Your misquote of my words is not only disrespectful, Anne, but had you bothered to reach out to me first you'd have found that we largely agree. I don't appreciate having words and meaning lifted strategically to make your point. I said EXTREME. I do NOT consider marathons EXTREME. Since this is my lane, let's clarify: Hundred mile races at extreme altitude are extreme, and the science backs me up on this. You might have offered me the courtesy of doing your due diligence in much of my other writing on the topic. Instead you select a quote or two and use it to your own advantage while not only missing my point but making me look rude to my fellow runners and athletic grey hairs. What is rude is misquoting, Anne. I am a professional journalist, which you most clearly do not seem to be, and these are fundamental issues of integrity. I have no “hostility” whatsoever towards 80 yo marathoners. In fact, given that my own profession at 69 is adventure travel, it is beyond ridiculous to lump me with folks who hate on 80 yo marathoners. I do, however, harbor deeply unpleasant feelings for authors who misquote, selectively lift material out of my articles and use them to make a point that I most certainly DO NOT SUPPORT IN ANY WAY. I stand by my point: people who are driven TO EXTREMES damage their bodies and the science is behind me. All too often they are ridiculously proud of themselves until their bodies give out. I do NOT consider marathons- half or full- extreme. You might have bothered clarifying that with me first. This is not how you make friends and get supporters on Medium, and you have lost my regard in the process, Anne. Have fun with that way of showing up on this platform. That’s how you lose readers, lose respect and lose agency in very, very public way.