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keccers
@keccers.eth
Crypto VC says it's bad for people to exercise because he's mad there are no explicit losers. Wants to bring gatekeeping back to sports "there are some things that should be reserved for those who compete. Whether it’s status, elite apparel, media, or the corners of the internet where serious amateur athletes congregate, we need spaces and signifiers that celebrate the legitimacy of athletic competition without apology." jaydrainjr.substack.com/p/make-adult... Bro just buy your Tracksmith, flex getting into Boston and go. Exercisers are still the VAST MINORITY and you already feel so threatened by the hobbyists you dumped 500 words out about how they should be excluded from stuff?
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Zach Davidson
@zd
I appreciate your POV, but I'm not sure that's a fair read. Below is what stood out most to me - and I agree with the sentiment. TLDR: The obsession with inclusivity and self-validation in modern athletics has diluted the essence of competition, turning sports into participation rituals where effort is praised over excellence, undermining the drive for true achievement.
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keccers
@keccers.eth
That's why I say go sign up for Boston. If there was no competitive drive, why is qualifying for that race (and many others!) now more difficult than ever? Shouldn't those races be getting "domesticated" with lower bars to entry? As Brady says here, "even guys who lift are running 3 hour marathons" https://x.com/B_Holmer/status/1844443778842755079
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Zach Davidson
@zd
More people apply → wider distribution of speed → qualifying is "harder" This does not mean those applying are more competitive. *** I think it's worth looking into the intent. Are people running more marathons because they intrinsically want to? If yes, are they doing it because their goal is to win? Or are they doing it because they're mimetic being wanting to be part of something (the group of people who are able to say "I've run a marathon")? I'm no runner, but from the outside looking in, it seems like the latter.
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keccers
@keccers.eth
How does it not mean they are more competitive? You have to work harder and be faster than ever to get in, because of the increased pool. Every year there are MANY "losers" who do not qualify. And there are plenty of communities for those people too, like running groups at certain paces only for those at the top of their game. A lot of this reads like a n00b critique. The handwringing about "participation trophy" culture simply doesn't exist once you look more closely, IMO The mimesis argument to me is so weak. Exercise is a fundamental piece of health and wellness. You would rather someone not exercise at all because they had "the wrong intent" when they did so? Purity tests for exercisers to make sure they have the right feelings in their heart before they are allowed to buy supershoes? I want to see more people be healthy and realize their full physical potential. If it means they got into it because they saw someone they admired online doing it too, so be it.
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Zach Davidson
@zd
> I want to see more people be healthy and realize their full physical potential. Me too! We don't disagree there :) And of course, no one can or should stop you from running 26 miles on your own, if that's what you choose to do. The nuance I'm pointing out is maybe we should have different spaces/activities for people whose goal is to win (zero sum) vs. people whose goal is to strictly participate (positive sum). Goal of run club = be part of a group of runners (positive sum) Goal of marathon = be the fastest runner (zero sum)
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