Even though Sarah Palin was featured in Runner’s World (Aug. 2009) and now the Newsweek cover (Nov. 23, 2009) as a runner – I still don’t really care for her. I will say her approval rating with me went way up from where she was at but let’s say she was way down there. If that wasn’t enough, now there seems to be some controversy regarding the photo in Newsweek.

Regarding the photo, former Governor Palin (on her Facebook page of course) said “The choice of photo for the cover of this week’s Newsweek is unfortunate. When it comes to Sarah Palin, this ‘news’ magazine has relished focusing on the irrelevant rather than the relevant.” Two things here:

1. Did she really refer to herself in the 3rd person?
2. Running is irrelevant? Excuse me but just a few months ago you were more than happy to show us all you were a runner.

To be honest, she rose a couple more rungs on my ladder when I first saw the Newsweek cover. My first thought was she decided to give running another shout out in a much larger circulated magazine. It also made me forget a little bit how her speeches grated on me – not so much for their content but just they way she gave them. I did see another quote though where she back tracked and said she still believes exercise is important but a photo of her in running gear should be used for a serious story. Ummm OK.

The controversy does indeed go deeper. It seems that the photos that were used in the original “I’m A Runner” section of Runner’s World were exclusive to Runner’s World for a year. The photos were given to Newsweek by the photographer’s stock agency without Runner’s World knowledge or permission. Click here for the editor’s note.

I would like to now officially name this fiasco “Runner’s Gate”.

RMFR