A few months ago I noticed that Runners World, possibly one of my favorite media companies ever (behind Forbes and, of course, the Bangor Daily News) started a new running web site geared towards women, Zelle.
Being a runner of the female gender, I was curious. I might have even signed up for their emails.
This is what you write about today, Zelle?!
GIVE ME A BREAK
Not only do I feel like it’s kind of offensive that “this is the kind of thing female runners would care about” but I’m really annoyed with (what I see) is a growing trend to make this sport seem way more exclusive and complicated than it really is. No, you don’t need to worry about some stupid random thing before you go running and yes, you’re still a runner if you refuse to buy into that.
Generally I think Runners World does a great job catering to all sides of the sport. Each issue has articles that would make someone totally new to the sport pick it up, and then there is always one or two really great, in depth sports journalism stories that anyone, but especially those who care about competitive running can relate to. One of my favorites was a few months ago when they covered a Kenyan runner who studied at the University of Alaska and, in a tragic accident, lost both his feet to frostbite. And bounced back.
I’m holding out hope that a running magazine for women can be a little more substantive like that.