Every time I watch these surfing or climbing documentaries they are filled with self described dirtbags who basically live out of a van, tent, or on friends couches to just get after it every day. Are there any of these people in the running community?
I guess the main difference is that you can train anywhere in running while climbing or surfing you need to be in a specific spot (many of which are quite expensive to live in).
I see a lot of runners who didn't make it at least well enough to get sponsored. They get a business marketing degree or international marketing or something like that and then end up working at the local running shoe store and living with Mom and Pops. Does that count?
I would say about 1/2 of the climbing dirt-baggers out there don’t actually climb too hard. The top end of the sport takes a lot of discipline and training. Since running is mainly geared towards notching fast performances I would think it would be very hard to pull off in a true dirt bagger way
I would say about 1/2 of the climbing dirt-baggers out there don’t actually climb too hard. The top end of the sport takes a lot of discipline and training. Since running is mainly geared towards notching fast performances I would think it would be very hard to pull off in a true dirt bagger way
What originally inspired the thread was watching the documentary on Marc-André Leclerc called The Alpinist.
Back when i coached, I hosted zach panning (now 2:09 marathoner for brooks) on a visit. He was one of my top recruits and I had a full scholarship ready to offer. He came all the way from Indiana and I was shocked by his dirtbag-ness. He immediately asked how far the girls dorm was from the guys one. He then asked me if the party scene was "lit" and if he could get into our local bars. He then asked what pace our guys were running their long run at the next day, and when I told them they would probably average around 6:30, he laughed and asked if he could have someone bike next to him on his "real long run." The next morning I had to pick him up on the side of the road 3 miles in and give him water while he projectile vomited the liquor he had brought to the guys dorm and drank alone. Needless to say I pulled the offer and have no regrets in life. Except my wife leaving me. Frick Cheryl.
That’s crazy. Thank you for discussing that, can’t believe people behave that way, even 18 year olds.
I have lived in my van on the road at least 6 months a year the last seven years, running, climbing and mountaineering. In my 60s alone I have had a lifetime of true wild life. Much more to come....
Yes, but have you procured a woman during your time as a dirt bag? I think not.
One summer in college our coach connected us with a fellow who wanted come out to train at altitude for the summer. We didn't have an open room in the house so he lived in our garage on a mattress. The next summer he made the finals in his event at the World Championships and also made his country's Olympic team.
I'd nominate Steve Smalzel as a winning dirtbag. He won several Pikes Peak marathons in the 90s while living out of his car and a tent. A friend referred to him as a "running beatnik."