What we've been doing lately is prefixing controversial ideas with the words “unpopular opinion.” It's something like this: “Unpopularly, running in the morning is overrated” or “Unpopularly, running in the winter is better than running in the summer” or “Unpopularly, running in the local area on Strava I don't actually care about legend status.''
This is primarily a fun game to play on social media, but I think there's more to it than that. It's as if those little words give you permission to express your true thoughts without being too shy, because you're openly admitting that your true thoughts are unpopular. But perhaps more importantly, when we use these words to protect ourselves from potential judgment, we should ask ourselves why we hold such opinions and be prepared to have a constructive dialogue about them. It also serves as a reminder of what to do.
2023 Zach Miller, who finished second at UTMB, would not have agreed with young Zach Miller's unpopular opinion that 100-mile races are stupid.Photo: Luke Webster
At the same time, I would like to share some of my own unpopular opinions. Let's go.
It's an unpopular opinion, but in my heart, races longer than 200 miles are crap. In fact, just last week, when my Instagram feed filled up with people running the Cocodona 250 Mile, I cringed inside. Part of me thinks I should get faster at 100 mile races first before tackling races 2.5x the distance. And a similar part of me hated that I was obsessed with following it or caring about it. But wait, that's not all.
It's an unpopular opinion, but a part of me was bothered by Lululemon's FURTHER event. Part of me thought it just seemed to be running very slowly. On the other hand, part of me couldn't help but wonder if I should have called this event “Further” or “Further Further.” After all, they were running far, and while farther is used to represent distance, on the other hand, perhaps they were running on a greater level of their existence, that In some cases, further distance may be appropriate. As someone who liked math classes more than English classes, perhaps I have a strong attachment to grammar. Please let me continue.
This is an unpopular opinion, but I have no problem with the Berkeley Marathon. We recognize that it is a different type of event. I understand that some people think the level of attention it receives from the media is not good for the sport of ultrarunning. People don't want this race, this so-called treasure hunt, to become what people think of ultrarunning. . But I think this is a unique challenge that embodies much of what ultrarunning is really about: a test of will, strength, endurance, and mental fortitude.
Jasmine Paris becoming the first woman to complete the Berkeley Marathon is perhaps the biggest ultrarunning media moment of 2024 so far.Photo: David Miller
Being a Skeptic of Skepticism
Before you get mad at me in the comments section below, let me explain in a little more detail. These thoughts are basically my knee-jerk reactions. Those are things I think about, but don't always say. Those are the kinds of thoughts I express to my closest friends, people I talk to even if they disagree with me.
When I have these thoughts, I ask myself: “Am I thinking about this correctly?” Am I right in agreeing or disagreeing with popular opinions and opinions? Am I just a grumpy old mean person? Should we be more open-minded?
The other night, as I was reading through a collection of notes I keep on my phone, I came across these words in an article called “Becoming Wise” by author and podcast host Krista Tippett:
“I have consciously given up the assumption that a skeptical perspective is the most intellectually reliable. Intellect does not work against mystery. Tolerance is less practical than love. And cynicism is hope. Unlike almost everything of value in life, cynicism is easy. It is never proven wrong by corruption or catastrophe. It is not generative. .I judge things as they are, but I don't try to change them.”
Now, I know Tippett didn't write these words in response to the Cocodona 250 Mile, Father, or Berkeley Marathon. In fact, I bet she never thought about ultrarunning at all. But hearing her thoughts made me wonder why I'm so critical of what others are doing.
Just because I don't have the desire to do something doesn't mean it doesn't have value for others. After all, there was a time in my youth when I thought running 100 miles was stupid. I thought to myself, “Maybe I can do it, but I don't want to go that slow.” Years later, here I am, doing exactly what I once thought was so stupid. It seems like he is picking up on words from when he was younger.
Cynics and fans alike were transfixed by the finish of the Cocodona 250 Mile, with Harry Svertas taking over the lead of the race with just a few miles left.Photo: Howie Stern
I think things like this happen a lot in life and go far beyond the realm of sports. We can easily become cynical about a variety of things, from ultrarunning to political views to washing our partners' dishes. All we see is what we think is right, ignoring creating space for mystery, love, and hope. We become so entrenched in our own (unpopular) opinions that we fail to make room for progress.
As I walk the path life presents, I want to remember that there will be many twists and turns that I don't expect. My skepticism and criticism may be of value to some, but not to everyone. There is often more than one good path, and just because it's not mine doesn't mean it's not someone else's. If someone wanted to run a 250 mile race, or even six days in a row, would I be able to cheer on such a feat?
So, for those of you who are drinking big and bold tea, where there is challenge there is opportunity, and where there is opportunity there is growth.
Call for comments
Have you ever felt skeptical about someone else's goals? How can you create space for constructive discussion of unpopular opinions?
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