happyscientist wrote:
The general public thinks the local sprint and an Ironman (140.6) are the same. They also think that a marathon and a 5k are the same. It is just like my view that all car racing is driving fast and turning left--that really pisses car racing fans off, but I don't care about their sport anymore than they care about mine.
*ding* *ding* *ding* *ding*
I have spent countless seconds of my life explaining to family (think aunts, uncles, 3rd cousins) and acquaintances that no, I've never done that "Hawaii type thing". Same idea. Just lots shorter.
In fact, I've done exactly one 70.3. Just one. I will (proudly, IDGAF what anyone here might think) tell them I've done that, but that's half the "Hawaii thing". And they'll still say "But, it is half." and I still say "Yah, but it's the way easier half."
Frankly, I think the corporation does a pretty good job branding 70.3
Like 5150, it's 70.3
Ironman is the brand AND the race. It sounds cooler than "the Hawaii thing" It's not 140.6. That's just a sticker some people put on their car. When you have your picture taken in front of the picture board at one, it just says "Ironman" not "Ironman 140.6"
When you do the same at 70.3, it says "Ironman 70.3" And you can't crop out the 70.3 for your Facebook profile. I tried it as an exercise to see if you could. FTR, my FB profile pic clearly shows the 70.3 part of the artwork. I just initially tried it out of curiosity to see if you could do it if you wanted to be one of "those people" and try to fool the general public into thinking you are something you aren't.
So, yah, like happyscientist says, the general public doesn't make a distinction anyway any more than happyscientist and I do for the left turn circuit.
And, yes, there are "those people". They exist in every endeavor. And they make great fodder for message boards. We should actually embrace and encourage them. Fodder like them can really keep a board moving.