what's Webb saying?

[Guest]

Anyone see the Alan Webb article in the June Runner's World?

Interesting that he says:

a) <the Pre posters (on his wall) are really important because of what he represents to me - his work ethic, his philosophy of giving it your all in every race. Plus Pre was a rebel, man, a rebel.>


b) <as a life model, I think of (Jim) Ryun, because he's got a really healthy family and great morals. He had his career in running, and then went on to do other things.>

What?! Does Webb respect the "rebel" or the rigid fundamentalist politician who believes parents should go along on all their kids' dates and who opposes rails-to-trails legislation that would open up more trails for runners across the country?

Or is Webb just a 19-year-old who's trying to say what he thinks people want to hear?

He seems a little confused. Don't get me wrong. I still think Webb could put the band back together on the track, maybe even this season.

[joel]

Re: what's Webb saying?

Um...when I was 19 I wouldn't have had that much sensible to say to the media either. He's still got several semesters to go before he's "educated" with a degree, so we should probably lay off the guy.
I know, I know; I don't have anything sensible to say at my current age either

[Guest]

Re: what's Webb saying?

Webb probably doesn't know all that about Ryun's personal/religious views. He most likely sees the records, the political office, nice family, fairly successful guy. Pre? He's been magnified into a God by the media. Almost a cult to some runners.

Webb's a typical kid in many respects. I wouldn't be too harsh on him.

[Guest]

Re: what's Webb saying?

I'm not going to crazy over those thoughts. What concerns me is his confidence to run at the professional level. Maybe he peaked in high school, and is now leveling off. I seriously hope not. Peace.

[MJD]

Re: what's Webb saying?

>What?! Does Webb respect the
>"rebel" or the rigid fundamentalist politician
>who believes parents should go along on all their
>kids' dates and who opposes rails-to-trails
>legislation that would open up more trails for
>runners across the country?

Please. You may not like Ryun's views but consider that he didn't get drunk and flip his car
and join a long list of young Americans with endless possibilities whose life ended tragically. I would imagine if you asked him, all he cares about keeping happy are his god, his family and his constituents. I don't think he is too concerned about what a bunch of anonymous posters on a message board are saying about him.
I didn't start this but none of this is appropriate based on guideline number 4, quoting:
"If you want to discuss politics or religion, there are other sites far better equipped to handle your desires."

[Guest]

Re: what's Webb saying?

75% of running ( elite level ) involves politics.
Concerning criteria for doping, setting world a-b standard, the number countries that are recognized, the amount of money - and who receives funding... et and on and on.

[Guest]

Re: what's Webb saying?

Good point MJD. People rag on those who place a high priority on their religion like Ryun, and then forget that it was Pre's own behavior that lead to his death. Tragic as it was, it was his own fault. He was legally drunk. That means impaired judgment, in more ways than one.

Webb? I hope he recovers his confidence. That's his problem.

[MJD]

Re: what's Webb saying?

>>75% of running ( elite level ) involves >politics.
>Concerning criteria for doping, setting world
>a-b standard, the number countries that are
>recognized, the amount of money - and who
>receives funding... et and on and on.


True enough but if Ryun's political and religious views are open to attack on this board then I don't know why guideline number 4 is there.

[bhall]

Re: what's Webb saying?

ADMIN NOTE- A POST HAS BEEN DELETED BASED ON GUIDELINE #4.