Dr. JJ wrote:
Dean has done a lot for the running movement. I've read his books, seen him on tv, etc. and while he is a self promoter I do not think he is a fraud or a liar or a bad person like many on this thread contend. Competitor magazine gave him their "Endurance Athlete of The Year"; Men's Fitness gave him "Fittest Man on The Planet"; He's won an Emmy Award; He's won an ESPY Award; Time Magazine listed him as one of the top 100 most influential people in the world; He's won Badwater, Western States,Vermont Trail, Atacama Crossing, Dead President's, 4 Deserts, etc. To say there is no jealousy on this board is simply false. That is just human nature. It is like an ugly person being jealous of Steve Buscemi's career. :) But the truth is he can run longer than 95% of the people on this form and faster than 90%. The guy is almost 50 yet he's promoting running and fitness and being a torch bearer while many of you cast stones. He benefits the running industry and even yourselves through osmosis. You shouldn't belittle someone for making a living, especially when it helps other people in the long run. And he's a big Greek-American success story and hero too. True, he isn't an elite marathoner but in 2006 he crossed the finish line with Lance Armstrong in 3 hours and it was his 50th marathon in 50 days. Then he came back in 2007 and ran 2:55. And this is in his mid-40's talking to people and being an ambassador and not really "racing". The 2008 Olympic Trials for marathon had 16 finishers in the 2:30 to 2:43 range. 32 runners couldn't even finish, including Culpepper. I have no doubt that Dean could run a 2:43 if he tried, even at this age. There is no reason to badmouth the guy for going for something and testing himself.
"There is no reason to badmouth the guy for going for something and testing himself."
Nobody bad mouths DK for going for something and testing himself. It's all the 'Best runner in the world' crap that people hate. Has he ever acknowledged a 2:05 marathoner as "MAYBE" being a better runner? He is a glory hound, stunt runner, PR machine and that is why people bash him.
A great example in your own post mentioning his 50 marathons. He wasn't the first runner to do that so why is it such a big deal?