners Aren’t “Real” Pros to the Public
With the NCAA’s March Madness at full fever, the spring marathon season is nearly upon us. Boston and London are just weeks away. The streets will be… Read more “The $150,000 Glass Ceiling: Why Marathoners Aren’t “Real” Pros to the Public”
From Mickey Mouse to Mega-Marathons: How We Lost the Street Then Found Each Other Again
In the mid‑1950s in St. Ann, Missouri, my world was St. Girard Lane. You didn’t need a park permit or a race bib to belong; you just… Read more “From Mickey Mouse to Mega-Marathons: How We Lost the Street Then Found Each Other Again”
When “Neutral” Feels Like Nonsense: Why the Olympic Ban on Russia and Belarus Falls Flat
The Winter Olympics are well underway, and once again we’re talking about “Individual Neutral Athletes” (AINs) from Russia and Belarus. For many, myself included, this designation feels… Read more “When “Neutral” Feels Like Nonsense: Why the Olympic Ban on Russia and Belarus Falls Flat”
THE COST OF GREAT EXPECTATIONS
America’s Ilia Malinin stepped onto Olympic ice in Milan carrying not just a five-point lead after his win in the short program, but a sense of inevitability.… Read more “THE COST OF GREAT EXPECTATIONS”
When Is Enough Enough? — The Case for Running’s 5% Reinvestment Plan
This week, two studies were released that together tell a familiar and troubling narrative about American health—but they also present the running industry with a unique opportunity… Read more “When Is Enough Enough? — The Case for Running’s 5% Reinvestment Plan”
The Running–Beer Paradox: A Tradition Under Pressure?
As 2025 hands off to 2026, the scene repeats itself at finish lines across the country: runners coming through the chutes, medals around their necks, while beer… Read more “The Running–Beer Paradox: A Tradition Under Pressure?”
The New Endurance Era: From “Foot Soldiers” to Social Seekers
Happy Boxing Day to all. Toya shared an article with me this morning that caught my attention, and perhaps will catch yours as well. It came from Athletechnews.com,… Read more “The New Endurance Era: From “Foot Soldiers” to Social Seekers”
Remembering the Good Old Days: Happy 78th, Boston Billy.
Patriots Day 1978, the Boston Marathon, back when the fields were still growing, but small enough where, as our friend Norma Friedman once said, “We knew the… Read more “Remembering the Good Old Days: Happy 78th, Boston Billy.”
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