LOLZLetter 290 | Why are Some Runners So Entitled?
Plus, bigish LOLZLetter news
Welcome,
The Santa Monica Classic is one of my favorite races of the year. This year, they changed the course, but it’s still a challenging slog through the heat and dog days of September. I look forward to it every year, but while I didn't feel great this time around, I still had a good time with friends.
This year, they had to shorten the race from a 10k to a 5k due to the heat. At first, I was disappointed because it wasn’t "the same" race. But then again, I wasn’t too upset because the 10k is tough, thanks to the combination of heat and hills. Even with the shortened distance, we got to enjoy the race day vibe, just with a 5k instead.
The thing is, race organizers are usually runners themselves. They know what it’s like to put in the long, grueling hours of training. They don’t cancel or change races to "cheat" us. This year, when they made the call to keep the event but shorten the distance and move the start time earlier, it was a good compromise. It allowed us to still experience the event while prioritizing safety.
When races are canceled or adjusted, it's not like race directors are profiting off it. By the time a last-minute decision is made, all the medals, food, and shirts have already been paid for. It's not about money or convenience—it's about safety.
This brings me to my point: some runners feel entitled to a perfect race experience, no matter what. Not all, of course and not even the majority of runners. When you sign up for a race, you agree to a waiver acknowledging that things can change—whether it’s the weather, the course, or even the event itself. Why haven’t we learned this yet, especially after the pandemic?
If you can't handle that risk, maybe racing isn’t for you. There’s always the option to run a marathon in your neighborhood on your own terms, with no surprises. But organized races come with variables, and that’s part of the challenge.
It’s easy to get caught up in our goals and expectations, especially when we’ve trained for months for a specific race. Running isn’t just about achieving a goal time. Is it really worth risking your health just to stick to a plan? Let’s be honest—nobody’s hitting their PR in dangerously high temperatures anyway.
Race directors aren’t out to sabotage our plans; they’re trying to keep us safe. Still, I’ve seen more and more complaints from runners when things don’t go as planned. Remember when Big Sur had to change the course because the road literally collapsed? Or when the San Francisco Half was canceled due to dangerous weather? Both races faced backlash from runners who felt "cheated" out of the experience. I've heard of people make death threats on social media because their race was canceled. Realy? It’s that sense of entitlement that always surprises me.
When we sign up for races, we know anything could happen. So why are we shocked when it does? The pandemic should’ve taught us the importance of being flexible. And if the uncertainty of racing bothers you, you can always run solo.
In the end, it’s freeing to let go of the need for everything to go perfectly. Yes, we all want the ideal race day. But running is about more than just the finish line. It’s about the training, experience, and community. If the course changes or the distance is cut in half, does it really take away from why we run in the first place?
So, next time a race doesn’t go as planned, ask yourself: Is it really about the race, or is it about the experience? Can we let go of our entitlement and enjoy the day for what it is? And ultimately, why do we run at all?
Would love to hear your thoughts.
Big News for the LOLZLetter:
After some coaxing from friends, I have decided to open the paid subscriber option for the newsletter. If you feel inclined, you can go into the settings on the home page, select this newsletter, and switch to a paid subscription. There will always be a free option, but I finally admitted how long it takes to write the newsletter each week. I've set the pricing at $5 per month or $30 per year. I wanted to make it $1 per month or $10 per year, but Substack said the minimum was $5/$30.
And of course, you are not obligated, and the LOLZLetter will continue as it is. I’m not going to put the posts behind a paywall. Anyway, thank you if you decide to become a paid subscriber. I know there are millions of things trying to catch your eye to subscribe too.
What is Keeping Me Entertained?
Arena Powerskin Carbon Glide Open Back Review
TRISWIM Chlorine Removal Body Wash Review
Conquer the Bridge 5.3 Race Recap (37:58/7:07)
Outrage and sorrow at death of Ugandan athlete Cheptegei: Cheptegei was set on fire by her spouse and suffered 80% burns. It is also reported her daughters witnessed the assault.
Episode Leadville 100: How Mary Denholm Trained, Fueled, and Lived to Win the 2024 Race: I enjoyed this podcast. Mary is a friend and I appreciate how she has been so open with her fueling.
I'm a runner, cyclist, triathlete, and I'm also old enough to remember "the good old days" when we had to cut our own race lane in the ice before starting the first triathlon of the season, walked uphill both ways to school, etc.. A few weeks ago I participated in the "last" IMCanada in Penticton, where the swim was shortened, lengthened, then cancelled outright due to the combined air/water temperature.
Am I disappointed, sure. Was it something I had control over, nope.
Totally agree that race directors, officials, volunteers, are all out there for our safety, first and foremost. The risk-climate has changed; race insurance has changed. Given the tragedies of IM Ireland, Lake Placid... there's a list somewhere, I'm sure... these decisions are hard to make, hard to swallow. You wanna do something about it? Better be fully informed before stepping up to that plate!
Wanna complain? Sure, find yourself a sympathetic shoulder. Wanna threaten someone? Go report yourself to the nearest police station, dumba$$. Ain't nobody else got time for that nonsense.
As a runner since HS 1970-1974 now old and still running with a new hip . But slowwwww…. I never understood the new old runner . If they shortened a race or canceled a race back in the day we would be great !! I don’t have to race today and would then go out and get a long run in ;))) Today there are way too many things that runners don’t need for a run . Put on ya shoes and go out your front door without your phone or watch or gels or water or directions of where to run and for how long . Go run.