As a runner that can typically qualify to run as an Athena I have to wonder how the qualifications were decided and set on the 'weight' categories; and how those entering and running within them feel about this way of trying to level the playing field for prize categories.
I am what I (and most that know me) consider fairly thin and very fit ... yet, since I hang out in the 150's aside from peak training periods, I could run in the Athena weight category if I chose to do so. I never have and don't think I would, I do just fine in the open category as do some other gals I know from racing that could also enter in weight categories. I do outweigh most of the frontrunners by quite a hefty bit and it is a handicap for my times but not what I'd consider the reasoning behind the spirit of setting up such categories.
I've read a few of the threads here and I think it would be highly frowned upon by most if somebody like myself snatched a coveted prize set aside for those that are overweight to some extent.
So, I suppose I am really asking if most feel these categories are meant for those keeping fit while being overweight or trying to lose weight, OR if they are meant for anybody that is not a petite waif of a person?
I hope this isn't offensive ... I don't mean it to be ... I have competed well in some races and been pushed and often beaten by folks that 'appear' to be in less fit shape than myself - I know extra weight don't always mean less fit, believe me ... and sometimes I find I just have to look at the awards ceremony and find out if they entered open or weight category and am always curious how each runner makes that decision.
