I’ve heard enough. I saw it referenced on a couple of blogs and then on Twitter, but last night at the beginning of a group run someone started discussing this article in the Wall Street Journal written by Reed Albergotti titled, “Fast Times for Jobless Runners.” Reed must have read the SeriousRunning.com blog on February 21st titled, “NYC Marathon Race Entry Fees Increase: Running is Recession Proof” where I analyzed why Marathons are recession proof and why there have been more entries in this down economy when I stated:
“…a lot of people have more time to train now that they do not have jobs or are working less because the economy is slow. What a perfect time to attain that goal you’ve always wanted to do.”
I’m so quotable that I quote myself. Now I know SeriousRunning.com blog is not mainstream media, but I run down main street baby, and know the pulse of America. Honestly, no one runs down Wall Street, running on gold sidewalks is terrible for your joints. SeriousRunning.com serves a cult of readers that are intelligent, inquisitive, interesting, and in-tertaining. How’s that for a little alliteration Mr. Probably Majored in English at some Private University…Street Journal? Well I majored in Economics with an emphasis in deductive reasoning. That’s how I determined that more people were running marathons in this bad economy because of job losses. I know, I didn’t interview three people and get one statistic that said marathon race times are increasing, so irresponsible of me. I’m just a blog, I’m not required to name my expert sources such as “Ray Gobis” or “Zach Goldman.” Honestly though Reed, you don’t think the fact that marathon entries have gone up is a sign that more people are running marathons? You’re right, it’s probably too directly related. Maybe a statistic like this one from Running USA, the leader in statistics about the business running which states, “Record number of U.S. marathons with 1,000 finishers or more; ING New York City again the largest ever; record 19 marathons worldwide with over 10,000 finishers” would work for you. Whatever though, quantifying statements is so time consuming.
At any rate, since I started this idea and discussion about jobless marathon runners, I’m going to take it one step further and finish it: People who run long distances such as marathons are typically more wealthy than the general population; therefore, when they lose their job they can take time to accomplish other goals before immediatley seeking new employment. Since statistics are apparently the “in” thing right now and I don’t have three random people to interview like Reed did, I researched the demographics of marathonguide.com users. As you can see about 70% of visitors (also known as marathon runners) are over 35, have a college education or higher, and make over 60K a year. Professionals that are old enough to have built enough wealth to not have to jump right into another job and also have enough education to be confident that they will find employment when they are ready to seek it. That’s why there are more marathon runners in this poor economy. Now, that’s what I call investigative journalism. Actually I didn’t have to investigate too much, marathonguide.com and SeriousRunning.com’s demographics are almost identical which gives more validity to this statistic. I feel so validated.
Honestly, all in all, decent article Reed. I’m just jealous that even though we may have the same ideas and I plug away day after day researching and writing about all things running, you write one article and your ideas get talked about and discussed 100 times more because of the broader reach you have in the Wall Street Journal. It’s ok though, I do it for the people. I’m kind of like the Robin Hood of running. Come run in my hood sometime Mr. Fancy Pants Reed Albergotti!
I know Reed Albergotti. You my friend, are no Reed Albergotti. (He’s much shorter).
You know Reed? Are you the one that told him about my concept and encouraged him to write about it? Well if you could, please tell Reed I challenge him to a race of any distance, any time, any place. If he’s shorter then he must be slower…
If he is shorter he must be real short….
That’s why all of the pictures I post are from the waist up, I’m just over 5 feet tall. If I was about half an inch shorter I’d legally be a midget. So close to handicap parking…
Seriousrunning.com: 1, Wall Street Journal: 0. Quantifying is so 2008.
[…] Wow, sounds like you are in desperate need of “help!” Well, that’s what I’m here for, to help. I mean, not using my expertise could create a moral hazard. First off, I like that you went to your local running shoe store to try out some running shoes. I recommend this for any runner who is unsure of what type of running shoes their feet need. However, if you know what kind of shoes you need, I suggest using SeriousRunning.com to get the best prices and the largest selection of running shoes. Too easy. As far as the Brooks Adrenalines, I like them, but I’m hearing too many people say that their running shoe store has fitted them for these shoes. I am beginning to wonder if Brooks is putting any incentives to running shoe stores to sell this brand. I may need to do some investigative journalism, Wall Street Journal. […]
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