I am writing this in reaction to a column by Aparicio Mequi titled On running Marathons, published in the MetroPost (July 31). Although I appreciate the mini ”history lesson”, and the smattering of his personal qualifications as a running guru, I cannot come to terms as to why he suddenly mentions the group DARS.
I am a part of DARS, and although normally I would be proud our group was mentioned, this time I felt insulted.
If Mequi wants to give his professional two cents worth, then I think he should avoid mentioning particular groups especially if all he wants to point out is the supposed “ignorance” of its members. Heaven forbid he starts mentioning specific individuals.
I also do not agree that we should categorize ourselves as either recreational or competitive runners. Why can’t we be both? Isn’t it a natural instinct for every individual to want to excel in something?
And if the only reason that will keep us running is by struggling to make our personal bests, isn’t it worth exploring every method available to achieve this?
Fartleks, intervals, and other similar training drills were developed to improve runners of all levels, not injure them. Mequi says these drills are not necessary in the “training regimen” of recreational runners.
If we were to follow strictly his definition of a recreational runner, then a recreational runner shouldn’t have a training regimen at all!
I personally have yet to encounter a sports magazine that discourages anyone from achieving their best.
However, I do agree with Dr. Mequi 101 percent that we should try to keep ourselves injury-free while running, and strive to achieve longevity in our chosen sport. But this should not be a hindrance to make ourselves better and stronger runners.
We owe it to ourselves to feel the satisfaction that can only come from achieving our personal best.
Engr. Jose Maria Monasterial
Silliman Ave., Dumaguete City
