The athletics/running thread

[Lofthouse Lower]

If he's running in the 'abled' race, then Bolt should be allowed to run in the Paralympics

A few years back there was a shitstorm in Golf because Annika Sorenstam had been invited to play in a men's competition. My opinion on that one was that it's fine as long as she plays off of the same tees.

Outbursts by Singh and Price though were absolutely nothing short of misogynistic.

Correct. Either do it properly or not at all.

I fully respect him for taking part, but not for being a flouncing girl

[TANGODANCER]

A few years back there was a shitstorm in Golf because Annika Sorenstam had been invited to play in a men's competition. My opinion on that one was that it's fine as long as she plays off of the same tees. Outbursts by Singh and Price though were absolutely nothing short of misogynistic.

That about sums it up. Equality and no obvious advantages/disadvantages are the reasons for competitions being fair in professional sport. In It's still a tough question though where you define things in this case, qualifying times/performances etc are usually the reasons people are chosen for Olympic representation. There are always exceptional performers in every sport, Bolt, Woods etc, it's a case of if you're good enough,enter. Woudn't like to be the final judge on this one though.

[Harry Genshaw]

Pistorius shouldn't be allowed to run in the Olympics imo.

With regards to the Paralympics, not wishing to sound unsympathetic but it seems to me it gets way too much coverage and prestige than what it's worth, and I fail to see the attraction in watching it. It's like womens footy, well done and all that for having a go, but I like to see the proper event with athletes being the very best they can be in their field.

[Bruce Rioja]

but I like to see the proper event with athletes being the very best they can be in their field.

Sorry, are medal winning disabled athletes not "the very best they can be in their field"?

[Gooner Girl]

Pistorius shouldn't be allowed to run in the Olympics imo.

With regards to the Paralympics, not wishing to sound unsympathetic but it seems to me it gets way too much coverage and prestige than what it's worth, and I fail to see the attraction in watching it. It's like womens footy, well done and all that for having a go, but I like to see the proper event with athletes being the very best they can be in their field.

Huh. A tad patronising, Harry...

Well done team GB for finally managing to get the baton round the track without dropping it...

[Gooner Girl]

Awww,!he's cute Tango. Bet he struggled in the deep snow we had last year though?!

Loves the stuff, not much cop at running though. Then again, neither am I these days.

Awww, he's practically up to his shoulders in the snow...

[Harry Genshaw]

but I like to see the proper event with athletes being the very best they can be in their field.

Sorry, are medal winning disabled athletes not "the very best they can be in their field"?

I suppose so, fair point. Just that for me it's a much lesser event than the main gig and so less interesting imo.

[Harry Genshaw]

Pistorius shouldn't be allowed to run in the Olympics imo.

With regards to the Paralympics, not wishing to sound unsympathetic but it seems to me it gets way too much coverage and prestige than what it's worth, and I fail to see the attraction in watching it. It's like womens footy, well done and all that for having a go, but I like to see the proper event with athletes being the very best they can be in their field.

Huh. A tad patronising, Harry...

Well done team GB for finally managing to get the baton round the track without dropping it...

Sorry GG

How fast was the Jamaican fella on the last leg?

[Verbal]

Going back in for the 2hr 30mins hell session tonight...90 mins boxing, one hour of aerobics and conditioning.

I'd had a chicken sandwich all day.

Nearly passed out in the second class.

Instructor told me to MTFU and eat more next time..

Fair enough really

[Bruce Rioja]

but I like to see the proper event with athletes being the very best they can be in their field.

Sorry, are medal winning disabled athletes not "the very best they can be in their field"?

I suppose so, fair point. Just that for me it's a much lesser event than the main gig and so less interesting imo.

Sorry mate. I agree entirely but just couldn't let it pass in the way that you presented it.

As Pencilbiter said some years ago; we're all in favour of equal opportunities, but how come some dude at BBC Television thinks that we might all want to come home from work and relax on the sofa to watch dwarves swimming?

[Gooner Girl]

Pistorius shouldn't be allowed to run in the Olympics imo.

With regards to the Paralympics, not wishing to sound unsympathetic but it seems to me it gets way too much coverage and prestige than what it's worth, and I fail to see the attraction in watching it. It's like womens footy, well done and all that for having a go, but I like to see the proper event with athletes being the very best they can be in their field.

Huh. A tad patronising, Harry...

Well done team GB for finally managing to get the baton round the track without dropping it...

Sorry GG

How fast was the Jamaican fella on the last leg?

Hmmmm. I'll take you on at football and change your mind. (but not at running up mountains.)

That Jamaican was very fast. Thought GB might actually win it...

[thebish]

I'd had a chicken sandwich all day.

must have been an enormous sandwich!

[Verbal]

I'd had a chicken sandwich all day.

must have been an enormous sandwich!

I had an internet fiver on you being the first to make that joke. Honestly.

[thebish]

I'd had a chicken sandwich all day.

must have been an enormous sandwich!

I had an internet fiver on you being the first to make that joke. Honestly.

I'd hate to disappoint!

[Gooner Girl]

How was todays race Gary? New pb?

[Gary the Enfield]

How was todays race Gary? New pb?

I did it in just under 45 minutes. Not as fast as last week but a much hillier, muddier cross country type route. I last did this two years ago and was over a minute better. So yes, very pleased. How was the swim?

[Gooner Girl]

Taken a minute off?! Well done!

Swim was very nice thanks! (though not much actual swimming was done...)

Currently debating whether i should get off my arse and go for a run round the village...

[Gooner Girl]

Back from my run, just over 5 miles done. Not fast, but i don't think i had ran over 3.5m since having the twins so am chuffed. May yet shed the last few baby related pounds!

[Gary the Enfield]

Back from my run, just over 5 miles done. Not fast, but i don't think i had ran over 3.5m since having the twins so am chuffed. May yet shed the last few baby related pounds!

Well done.

[Bruce Rioja]

Can I just point out to you running types that I did a DEAD BIG walk this weekend?