Mo Runnin
A Simple Way To Improve The Quality Of Running
Dick Quax(NZ), Robert De Castella(AU), Steve Prefontaine(US) and Me, all doing our best to support the marathon mo.
Disclaimer: This is just a humerous post, trying to have a bit of fun.
How's this for a reality check - The Australia's marathon record for men hasn't been broken since 1986!
Thats not all, the average finishing times accross the board have been getting slower and not just in Australia. In the US the average finish time for a marathon was 4:40 in 2016, this was 4:20 back in 1996. There has been a massive rise in the number of runners over the years. Research suggests there is almost four times as many marathon runners in the US today, compared to the 1980's.
But despite the massive growth in the sport, it seems that fewer of the runners joining in and running marathons, less are actually getting really good at it. Back in the 70's and 80's, top amature runners held down a day job while still making selection for the Olympics. We can also see that tougher marathons that require a qualification time like Boston, we have also seen the finishing times in these races also decline.
Could it simply be a cultural change that running is no longer considered cool or a true path for a professional sports person, or are there the paths available for them to persue it as a career. Or are there less role models for younger runners to aspire to.
When you look closer into the statistics many suggest the level of deteriorating health to be a major correlation in the slowing in race times. Researchers at RunRepeat have found a direct correlation in the rate of obesety.
This is just one of the theories to why Australian marathoners are getting slower. Another is there is simply more choices of sports these days compared to the 1970's and 1980's, with some of those sports paying a lot more money than marathoning does, even at the amature level. Others suggest the massive success of the African nations at running events. They have continually broken world marathon records which has pushed Australians and Americans back in the field. This would also suggest that this would no longer be an enticing event as you are no longer going to be competitive.
One correlations that has been investigated further, which I think could not only entice more people to take up running, but also encourage runners to take on the rest of the world:
The decline in male running times, also correlates with the decline in runners having a moustache.
I am glad to finally get this off my chest. There is so much more to having moustache though. Many used car sales man, porn stars, cricketers have made a career for themselves and been noticed not just because of their hard work, competitiveness, skill but also their hairy lip.
A moustache creates cool, respect and something to aspire to. Just like I've put my money where my mouth is, I think it's time to bring back the marathon mo!
I think you may be on to something here :)
Oh my god, this is totally hilarious. I had never considered the correlation between running times and tashes. Makes total sense though; I think the success of 80s cricketers was largely due to this facial hair phenomenon. I look forward to future running updates on how yours is going and your performance times. Hopefully it won't cause any drag.
It might catch on cause kit is a lot easier than training harder...but didn't think about the drag it might cause.
Regards @run.vince.run
Hahaha man, this is the best.
I'm in Portland Oregon, and so everyone is all about Steve Prefontaine... and his mo. Not that I'm one to talk, but you might need to also lose the glasses and grow a dank wild mop. You can do it... I believe in you!
Hahaha, I wish I could run half as fast as him...Will try my best.
Hi run.vince.run,
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As long as you don't start suggesting the lady 'stache to improve women's times, then I'm with you. ;)
hahaha...Yeah that would be difficult for a lot of women.