This post is probably going to upset some people but it is truly not meant to. I just felt the need to get this out since we are now in another season of the annual Runner’s World cover model search and basically every second runner I know is begging for votes left and right. And, I just wanted y’all to know that while I love you guys (seriously, fellow runners you are amazing), I am probably not voting for you. And that actually does mean you. It’s not out of malice though, I promise! Let me explain…
I have absolutely nothing against contests where bloggers (or nonbloggers) take to social media for the chance to win something awesome. I’ve entered a few myself. What I don’t love about these contests is that now I feel like they are SO big and SO many people enter. That in and of itself isn’t a bad thing. But then the “I should win because I have this amazing story” comes in. Those of you who watched the most recent season of The Bachelor will recognize this as what Kelsey did: use her story to imply that no one else’s story was relevant or important.
Everyone of us has a story and I hate how contests like this become about how so and so really deserves it. Says who? Not saying that any particular person doesn’t deserve it, more that I can think of so many people who deserve exposure and to have their story told. Most of us do. But the Runner’s World contest isn’t about that. It’s a quasi popularity contest – and I stopped taking part in those when I graduated from high school fifteen (holy crap, fifteen?!?!) years ago. Also, to be totally honest, all the begging for votes kind of annoys me too. #sorrynotsorry
So, there you have it. In short, I think we’re all awesome and I’m not down with the popularity contest. And begging annoys me. 🙂
Are you competing for votes in the RW contest? Or all you ignoring the whole thing like me?
Amen sister! I didn’t enter because I hate popularity contests! We are all great!! 🙂
right? i’m so over it!
I couldn’t agree more!
Amy @ Running on Faith and Coffee recently posted…5 Ways to Organize your Running Gear
thanks amy!! 🙂
I’ll admit that I cast one vote for one individual because the story really spoke to me. However, reading your post brought home the whole idea of the popularity contest – which does NOT speak to me. I agree with you!
BRadley recently posted…Thursday Triumph – The Half
yeah, i am just so over the whole popularity contest aspect of it. lots of people are amazing and i hate that it feels so forced!
I’m with you. I did vote for a few folks that entered BUT that was one vote. I don’t have any interest in continuing the voting until this thing ends. I really wish that Runner’s World would limit the amount of time this was posted. It’s crazy to me that it will still go on for a few more weeks!
Lisa @ Lisa Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Giveaway Alert! Skirt Sports 13er Virtual Race
I know – it’s click bait for them though so I understand it on that end. But, I’m over it!
LOVE this and I agree with you 100%!
Karen @karenlovestorun
Karen @karenlovestorun recently posted…Friday Five 4/17: Five Things Pregnancy Has Taught Me
Thanks for stopping by Karen – glad to know I’m not alone 🙂
My exact thoughts, Courtney. This is exactly why I didn’t enter the RW contest, and why I have yet to vote, and will not vote, for anybody this year.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – May 15th – Top Keyword Searches for From Dancing to Running
yeah, i think a lot of people agree with us! 🙂
These contests drive me nuts. And the truly deserving are not begging for votes. The head coach of my group was in top 100 at Boston, raised over $36,000 at one race for charity in little Wilmington NC and would be an awesome choice. But he would never nominate himself. Thanks for this!
Pam recently posted…Weekly Roundup – May 17th
And the truly deserving are not begging for votes. –> exactly! that’s 100% how i feel and why i’m just not a fan of this contest!
great post! I attempted to cast one vote for someone but RW had issues linking my Twitter, which was a blessing disguise because I hate linking my accounts like that. whatever happened to nominating people and selection by committee or something? This reminds me of a contest another blogger begged for votes to win (for a paid race and trip) then didn’t even GO on the trip which could have been given to someone else but was too last minute. Such popularity contests but all it does it give RW clicks!!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Travel Review: Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh
I know exactly what you are referencing…grrr! I’m agree that a selection committee would be a better way to go about this!
I couldn’t agree more.
Thanks for stopping by!
YYYYEEEEESSSS!!!! I love that you point out that there is no need to elevate one person’s journey or story above the rest. Everyone’s running “win” will look different and that doesn’t mean it wasn’t hard fought for that person. It’s always good to think through why we do something before just mindlessly clicking.
Kate @KateMovingForward recently posted…A Blogger’s Thoughts on CoSchedule
yes – the end to midlessly clicking!
I never enter these contests because I do not have a story to tell! I don’t feel special because I have been running/in shape my entire life. No one wants to hear that story! I give credit for people putting themselves out there, but I wish the contest part didn’t exist.
Steff @ Run Steff Run recently posted…Tinker Bell Half Marathon Expo
of course you have a story to tell, lady! YOU are your story 🙂
It is indeed a popularity contest. I venture to say that all elections are popularity contest. We base our decisions on who we think deserves it the most. And I hate to bring race into it but Black men and women almost never make it and to me that’s very discouraging. How many readers will vote for diversity? Not many I would say. So I pretty much ignore the whole voting process when Runner’s World starts this because it won’t do me any favors to choose.
Thanks for posting this!
Candace recently posted…Be a 3-minute advocate for Council Bill 17-2015
so true on all points!
I’m with you, Courtney! Popularity contests stressed me out in high school, and I don’t want to relive those days!
debbie @ deb runs recently posted…Giving Back To The Running Community
yes, exactly! away w/the popularity contests!!
I’m ignoring it all. In previous years I voted for some of my MRTT chapter members but I agree, it does feel like it has gotten so huge it is out of control.
Kelli recently posted…HarryMan “Olympic” Triathlon (that’s why you have “B” races)
I voted for a friend like twice, but then got overwhelmed by all the constant vote for me messages and stopped. It really is a popularity contest. I almost wish RW would have people fill out online applications and then just choose, no popularity contest.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…A Long Run Goes Wrong
Yes, I have that same wish!!
I agree with this completely. There are so many talented people and athletes in the world. I sometimes think these contests are more of “who can garnish the most votes”. Yes they are great and everyone has a story…but that is just it…everyone is inspirational to someone. To say someone is the “most inspirational” is sad.
Hollie recently posted…Week 3: Most Boring Training Log Ever
Exactly! I wish runners world didn’t run their contest this way!
Agreed! Great post!!
Thanks for weighing in!
Yes and thank you!! Read my mind.
Jennifer recently posted…2015 RES1CUE Run 8K Race Recap
I guess this makes me feel better that I didn’t enter. 🙂 Thanks for your honesty Courtney and your encouragement.
Emily recently posted…Intuitive Eating vs. Bored Eating
Yes! It’s a huge popularity contest and not worth the effort in my humble opinion 🙂
Can I just say THANK YOU! for this? This contest makes me crazy. My FB feed is filled with begging posts for votes. And I look at the leaderboard, and it isn’t about who deserves to win, it’s a popularity contest. Ugh.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…My other love
Hear hear! I loathe this contest every year, not because of the actual contest, but how some runners are relentless in pestering others for votes. every day they ask. every day for 2 months. ugh. Preach on!
Ugh. I can’t stand it!