Its not a troll attempt.Had a discussion with a few people about it.Thats how i found this thread.I trained hard for a number of years eventually got 15 min 36 sec for 5km,3 marathons at 2.36,2.39,2.39 before i asked myself what am i doing this for?I was actually asked by non runners was i training for the olympics?it was hard to blame them because they were seeing me running on the roads regularly all the time and they don't understand the marathon A standard is sub 2hr 15 min or know a good time from a bad time.I am just saying i agree with the op i know everyone has an opinion,dis is just mine.My family agreed dey said one would have to be mad to do thatraining and never have a chance of being a pro.And people around me praising all the stars in team sports and no praise for the runners.Another runner told me your doing it for yourself.I said we all need a bit of recognition from time to time If nobody should up to watch football would they keep training?Of course they wouldn't.