My comment about not being bothered what people think was not made in relation to the general public, but to the people who have sufficient interest in fell running that they read what's posted on this forum.Originally Posted by TheGrump
I think that it's hugely important that the FRA do what they do to ensure that we aren't seen as irresponsible or incompetent by the general public. The reason I maintained my subscription despite having many years out of the sport is that I recognise the FRA as a force for good in ensuring that my kids and the generations that come after them can still pull on a pair of shoes and go for a trot in the countryside with the same freedoms that I enjoy. The 'surprisingly large team' that administer the FRA do an incredibly good job of maintaining the amateur 'feel' of the sport while operating at a level of professionalism that many other sports would envy - take a look at Snowsport England for instance!
The point I'm making is that I view this forum as an extension of the pub after a club night. There's banter about racing, recruiting support and making plans for big runs, gear discussions, club business, and chat about stuff that's got nothing at all to do with running. Whose having these conversations? There's the has-beens and never was's, the old hands and the newbies, the hot-shot racing lads and lasses, the people with high pressure jobs that are looking for a safety valve and the folk looking for work for whom this is a cheap way of getting out of the house and rebuilding a bit of personal pride. The only thing we have in common is fell running and the genuine comradeship that comes from being part of a minority sport.
So what do I do if I'm at one end of the bar and there's a conversation that's boring? I go and find a conversation at the other end of the bar.
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