Ultramarathon Daily News | Wed, Sep 16

Video: More on Jim Walmsley’s solo Hardrock FKT attempt.

TrailSisters/Grossman: Female veterans finding a place in the trail running community. I attended a Team RWB camp a few years ago and was able to see first hand how positive an influence our sport has on this important segment of our population. It’s awesome to see Katie continue to highlight the programs and people involved.

Run Spirited: Henry chats with Chris DeNucci to learn what he’s been up to as a Physician and runner during Covid.

How La Rona is forcing collegiate track and XC teams to rethink everything.

SCMP: The wild and scary sport of ultramarathon, trans-Pacific rowing.

It was kind of funny — the last quarter of the race, people — I think — thought I’d finished and had come back to jog in with a friend, but I was still out there on the course.

CNN: Patagonia continues its advocacy for climate awareness by stitching messages into their new shorts. Cool, but how about coming down to a price point us mortals can afford?

Can you run a 5:30 mile? How about backwards?

After a rest day and a bunch of checks, Le Tour is back on schedule.

Quick commentary:

A few weeks ago, I got an email from a guy named Ben Chan. In his email, he described a situation in which he, along with his friend/teammates applied to run one of Laz’s races. He wrote that the team chose the name “Black Lives Matter” and that Laz had asked them to choose a different name because he didn’t want any controversy. Apparently he used the example that he wouldn’t allow a “MAGA” team either. That story is here.

In his email to me, Ben asked to come on URP to discuss inclusion in general and his issue in particular. I looked him up, checked out his Instagram, and saw that it was 90% social, racial, and political issues with very few running posts. I also noticed that he’d shared personal emails on his public feed, so decided to pass on his request. (As a note, I’ve also learned over the last decade of doing this that the best guests are ones who are found, not those who pitch themselves. I decline 99% of requests who ask to be on the show.)

So last week, I heard from a friend that Ben was disappointed that few people had responded to him, so I shot him a quick email. This isn’t unlike the hundreds of emails I’ve sent out before when there’s a request to be on ultrarunnerpodcast.

Hi Ben-
Thanks for writing. I understand your frustration, but side with Laz on this one in keeping political and controversial social topics out of sports.
Good luck in your next race,
Eric

That’s the entirety of my communication with him. That’s it. Nothing more.

Anyone who’s followed my site for any length of time–as he purportedly has–knows that I rarely talk about politics or big controversial social issues that don’t relate directly to running. (I suppose beer, dogs, and cannabis would be exceptions if we’re getting nitpicky, but whatever.)

But to be clear, I have discussed racial and gender equity in our sport in the past. I’ve been exploring those issues well before #metoo and #BLM, thankyouverymuch, but with fires and riots and school closures and protests and fu*king Covid and political and environmental chaos all over the news right now, I’d rather talk about something else and provide a respite that so many of you seem to appreciate. Ben refers to it as “white runners are seeking refuge from scary Black words and phrases”, but I see it as trying to maintain balance and stay sane during this crazy year.

It’s also apparently a minor point to some, but…it’s my show. I choose the guests and get to decide which issues will be discussed. As the largest and longest running MUT podcast in the world, I tend to trust my judgement and based on the personal emails I’ve received recently (thank you!), you’d rather stick to running too.

But instead, Ben took to Instagram yesterday to share my short email and painted me as a racist. Of course, his followers piled on and spun it out of control. Again, I’m called a racist because I don’t want to have a guy on my running podcast to talk about racial issues again. The pure narcissism of it all is appalling.

Update: It looks like dozens of replies/comments to his post have been deleted or removed. I don’t use IG enough to know what happened. Anyone?

There was plenty of performative outrage and promises to unsubscribe and not listen any more, and that’s fine. Do what you’re gonna do. If you’re looking for more political, social, and racial justice discussions, there are myriad podcasts and other media sources available with excellent content. I believe he even linked to a few running podcasts on which he was a guest. For me though, I’ll be sticking to running news and I hope you’ll join me.

Sorry to make this such a big deal, but I’m getting really really tired of this and wanted to give you all the entire picture in case you saw a mention.

Enjoy the rest of your week and be good,

–Eric

29 Responses to "Ultramarathon Daily News | Wed, Sep 16"

Alex S. says:

September 16, 2020 at 8:50 am

It is your show and I don’t begrudge it. But I don’t think you keep politics out of it and your blog. You just keep the things YOU think of as political out of it and your blog.

Within the comfort zone of what you don’t consider political (but many others do) you find the balance you desire. But that balance makes others uncomfortable. Whether that is something you want to discuss, as you say, is completely within your purview to establish.

Where I disagree with Laz (and some others) is to the extent he creates venues for people to talk and then decides he wants to police it based on what he considers political vs. non-political. Let people choose team names; and if someone doesn’t like another person’s team name so be it. Taking down race recaps because he thinks what the race meant to the person is too political is dumb, in my opinion.

In all of this, he is also within his privilege as operator and controller of the event. I just think he ends up looking like a dumbass.

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Michael says:

September 16, 2020 at 8:57 am

I’m not a dedicated follower of your show, but am familiar and have listened to a dozen plus episodes.
I appreciate your conversations, topics, and efforts to keep conversations related to sport.
In all honesty, Ben’s best bet would be communicating with HPRS Lacroix. HPRS is less about running, and more interested in personal introspection and challenges. Laz focuses on the mental and physical challenges that are directly related to running performance. He’s proven to be damn good at it too.

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Nick says:

September 16, 2020 at 10:20 am

It sure looks like Ben is one of those people hung up on channeling word voodoo to feel powerful, and not one of those people using their talents to make the world a better place.

I’d say you dodged a bullet. In a week no one will care, if they ever did.

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KS Petty says:

September 16, 2020 at 10:49 am

Through the many years that I’ve followed you, I recognize your efforts to avoid talk about politics or big controversial social issues that don’t relate directly to running. That said, trying to restrict them solely to the running community isn’t really possible. For reference, you’ve discussed racial disparities in trail running, but not the effects of racism writ large as they relate to the disparities we recognized in MUT. You share news related to body image or sexism in track, or prize money in ultra racing events, but don’t orient the sexism in running within the sexism pervasive in our larger culture. Since running is a pursuit within our larger way of life, it’s difficult to isolate running as the arena to discuss these issues; they are baked in.

Of course you don’t need to change the way you are operating your site or your show, but the needle you’re trying to thread is likely more narrow and delicate than it used to be.

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Kathleen says:

September 16, 2020 at 10:50 am

Eric,
Thanks for all the years of awesome podcasts. I’ve listened a ton and heard you interview people from all walks of life and have never thought that you were racist or sexist. I support BLM, but I agree…it’s a running podcast. In our crazy world of Facebook and Twitter, you can live in a social media bubble in which you interact only with people that share exactly the same worldview as you do. I think that’s dangerous to our society. By trying to remain sort of apolitical, you are able to reach plenty of people that would tune out if they thought they could characterize the show. And then people are exposed to viewpoints and commentary that they might otherwise not have come into contact with.

Also, I think it is really a shame that someone who labels himself as a representative of BLM will respond with hostility and name-calling when he isn’t treated exactly as he requests. I don’t label everyone who disagrees with me a racist; I don’t think that helps the movement. How is that behavior going to forward any meaningful dialogue, understanding, or national unity?

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Joseph says:

September 16, 2020 at 10:50 am

Eric:

You know me, personally, and have for a while. We even chatted for a bit at Western last year when you saw me (among several other times we’ve crossed paths). Heck, we’ve even shared a pint before you stopped drinking beer (at Tim Olsen’s trail race here in Oregon). I say that only to start off with my feeling we have a friendship/relationship that hopefully affords me the ability to reply here without you
feeling I’m attacking you, which is not my intention. That said, I feel I need to say a few things after reading your post about Ben’s sharing of your email. I just double checked, I see no where that he
called you “racist” at all. If you’d like, I’m happy to paste his post here for you and your readers since you don’t have IG and it seems perhaps you didn’t read it before posting this and sending an email to
all your subscribers. I understand that this is your podcast, and as such, of course you can control your content. But to say you keep politics out of your emails/posts/episodes is simply not true – as
noted by another reader here, “you just keep the things YOU think of as political out of it and your blog” which I couldn’t agree with more. Obviously BLM and racial disparity is something you prefer to
not talk about at this time when it’s extremely topical, as evidenced by this very post. The pervasive mindset I’m seeing (and not attributing to you personally, but AM seeing frequently) is that
movements like BLM should be somehow separated from our sport and discussions, but in my experience I see this mindset coming almost entirely from privileged people that can be sheltered from it by virtue of their race and gender. I would also correct you in that I don’t feel his followers “piled it on”, but many – including myself – posted replies and voiced opinions in support of him. There are (as of this writing) 54 comments on his post, including many replies and multiple people posting in more of a dialogue or after other comments, such that it is not 54 individual people making individual comments but instead an even smaller group discussing things. That said, even if it was 54 unique people, I’d dare say that is a sliver of the number of people that now see your side of things via email and this blog. I don’t think there was “plenty of performative outrage and promises to unsubscribe and not listen any more”, but sure – there was some of that (including myself). It feels to me that your wording around the reply to his post is an effort to rally your readers to your side by a disproporition representation of what is really happening on his post. By your own description, you have “the largest and longest running MUT podcast in the world” – so making it seem like there is a mob with pitchforks ranting about you on his post feels a bit unfair to people that don’t see his post, when in my opinion it simply isn’t accurate. There are a small number of people offering their support to him and perhaps stating they won’t be listening to your podcast anymore, but let’s be honest about the numbers of actual comments and not sensationalize please.

Ben is trying to use his platform to raise awareness, so the fact you scrolled through his posts and felt the need to point out that it is “90% social, racial, and political issues with very few running posts”
really diminishes what he is trying to do. He is an avid runner, and also feels passionate about the inequalities he, and others, have frequently experienced. Much like your own comment, that is HIS
platform, so he can use it how he sees fit. Honestly, your decision to include that in your blog makes me question your motivation other than perhaps to paint him as not a serious enough runner for consideration or that perhaps social justice is more important to him than running, as though it’s a dichotomy of choice between the two things based on what a person shares on their social media. I am disappointed in how often I see efforts to silence this topic by people that could do so much to enhance the dialogue, and I adjust my consumption of media accordingly. I know you won’t miss my being a subscribed listener or reader, and that’s ok – I didn’t make this choice as any type of misplaced “I’ll show him” feelings, but rather what is most important to me personally during these extremely challenging times. I wish you well in all things, and will absolutely still say “hey” to you if I see you on the trails (or at Western next year, if we are able to run it), but did want you to perhaps consider why some people – such as myself – may be reacting the way they are. As a while male, I understand my place of privilege in all things, including my participation in MUT running, and will always support others who don’t have the same privilege but are fighting for equality and equity. I will do my best to use my voice to see equality for all people in all forums, including the sport I love so much. I do hope this causes a larger discussion for many of your readers and listeners, even if it’s not through this forum directly – because then at least something positive came out of what I see as an unfortunate turn of events.

Thank you for the years of content, and your continued work for our sport. I sincerely hope at some point you consider opening yourself up to some of these topics as they impact our sport rather than
considering your platform as some needed “sanctuary” from challenging topics – I believe your listeners are savvy enough to simply skip topics or episodes they prefer not to read or listen to, and giving Ben an opportunity to talk through his experience could have enhanced many people’s understanding of the intersection of racial disparity and our sport

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Dale says:

September 16, 2020 at 11:27 am

It’s so easy to keep politics out of it when you are a white male. don’t bother me with other people’s problems.

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TheWoodsman says:

September 16, 2020 at 12:00 pm

I come here to read about running, and listen to podcasts about running. Thanks Eric!

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Eric Schwindt says:

September 16, 2020 at 12:05 pm

Hi Eric,
This is a tough situation in tough times to say the least. I’ve been with you from the beginning with Scottie, and appreciate your openness, honesty, volunteer efforts including coaching, and your parenting exploits. Truly. But, I have to agree with Joseph on this one, I think. We/You have to consider covering and giving voice to these topics. We don’t have enough diversity in our spot and it starts with recognizing it, providing a platform (your podcast), and discussing the topic of how to improve diversity in MUT running in order start to make actual changes for the better that increase inclusion in our very white sport. Perhaps you could/could’ve talked with Ben prior to discuss a possible format, topics of conversation that include his running story, current MUT experience(s), and his vision for improving diversity in the MUT world? Dunno.

I don’t think you’re a racist though, or anything even close to it. Nope. But, being a white, male runner named Eric myself, I realize my perspective is that of a white, male forty-something year-old dad just like you and SO many other MUT runners, and we don’t know what we don’t know. I learn from others’ perspectives and insights and appreciate a challenging conversation, or two, around improving diversity and broader inclusion in the beautiful world of Mountain Ultra Trail running. There are no easy solutions, but we won’t come to them without discussing and thinking about them first. I think there’s space for all of it on your podcast. It’s important, and you are the top dawg in the MUT podcast world at at the moment. You might find discussing these topics lights a fire you, or broadens your audience, or just ends up feeling right in the end.

Considering there aren’t many races to cover these days anyway, perhaps now is a good time to experiment with more diverse topics? Your call obviously.

Take care,
Eric (MUT runner)

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scottywk2 says:

September 16, 2020 at 12:31 pm

HI Eric:

The fact that a subject is “in need of discussion” does not mean that you, or anyone else should be the one to discuss it. It’s outrageous that anyone thinks that the decision of what you should cover on your show should be decided by anyone but you. No one has the right to tell you what you should cover. They don’t answer your emails. They don’t have to run your business. And if they want to….they can start their own podcast anytime….and have whatever guests they want on their own show.

As long as you keep podcasting I’ll keep listening.

PS: asking to be on your show and then posting your email response on Instagram is gross.

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CA Runner says:

September 16, 2020 at 2:06 pm

On the one hand, I agree with an above commenter that you “keep the things YOU think of as political out of it.” However, I very much support you in not wanting to engage with an individual who appears to be extremely combative and looking to fight. You have no obligation to interview such an individual just because they want to be interviewed.

I do not think it would be productive for you, the listeners, or the general discourse of diversity and inclusion. Their immediate attack of you based on your own identity and privilege shows that. Had he approached you from a place of mutual respect, I imagine that it would possibly have resulted in a different outcome. That said, there are also interviewers out there who are potentially better equipped to have such a discussion with an interviewee who appears to be so aggressive. It’s ok to not have those skills or not have the emotional EQ or spoons right now to have that conversation. (Self awareness is important as well.) A bad interview can do just as much to hurt the cause in some people’s eyes as a good interview can do to help it. You know your limits right now. I respect that.

You have used URP to address issues of diversity and inclusion in the past. I hope, and expect, you to continue to do so across many spectrums of diversity, including race/gender, in the future because it does impact our sport. Many people are curious about it. There is a lot that can be learned from having these conversations. I expect URP to be able to do so with respect, openness of mind, and willingness to listen because that is was I expect from URP.*

*Even on topics that we do not agree on like transgender rights in sports. You do seem to approach even that topic with a willingness to engage politely with persons of different view points than yourself. That makes you better than 95% of people out there.

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Pete says:

September 16, 2020 at 2:17 pm

The post in question has been edited

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Graham King says:

September 16, 2020 at 4:24 pm

What I like most about URP is that it’s what you, Eric, think is interesting. It’s your commentary on the links you post. Whether I, or anyone else, agree with you is beside the point. This is your space.

If you feel like talking about BLM, great. If you don’t want to, fine. Part of the joy is finding things I didn’t know I was interested in (Athletic Brewing!), and you don’t get that from an algorithm.

So anyway, what’s Anton up to these days? It’s been a while.

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David Christopher says:

September 16, 2020 at 6:20 pm

Hi Eric,
How dare you commit the greatest sin known in 2020 – being a white male (+cis, +hetero) ~ *sarcasm*
Big fan of the show for the past few years. I don’t know exactly what some of the commenters are referring to when they state about issues ‘YOU think of as political’ out of URP. I assume, they are referring to the trans community in sports, women’s representation in running/sport, racial minority representation, etc. These topics ARE about MUT running or sports in general. You barely if ever touched on Trump & Hillary then, nor Biden now – both of which I very much appreciate.
Look forward to hearing more from the podcast (please put out more content!), I have learned and gotten excited so much from your show since I began ultrarunning a few years ago.
Also, I think Laz’s approach and response is the right one. And, pitching to appear on URP and then trashing it is grandmaster level pathetic.
Best regards – David from Malaysia (non-white with a birth certificate to prove it).

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Steve says:

September 17, 2020 at 12:44 am

I’m sorry, but the record for running the whole country backwards has already been smashed by your current president.
Time: Around 1865.

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Matt G says:

September 17, 2020 at 12:45 am

I agree with those who are clear that only a privileged white male would use the argument of keeping out of politics re BLM. This is not a choice for black people. So disappointed….

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Jeremy says:

September 17, 2020 at 4:44 am

It seems to me:
* Ben Chan is insane (like many woke left) and I am sorry you’re getting put “on blast” (sorry I am old enough to use that term too); his ethics of posting your email and everything about his actions is disgusting.
* Like many have pointed out, your lack the self reflection to realize that you do make things political here is kind of surprising
* like many have pointed out, thats ok. Its your blog, and personally,I find it nice to see different views even if I don’t agree with you every time (see my comment to you the other day re: Squaw), I do tend to lean your way on most occasions. I am a white dude after all, lol.
* you went into lengths ranting the other day about your feelings about “Squaw” vis a vis the change of a hashtag in our sport. How is this any less “running adjacent” than Ben trying to use a team name in a race? Its TOTALLY fine that you want to talk about some things and not others. I think its totally fine if you pick one thing to be upset about, and not others. BUT, and this is a BIG BUT, *don’t try to portray yourself as politically neutral*. Then you start looking as crazy as Ben. I’ve followed your site for many years, so keep in mind my context here is a daily reader for years, I am not just cherry picking Squaw.
* its a weird flex to point out that you have the biggest MUT podcast show (it only caught my attention because despite coming here daily for news links and knowing you have a podcast… I never listen to it and neither do most of my jogging friends because there are other better options).
* it had never even occurred to me that Laz would have a racist bone in his body as I always start with the assumption people are good. The fact that he did not want to “include” a team name “Black Lives Matter” does NOT change my priors on this. I have no reason to think Laz is at all racist. BUT (its always coming right) I do find it unusual that he would choose to make a sticking point of it. It seems so harmless. People always have all kinds of names for teams, some might be serious like beat cancer, some might be “taint ticklers” hoping the race director doesn’t know what a taint is. I guess I am just saying…. who cares about the team names… theres always going to be ones you could disagree with… so why choose BLM. Again… doesn’t change my priors… this is not evidence of racism. But why?
* Patagonia does amazing things, but then you complain about the price, and want the world to be better but for the same price as junk? Is this rhetoric helpful? I’m just yanking her chain bro… its your blog after all!

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John says:

September 17, 2020 at 5:57 am

These are great points by Jeremy. I don’t mind that I disagree with your politics, Eric, which do frequently arise on your blog, your comments, and to a lesser degree, your podcasts. But you do clearly go into politics! Personally, I appreciate your advocacy for the broader ultra/trail running community, a lot, but there are definitely topics that you broach through a 110% political lens; I almost always disagree with you, but, again, your love of the sport and of people shines through, so it doesn’t put me off. Claiming that you’re “politically neutral” in your political opinions does a disservice to those who disagree with you, and to you, both as someone with a platform and as someone who is clearly striving to be a good dude.
If I was inclined to ignore these social and environmental issues, I would ignore them with my public persona. I wouldn’t publicly complain that I was the only one with “common sense” about them, I wouldn’t publicly blast people for “virtue signalling,” I would ignore people who were trying to engage me in public conversation about them (honestly, if you’re surprised that you got the reaction that you did from your email– maybe seek advice from a trusted friend about how to deal with Loud Internet Strangers). I would love it if your blog didn’t snark at Clare Gallagher, throw digs at trans athletes, complain about “SJWs,” etc. But if it’s important to you to engage with controversial topics, you’re going to get reactions from people with strong opinions about them.
Thanks for the podcast and blog.
-John

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1. eric schranz says:
  
  September 17, 2020 at 8:05 am
  
  Hi John,
  
  Thanks for the reply. You’re (and others above) right. It’d be crazy of me to assume that what I write and comment on doesn’t reflect my political and/or societal/personal views somehow. They’re all wrapped up in this head of mine in some manner and certainly intersect. I like to think I’m a neutral person (equal disdain for both “sides” of politics), but true, I suppose my leanings–whatever they are, see below–have crept in to my commentary. Again, yours is a fair point and you’re right.
  
  The overall point was how Mr Chan thinks it’s a) his right to be on my show and, if that doesn’t work, b) it’s appropriate to make racial accusations in this manner. As I mentioned, I’ve discusses the issue of equity and representation before on the show (see my interviews with Coree Woltering and Joe Gray for BIPOC issues, Clare Gallagher for the role of advocate athletes, and many, many females for “why aren’t there more women in MUT media” issues.) I’ve offered–and provided–free gear and many hours of help to underrepresented groups trying to get into podcasting. And I’m not a fan of tooting my own horn, but dammit, I was doing this before it was the issue du jour.
  
  (And for what it’s worth, my political leanings are admittedly a mess. I’m a former democratic campaign consultant (state and local w emphasis on Latino Caucus) and current cannabis growing atheist with a particular dislike for sticky bureaucracy, public sector labor unions, and high taxes but with a penchant for free speech, lower taxes, and accountability. Intellectual diversity is far more important to me than any other diversity. Used to be a Libertarian but that party has lost its damn mind. I’d never vote for Biden/Harris, and think Trump is a certified lunatic. So whatever political leanings are (admittedly) bleeding into my commentary, that’s what they’re reflecting.)
  
  And one important point of clarification. I’ve got no problem with trans athletes and take issue that I “throw digs” at them. My only beef is when they try to compete in categories based on gender instead of sex. It’s certainly a sticky situation wrought with nuance and “BUT SCIENCE!” from both sides, but that’s where I stand.
  
  I’ll keep doing what I’m doing and commenting as I have done (yes, occasionally mocking SJWs), but have zero interest in discussing any issues with this guy. I like to think that I address important topics in a civilized manner and he seems like someone who’d rather throw rhetorical bombs. No thanks.
  
  Thanks again for your comment.
  
  –Eric
  
  Reply
Christopher Tortolano says:

September 17, 2020 at 7:15 am

Aaaannnd that’s why I’ve stepped away from social media. I really enjoy the daily news and podcasts as they are. Been a real escape. Keep it up!

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Peter says:

September 17, 2020 at 7:52 am

Sports should be a safe zone from all kinds of politics and religions.

Remember – that kind of safe zone was the original idea for the Greek Olympics – one that partially led to the origin of modern civilization.

They even took time out from WAR to stage that sports event – surely modern people should be able to take a break from politics and let sports be a safe zone for all.

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Paul says:

September 17, 2020 at 9:21 am

I’ve been a critic in the past (particularly around terms like SJW and snowflake) but you are spot on here. Your show, your guests, you decide.

I suggest coming up with a neutral canned response to future guest requests, something like “thank you for your interest in being on URP, I carefully review all guest requests and will reply back if I’d like to have you on the show”

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Kurt says:

September 17, 2020 at 10:00 am

Eric.

Please stick to running with updates on beer, dogs, and cannabis as you see fit. We have hundreds of other sources of political commentary and can spend as much time with those as we need. Please keep URP a sanctuary of pure MUT clickbait. An oasis and an escape is much more appreciated! Keep it that way!!

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Mike H says:

September 17, 2020 at 10:05 am

I agree with John and Paul and others — you do bring in some biases that I don’t necessarily agree with.
But most importantly, I also agree with them and you that the attack on you is unwarranted and over the line. I do think it’s “OK” to mix politics with sports, but I also think it’s “OK” not too. Critically, those who don’t necessarily want to mix the two in all cases are not enemies who are “against” the cause. And, the message of the cause is lost, which is frustrating. People take a very real problem — systemic racism and aggressive policing — and then insert themselves with a tangential effort so as to create an illusion of importance and meaning. I sympathize with the idea, “What can I do?”, but it is taken too far when people make it about their own personality. People want to contribute and are protesting, which is awesome, but a certain percentage *really want you to know what they’re doing*, and the really want you to tell them that it’s important. They really want the attention and recognition, in a way that’s hard to disentangle from the original cause. Because on the “other side,” politically, is very much about personality and identity moreso than good ideas and policy.

So, now, instead of people working toward fighting systemic racism and biased and violent policing, some people are spending energy fighting on the stupid names of a stupid virtual race in a fringe sport that almost nobody cares about. Is that where energy should be spent now? You are spot on with reminding us that the pandemic and environmental threats, to which I’d add an important election and the *real* focus of BLM, are drastically more important.

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Eric says:

September 17, 2020 at 11:23 am

Patagonia costs what it costs because they do everything right – Pay employees livable wages, ethically source materials, benefits like maternity leave and onsite day care, on top of great quality…… no reason to lower prices and not do those things.

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Frederic says:

September 17, 2020 at 1:29 pm

Amen, aka the “True Cost”.
It baffles me somehow when I hear people complaining about the cost but then a$500 iPhone is no biggie….

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Molly says:

September 18, 2020 at 4:15 am

Eric I totally support your decision and appreciate the lack of echo chamber you have always supplied to the community.
As you already intuit, you can never bend the knee low enough, just ask mayor wheeler- wokest of the woke- but the mob still came to his home.
Your site,your business, you built this. Damn anyone who wants to tear it down because you don’t hang the proverbial billboard of ideology. Won’t protect you anyways.
Save the knee damage for future running not kneeling to the insatiable mob. Remember when running was just that- running. The good old days.

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Michael Joseph Nixdorf says:

September 18, 2020 at 10:39 am

Hang in there Eric. Appreciate what you do.

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Andy Colbert says:

September 18, 2020 at 6:05 pm

Andy

I don’t want to hear anyone who demands to be interviewed – be it a conservative right winger, fence-sitter or radical leftist. It’s all ego driven.
I appreciate the fact you don’t cave in to mob mentality or those with an agenda to promote. You need to be the one running the show here, not outsiders, who sadly have been placated in other arenas of society.

Reply

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