sub-elite – Salty Running

10 Best Races For Sub-Elite Runners

Posted by HopsMarch 15, 2017 10 Comments

There are perks to being an elite runner: complimentary race entries, travel assistance, free hotel stay, performance bonuses, even VIP porta-potties. The list of luxuries goes on and on. But many of these perks are available to sub-elite runners, if you know where to look or if you know the secret handshake. The key is finding the best races that cater to runners who aren’t quite national class, but are still very good runners.

So, how do you know where to find these races? Well, I’ve asked some of my friends to share their favorites and tell us about their experience as a sub-elite. And I’ve included some of my own favorites as well!

Club and Ambassador Opportunities for Sub-Elites

Posted by SpikenardDecember 6, 2016 3 Comments

Runners prepare to make a go at an Olympic Trials Qualifier, each wearing her club’s kit.

And I’m back with more information for sub-elites. Way back when, I explained who sub-elite runners are. Then I told you about the many benefits races offer for sub-elite runners, and last week, I explained all the ways that USATF supports sub-elites. Now it’s time to discuss how brands can help you reach your big running dreams! Yes, your favorite running companies do more than sponsor the best in the sport; they are eager to help emerging athletes, too, through elite development clubs and brand ambassador programs!

USATF Support for Sub-Elites

Posted by SpikenardNovember 30, 2016 5 Comments

My teammates at the 2015 USATF National Trail Half Marathon Championship

Two weeks ago, I explained who sub-elite runners are. Last week I told you about the many benefits races offer for sub-elite runners. This week, I want to explain the ways that U.S.A. Track and Field (USATF) supports sub-elites. Sure the USATF is not without controversy, but with part of its mission to promote the pursuit of excellence, from grassroots to the Olympic Games, the organization’s job is to help you reach your goals.

Race Offerings for Sub-Elites

Posted by SpikenardNovember 17, 2016 15 Comments

Behind the elite athletes on the front of the line of races like the 2016 U.S.A. Half Marathon Championship at the Cap City Half are sub-elites trying to chase them down.

Last week I explained who sub-elite runners are, but now it’s time to tell you what is available for those of you who are currently in that group and those of you with the goal of making it into that group. As you get faster and as your goals become more lofty, you will likely need more and more support to reach them. That support can come in many shapes, such as family, friends, training partners, and flexible jobs, but today I want to explain what some races offer in the way of support for sub-elites like current or future you. From major marathons to shorter road races to national championships, there are many races looking to help you reach your dreams. Read more >>

What Does Sub-Elite Mean?

Posted by SpikenardNovember 10, 2016 3 Comments

I’ve been mulling over the words “sub-elite” and “elite.” While most of us have some idea of what an elite runner is, the concept of “sub-elite” is slightly less tangible.

There are differences between being received or perceived as elite, identifying as elite, and training like an elite, but no single item on this list necessarily qualifies a runner as being truly elite, does it? What about two items from this list? What about all? We like to compartmentalize, but I have a hard time creating categorizations and instead judge on a case by case basis, which might seem elusive or unfair, or maybe exactly right. According to the comments on a Salty Running Readers’ Roundtable, “What the *blank* is an Elite Runner?“, there’s no clear answer. As with most things, the top and the bottom are better understood than what lies between. Read more >>

Readers Roundtable: What the blank is an Elite Runner?

Posted by SaltyJanuary 25, 2016 29 Comments

Last week we introduced you to Emma Polley, a Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier who some LetsRun posters skewered for calling herself elite. We laughed this off as petty insecure trolling, but Emma’s story brings up a good question:

What is an elite runner?

We hear the term bandied about along with other gems like sub-elite, local elite, and, on the other side of the spectrum, hobby jogger. We have vague understandings of what these classes of runners are, but is there a formal cut-off between, say, elite and sub-elite? And how about between sub-elite and local elite or local elite and … everyone else?

I recently spoke with a runner who began a sentence, “When I became an elite …” She clearly knows where she stands and I know where I stand. All of LetsRun might laugh, but I’ve even been referred to as an elite runner before. While that was certainly flattering, I know, even when I was at my fittest, I’m most definitely not an elite runner. I won some local races way back when, so maybe I could be a local elite, but that’s the best I could possibly say for myself without feeling like a complete fraud.

Beyond where I personally stand, though, I really couldn’t tell you where the lines are between runner classes. So naturally, we want to hear from you!

Do we really need to separate runners into classes? If we do, well, why? And then what should those classes be? How should they be defined?

What the ____ is an elite runner?

Whether you are a back-of-the-packer, someone who considers herself an elite runner or somewhere in between we want to know what you think.

Run a Sub-3:00 Marathon in Just 10 Short Miles a Day!

Posted by JasmineOctober 27, 2015 32 Comments

afyoy — Gearing up for sub-3 marathon number 2!

I raced the Columbus Marathon last week. Unlike last year, I didn’t get stressed out about the race. I was very, very ready (or at least I thought I was) when I showed up on the starting line. I knew it was just a matter of getting there with the right gear, a solid race plan and some good fall marathoning weather. I went after a 2:50 race, but landed on a 2:54, over four minutes faster than last year. You can read all the gory details in my race report.

So, how did I end up crossing the line with a 2:54:06 in October, after DNF’ing in May? I know a lot of you out there love reading our training logs. I truly believe that one of the best ways to find training methods that work for you is to stalk other people’s training logs. I’ll save you the stalking part: I’m going to show you what a sub-3:00 marathon training cycle looks like, from the workouts to the weekly mileage and more! Read more >>