Another Sort of Conditioning

My Running Times issue for March arrived while I was gone. One of the regular writers wrote a column titled "Speed Goggles, Why fast men make the heart beat quicker".

As I've often noticed, Running Times is not nearly so egalitarian as Runner's World. So the fact that the author is attracted to sub 3 hour marathoners and any male who has run a 4 minute mile is no suprise. Running Times caters more towards those of us who carry a Platinum, Gold or Silver fast runner card. While that is not me, I still enjoy the magazine. Of course, it does not hold a candle in elitism to the message board at Letsrun.com, which I also enjoy reading.

But back to the point of my blog today. Our view of attractiveness and beauty is a conditioned response. I state this categorically since my own view of attractiveness has changed since I have become an (obsessed) runner. Women who run are attractive and speed is not a differentiator. I will use fast women runners as examples only, since they are famous. Three years ago when you asked me what famous women in the world are attractive, I would have likely brought up some actresses and supermodels. I certainly would not have selected Jelena Prokopcuka, the cover runner of Running Times or Deena Kastor. My view of beauty and attractiveness has changed. Those are some fine looking ladies.

So when I go to a race I am surrounded by beautiful women. While nice, I must admit to being so focused on my race that I am not distracted. What willpower I have. Then again, I will be working the water stop at the Seabrook Lucky Trails races. I won't have my own race to keep me from admiring all the gorgeous shapes, sizes, ages and paces. So if any of you running babes competing prefer a kiss to a cup of Gatorade, I'll be available at the Bay Area Running Club water stop. At least until my wife dumps the Gatorade cannister over my head and its lights out.