Is Serious Age Group Running Dead?

For years I subscribed to Running Times magazine. They called themselves "The Authoritative Voice for the Dedicated Runner". It always had great training ideas for age group and high school runners who wanted to improve their race times. Running Times profiled outstanding masters aged runners each month, describing their struggles, successes and some of their training leading up to a big race. 

In the past few years Running Times began a high school section to add to the magazine's depth. They would have articles on teams, high-profile meets and training meant specifically for that age group.

Often there would be research based training articles or articles on marathon racing, half-marathons, and other distances. Not just finishing the race on the least amount of training possible, or as many people seem to do now, no training at all, but trying to run fast. The editor, Jonathan Beverly, wrote some great introductory articles throughout his time at the helm, really insightful things on running.

A few years ago Running Times was bought out by Runner's World. I was pretty sure the end was near. The magazine became shorter. The web site changed to look more like Runner's World and eventually they just took over. Last month I got a notice, I could end my subscription and get a full rebate for my remaining three years or a combo deal. I took the combo, getting Runner's World for the next year and then a refund for the rest.

Runner's World is designed for the novice, the non-racer who mainly wants to finish and just say they were part of an event. Times are secondary, if on their horizon at all. Stopping to take selfies during a race for these readers isn't unusual (Disney even offers "selfie" spots during their races so you can stand in line and get a photo during the race with a Character). It's supposed to be a RACE. What has happened?

Fans of Runner's World must have short attention spans. There are no well-researched articles, it's all bits and bytes like reading an entertainment web site. Lots of colors, images, fun-runs, color-me runs, short columns and plenty of advertisements. It's a magazine you read while waiting a few minutes at the doctor's office. There is little in-depth thinking needed to get through it. Runner's World is for extroverts, Running Times was for introverts.

People exercising is a good thing. But what happened to really extending yourself in a race, training for it, looking for a special finish time, the challenge of the event?