Over the weekend, I saw via ESPN’s Twitter feed that Belgian runner Stefaan Engels set a Guinness World Record after crossing the finish line of his 365th consecutive marathon. That’s right, for one full year, Stefaan dedicated his life to running a marathon per day. From the ESPN article:
Engels, dubbed the “Marathon Man,” began the extreme physical challenge a year ago in Barcelona. He competed a race a day in seven countries: Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the U.S.
Ok. Now, as an avid runner who has completed 5 marathons and thoroughly enjoys the training, race day atmosphere, and sense of accomplishment associated with an endurance event, I whole-heartedly embrace the idea of challenging ones’ self with difficult goals. I also firmly believe that a race, be it a local 5k, charity bike race, or marathon, is an excellent catalyst to develop a workout routine as a component of a healthy, balanced life. Further, the encouragement and excitement than accompanies a race can be a powerful draw to interest people in fitness and running, as are the sights of inspirational runners that range from combat veterans, to super-seniors, to public servants.
Yet, in my opinion, Stefaan’s words, and example, accomplish none of these goals. To quote Stefaan:
“Engels told The Associated Press that he did it as a personal challenge and to be an example for others. “After running 20 triathlons in one year, I was not ready to go back to normal life,” he said. “I also wanted to inspire people by showing that if I could run a marathon a day for an entire year, that anyone could run or bike a little each day or do something about their weight problem.”
Here is where my issue with Stefaan arises, when he starts talking about being “an example for others.” Let’s break this down.
First, “I was not ready to go back to normal life.” While it must be nice to just be able to flit away for a year, hop around 7 countries, and just run, its wholly unrealistic (and hopefully undesirable – more on this in a second) for nearly everyone on earth. This escapist mentality itself is divorced from reality and something most cannot identify with. To pretend that anything about this achievement sets an example for others is immature and self-centered.
Second, the “if I can [run 365 marathons in a year], than anyone can…do something about their weight problem” quote. Really, Stefaan? If I’m (a) overweight, or (b) very sedentary, you think that me seeing you run a marathon a day is going to inspire me? From personal experience, I know my friends (who are themselves in shape and fitness oriented) already think I’m nuts to have run 5 marathons over the past 6 years. The idea that this incredibly aggressive and outrageous fitness stunt is going to inspire someone to begin a daily exercise routine is ludicrous. All it does it make people even more intimidated to start by making it seem hard. Exercise is all about establishing a manageable routine within the confines of normal life and 26.2 x 365 ain’t it.
Third, as I tweeted yesterday, “moderation bro.” Yes, exercise is good for you. Is running four hours per day good for you? Sure isn’t. Nevermind the physical toil of that routine, focusing on any single aspect of life that thoroughly is unhealthy. While we all have our stretches where one aspect of life must dominate, fighting to return to a more balanced distribution is important. Stefaan’s example is decidedly unbalanced and not something to be emulated.
Look, as a runner, I have immense respect for the physical and mental toughness (nevermind the logistical coordination to simply line up that many races in a row) that Stefaan clearly possesses. I also think establishing and accomplishing a really difficult goal is a wonderful personal achievement. But, Stefaan, leave the rest of us out of this. If you wanted to help people, you could have raised money and/or awareness for any number of worthy causes. You did this for yourself and to pretend this is anything other than a self-centered quest for publicity and a Guinness World Record is disingenuous.
Pursuits... 