Has Runners World Forum died? - Page 5 - Clubhouse

Canute

05/06/2012 at 14:37

On this thread. There have been references to middle class women and chavs, references which I have interpreted as negative. This raises the question of the socio-economic profile of RW forum users, runners in general and within types of event, are there comparisons to be drawn. Looking around me on the start line of various events I suggest that the cross section is skewed in various ways. Also there are changes over time... having taken a break from running, the proportion of women taking part in small town 10Ks seems to have gone through the roof. This is excellent news for the health of the nation and for medical charities (not wishing to stereotype). How much of this can be traced back to Race for Life? Are there female posters out there who were inspired in this way?

SuperCaz

05/06/2012 at 14:41

My first race was a Race for Life, but it wasn't the reason I took up running. Instead I started running and then looked for a goal to aim for and the advert for the Race for Life happened to be stuck on the noticeboard at the gym.

My second race was a local 10k that was also advertised on the same noticeboard.

Canute

05/06/2012 at 14:44

Goals do help motivate training. Your 10K, were you sponsored?

Red Squirrel.

05/06/2012 at 14:45

I don't like segregation and for that reason, I don't like the exclusion of men from races for life.

kittenkat

pirate

05/06/2012 at 14:46

I started racing cos I was good at it

been running for years without racing.

Canute

05/06/2012 at 14:51

Sorry Red Squirrel, can't go along with that. I understand the principle of what you are saying, but sometimes you have to make exceptions... Race for Life is such an important event/charity, it motivates so many women to get involved... sometimes there is a case for positive discrimination. You know what, if you want to get involved you can (as I did) run any event for Cancer research UK, they provide a very fetching pink runnning vest.

Saffy Sweety Pea

05/06/2012 at 14:52

Yep, I started running cos I trained to take part in a RFL that I'd been talked into by a work colleague who already ran. I discovered I really enjoyed it and I'm still running 3 years later.

kittenkat

pirate

05/06/2012 at 14:55

Red Squirrel. wrote (see)

I don't like segregation and for that reason, I don't like the exclusion of men from races for life.

I've actually changed my mind on the segregation thing, I always used to be against it until I did two women's only races (a 10k and a half mara). It was clear to me then that some women wouldn't run if it wasn't for single sex groups. Tis also nice to be leading a race, which I was in both except I was overtaken and came second in both. fantastic atmosphere and lots of men cheering us on

Red Squirrel.

05/06/2012 at 14:56

I'm not a fan of pink King Kong. I've run for Macmillan.

Canute

05/06/2012 at 14:57

That's wonderful. And has all this running improved your health and well-being?

SuperCaz

05/06/2012 at 14:58

No I wasn't sponsored for the 10k, but then I wasn't sponsored for the Race for Life either. I've only ever asked for sponsorship for one race and that was my first 10 miler as I thought it was a significant achievement for anyone. I also didn't get sponsopship when I did FLM

Canute

05/06/2012 at 14:58

Also an excellent organisation Red Squirrel... respect.

Canute

05/06/2012 at 14:59

KK always the bridesmaid never the bride, or is that too cruel a piss take! x KK

Canute

05/06/2012 at 15:01

As a bloke, I would find that really frustrating... major respect to you KK.

Not that I've ever been near that level of performance. KK

kittenkat

pirate

05/06/2012 at 15:06

Thing is we can't change history, sport was invented by men for men and we still see reflections of that. Also sport is widely seen as a more masculine arena and I think that women (generalising of course) find it harder to participate in, they worry about being shit at it more than men do. It's a lack of confidence in an area they may have had bad experiences in at school or whatever. Doesn't exclusively apply to women but I do think that the different sexes approach sport with a different mentality.

Canute

05/06/2012 at 15:26

Sorry DT, had not realised you'd missed the irony of:

"This thread bores me, oh look there's another one."

Canute

05/06/2012 at 15:28

KK I think we approach life with a different mentality!

Canute

05/06/2012 at 15:31

Supercaz... to be sponsored or not to be sponsored that is the question?

Does it feel nobler of spirit. How do we make that choice. I didn't think it was possible to run London without sponsors!

kittenkat

pirate

05/06/2012 at 15:32

I've been told more than once that I think like a bloke.

There could possibly be some sort of oxymoron in there!

SuperCaz

05/06/2012 at 15:44

Lol King Kong.

I do raise money for charity but not for running events. I prefer to get sponsored for swimming events.