Sunday, September 2, 2012

Paul Ryan, Marathons, and Character


On June 23, 1990, when he was in college, Paul Ryan ran "Grandma's Marathon," in Duluth, Minnesota, completed the 26.25 mile race in 4 hours 1 minute and 25 seconds. He took 1990th place.( Runners World / Article / Race Stats )

I've never run a marathon, and I think it's a tremendous accomplishment. If I ran several, I think I'd cite my best time and the number of marathons I ran. If I only ran one - and there are no records of Paul Ryan running other marathons - I think I'd remember my time, even after 20 years. If I did it in 4 hours, 1 minute, and 25 seconds, I might say "I ran the marathon in 4 hours."  And I'd only use the term "Personal Best" if I had run more than one. Because if you've only run one race, then your personal best is also your personal worst.

On a broadcast interview on the Hugh Hewitt show, on August 22, 2012 (description / transcript), Ryan claimed his "Personal Best" was "Under three, high twos. I had a two hour and fifty-something." That's a huge difference from "I ran the marathon once in four hours."


What does this say about Paul Ryan's character? 

I think it speaks volumes and none of it good.

New Yorker / Daily News / Opposing Views / Politico

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