After reading Robert Sullivan’s article “Stars Run Wild” in the February 2010 issue of Runner’s World got me thinking. Is it really a bad thing that so many celebrities are runner’s or use running as a publicity venue?

One of the things Robert pointed out in his article is that by running, celebrities “threaten to take over the mundane, real-life world that we, the noncelebrities, live in on a day-to-day basis.” No in a way, I can see his point, but only to a point.

As a runner, I guess I would definitely have an issue with a celebrity using running for publicity if in fact, they were not really runners. If they thought that being photographed in a pair of Nike’s and an iPod that it would somehow elevate their status in the public eye. Then, as a runner, I would take issue. But, when it comes down to actual fitness, I have no issue at all. In fact, I’d like to encourage it.

As runner’s, shouldn’t we be promoting the healthy act we participate in? To help discourage obesity in this world – especially in our children? Let’s face it. You and I don’t have the “pull” that an Edward Norton, Katie Holmes or the queen of all media – Oprah has on the masses. So if they can encourage other people to get their asses off a couch and onto the streets, shouldn’t that be a good thing? Heck, I say the more the merrier!!! Add to that, most celebrities run races for charities and I can’t imagine anybody having an issue with that.

Yes, it may lead to more crowded races and running outfits on the runways in France but that would also lead to more things being offered to runners. Imagine going into a sporting goods store with a larger running section than golf or cycling. Wouldn’t we “mundane, real-life runner’s” benefit from this? I think yes!!!

The only downside I can see is that people would jump right in without consulting other runner’s, physicians or expert advice. I believe we’re seeing the results of that now. With runner’s dying in many races this past year, I think people believe if you run, you’re automatically healthy. While running is a healthy lifestyle, running only provides fitness, not health. Be sure to get regular physicals and consult some experts before jumping in head first.

Give us your thoughts. How do you feel about Celebrity Running?

RMFR

I’d like to take this time to wish my father a Happy Father’s Day. He has always been there for me and supported me in every direction I’ve head. From supporting me thru sports to waving goodbye as I’ve moved across the country, he (as well as my mother) have let me venture off away from the nest. Where does this fit in to running? Read on…

Growing up in North Dakota, I was entrenched in seasonal sports. Football in the spring followed closely by hockey in the winter. Spring and summer where split between baseball, golf and mowing lawns (in my mind I considered mowing lawns a sport). The furthest sport from my mind was track. I threw the spot put and discus in eight grade but I wasn’t into at all. In high school, the football coaches at Fargo South High School (Go Bruins!!!) kept pushing me to the track team but I just couldn’t do it. What would you rather do, run laps or walk 18?

Take a trip back with me to the late 1970′s and 80′s. Then in my adolescent years, I never really paid much thought to the “modified” gray New Balance shoes in the garage next to the door. “Modified” may not be the best term to describe the 2 pounds of Shoe Goo that my dad used to keep the shoes together. I can still remember his running gear. A simple white cotton shirt (the kind you wore underneath “nice” shirts), shorts and toilet tissue in his hand (do I really need to explain?).

My dad was a “runner” before the boom. He didn’t compete in races and he wasn’t a member of running group – he just ran. He’s fathomed a guess at his weekly mileage and it was big. I remember several occasions my mother driving him out into the country so he could run home with the wind. We’re talking 10 to 15 miles several times a week. Saturdays at the lake where he would be gone for a couple of hours and come back drenched in sweat. Cotton shirts that were worn so thin you could practically see thru them.

Back then I never questioned his running, never asked if I could go and he never pushed me to run with him. But now that I’ve taking up running and he can no longer run – the example he set some 20 years ago has stuck with me. I know he’d give his left arm to run a race with my sister and I and we in turn would do the same. The truth is, there’s a part of him that is running with us every time we lace up our shoes.

Thanks Pa!!! You led by example – in running and in life – and I am trying to follow in your footsteps the best I can. Happy Father’s Day and I love you very much.