Sympathy goes out to those of you shut out by lotteries. But raising money does have one perk -- guaranteed entry. Those who benefit from medical research are the big winners. Please tell those with leukemia, cancer, arthritis, etc. that your running a marathon is more important than raising funds for medical treatments.

I could go on and on, but I hope you get my message. Each of you has valid arguments. Just don't let it obsess you -- go for a run and feel better. Which is what I'm getting ready to do.

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To:	Alan Birdsell
From: (your email)
Subject:	Re: All are right
Message:	-------------------- Alan Birdsell's original posting: After reading the many, many heartfelt responses regarding the "cheating" at MCM, I have concluded that all respondants have valid points. To begin with, sponsers / coaches encouraging runners to run less that the 26.2 is inexcusable IF they want to consider themselves marathoners. As several have asked, "How do they live with themselves?" I have run for TNT and I am currently coaching for them. If some chapters encourage their runners to run less than the distance, shame on them. I hope the Kansas chapter has never do this. TNT did get me started running marathons -- at age 54. By the middle of Jan. '06, I will have run 7, some on my own and some with TNT. And my goal is to be a "50-stater plus D.C." So thanks to them for getting me started. Sympathy goes out to those of you shut out by lotteries. But raising money does have one perk -- guaranteed entry. Those who benefit from medical research are the big winners. Please tell those with leukemia, cancer, arthritis, etc. that your running a marathon is more important than raising funds for medical treatments. I could go on and on, but I hope you get my message. Each of you has valid arguments. Just don't let it obsess you -- go for a run and feel better. Which is what I'm getting ready to do.