We do that factor as of late the place we preface our controversial ideas with the phrases, “unpopular opinion.” It goes one thing like this: “Unpopular opinion, however morning runs are overrated,” or “Unpopular opinion, however winter runs are higher than summer time runs,” or “Unpopular opinion, however I don’t truly care about native legend standing on Strava.”
It’s principally a enjoyable sport we play on social media, however I feel there’s one thing extra to it. It’s as if these little phrases grant us permission to voice our true ideas with out being too embarrassed as a result of we overtly acknowledge that they’re unpopular. However maybe extra importantly, after we use these phrases to protect ourselves from potential judgment, they will additionally remind us to query ourselves about why we maintain these opinions and put together ourselves to have a constructive dialogue about them.
Zach Miller in 2023, after ending second at UTMB, would have disagreed with a younger Zach Miller’s unpopular opinion that 100-mile races have been foolish. Picture: Luke Webster
And with that, I shall share a few of my very own unpopular opinions. Right here goes.
Unpopular opinion, however a part of me thinks that 200-plus-mile races are dumb. The truth is, a aspect of me cringed when my Instagram feed was stuffed with individuals working the Cocodona 250 Mile simply the opposite week. A part of me thinks we should always first get quicker at 100-mile races earlier than tackling races two-and-a-half occasions as lengthy. And the same fraction of me disliked that I used to be sucked into following alongside and caring about it. However wait, there’s extra.
Unpopular opinion, however a part of me was bothered by lululemon’s FURTHER occasion. A bit of me thought it merely seemed like plenty of sluggish working. In the meantime, one thing else in me couldn’t cease desirous about whether or not they need to have referred to as the occasion “additional” or “farther.” In spite of everything, they have been working far, and farther is used for distance, however then again, maybe they have been additionally working to a better diploma of their beings, by which case additional could possibly be acceptable. For a man who appreciated math class much more than English, I suppose I’ve some robust emotions about grammar. Enable me to proceed.
Unpopular opinion, however I’m okay with the Barkley Marathons. I acknowledge that it’s a totally different type of occasion. I perceive that some assume that the extent of consideration that it garners from the media is dangerous for the game of ultrarunning — that individuals don’t need this race, a scavenger hunt as they might name it, to be what individuals consider as ultrarunning. But, I feel it’s a distinctive problem that embodies a lot of what ultrarunning really is — a take a look at of will, energy, endurance, and psychological fortitude.
Jasmin Paris turning into the primary lady to complete the Barkley Marathons is maybe the most important ultrarunning media second of 2024 so far. Picture: David Miller
Being a Skeptic of Skepticism
Earlier than you get mad at me within the feedback part beneath, please enable me to increase a bit extra. These ideas are basically my knee-jerk reactions. They’re issues that I feel however don’t at all times say. They’re the type of ideas that I categorical to my closest mates, those that will nonetheless discuss to me even when they disagree.
And when I’ve these ideas, I query myself: Am I desirous about this accurately? Am I proper to agree or disagree with a preferred or accepted opinion? Am I simply being a cranky, previous curmudgeon? Ought to I be extra open-minded?
The opposite evening, as I used to be studying via a set of notes that I carry on my cellphone, I stumbled upon the next phrases from creator and podcast host Krista Tippett in a chunk referred to as “Turning into Clever:”
“I’m consciously shedding the idea {that a} skeptical viewpoint is probably the most intellectually credible. Mind doesn’t perform in opposition to thriller; tolerance just isn’t extra pragmatic than love; and cynicism just isn’t extra cheap than hope. Not like nearly each worthwhile factor in life, cynicism is simple. It’s by no means confirmed unsuitable by the corruption or the disaster. It’s not generative. It judges issues as they’re, however doesn’t raise a finger to attempt to shift them.”
Now, I do know that Tippett didn’t pen these phrases in response to Cocodona 250 Mile, FURTHER, or the Barkley Marathons. The truth is, she most actually wasn’t desirous about ultrarunning in any respect. But, her ideas made me query why I used to be being so essential of what different individuals have been doing.
Simply because I don’t have the will to do one thing doesn’t imply it may’t maintain worth for another person. In spite of everything, there was a time in my youth after I thought working 100 miles was foolish. “I might in all probability do this, however I don’t wish to run that sluggish,” was what I believed to myself. Years later, right here I’m doing the very factor that I as soon as regarded as so foolish. I suppose I’m having a little bit snack on the phrases of my youth.
Cynics and followers have been equally glued to the end of the Cocodona 250 Mile the place Harry Subertas took over the race lead with just a few miles left. Picture: Howie Stern
I feel this type of factor occurs so much in life and extends far past the world of sports activities. From ultrarunning to political opinions to how our associate does the dishes, we shortly change into cynical of so many issues. All we see is what we think about proper whereas neglecting to create space for thriller, love, or hope. We maintain so tightly to our (unpopular) opinions that we fail to create space for ahead progress.
As I take to the paths that life presents, I want to keep in mind that there are various twists and turns that I received’t expect. My skepticism and critique could also be of worth for some however not for all. There’ll typically be multiple good path, and simply because it’s not my cup of tea doesn’t imply it isn’t another person’s. If somebody needs to run a 250-mile race or for six days in a row, might I discover it in me to cheer on such a feat.
So right here’s to all of these consuming large, daring cups of tea — for the place there may be problem, there may be alternative, and the place there may be alternative, there may be progress.
Name for Feedback
- Have you ever ever discovered your self getting skeptical of different individuals’s objectives?
- How will we create house for constructive discussions of unpopular opinions?
