Beck of the Pack $5 / month

Beck of the Pack explores the ethical, cultural, and competitive challenges within track and field, focusing on coaching misconduct, doping, inclusivity controversies, and media critique. It analyzes individual cases and broader systemic issues, emphasizing the consequences of these complexities on athletes and the sport's integrity.

Coaching Misconduct Doping in Athletics Gender and Inclusivity in Sports Media Critique and Public Perception Athlete Development and Performance Cultural Impact on Sports Ethics and Morality in Sports

The hottest Substack posts of Beck of the Pack

And their main takeaways

The 4-3-2-1 Lap Step-Down

196 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Running Training
  1. The 4-3-2-1 Lap Step-Down is a workout that helps improve race endurance.
  2. The workout involves running 4K in intervals with varying paces.
  3. Maintaining rhythm and form during the session is crucial to its effectiveness.

The New York Times goes full right-wing transphobic bigot in agreeing that the permanent sterilization of kids who can't give informed consent is, like, totally messed up

196 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Gender Healthcare Rights LGBTQ+
  1. The New York Times is criticized for supporting irreversible surgeries on kids without informed consent.
  2. Financial motives are highlighted as a driving force behind radical medical treatments for children.
  3. Criticism is directed at individuals promoting irreversible procedures on kids without considering long-term consequences.

A simple test to determine whether you have truly lost your mind (and assess the extent of the reversible damage)

176 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Government Elections Foreign Relations Corruption
  1. The article discusses the importance of being critical of mainstream media and not allowing oneself to be swayed by false narratives.
  2. There is a focus on recognizing the questionable actions and behaviors of powerful individuals, such as politicians and media personalities.
  3. The writer emphasizes the need for readers to stay informed, question information sources, and be aware of potential brainwashing tactics that can influence perceptions.

World marathon record-holder Kelvin Kiptum dies in a car crash in Kenya

137 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Running Marathons Athletes Tragedy Records
  1. Kelvin Kiptum, the world marathon record-holder, tragically died in a car crash in Kenya at the young age of 24.
  2. Kiptum set remarkable marathon records, including a stunning 2:00:35 in the 2023 Chicago Marathon, hinting at his incredible potential in the sport.
  3. His untimely death at 24 years old draws parallels to other young athletes whose lives were cut short, like Steve Prefontaine and Sammy Wanjiru.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Images only (#215)

157 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Images
  1. The post discusses celebrity ignorance and greed
  2. America values these traits above all else
  3. There are various images shared in the post

Why would Runner's World fire someone from its editorial staff for brazen lying? This isn't the dark ages of publishing, when basic ethics and brainpower were oddly valued

117 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Media Ethics Diversity Journalism Content creation
  1. Runner's World faced backlash for not firing an editor accused of lying
  2. The fitness media is criticized for prioritizing attention seekers over ethics
  3. Corporate media outlets are losing credibility as independent sources gain popularity

Events like the Western States 100-Miler may now start kindly telling DEI extortionists to take a long hike

137 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media Race Politics Sports Social Issues
  1. Events like the Western States 100-Miler are facing challenges with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) extortionists.
  2. There is a shift in the cultural landscape due to a pandemic of consumer backlash and overseas issues.
  3. DEI initiatives are evolving, but remain a point of contention in various sectors like running and academia.

Trail Runner's editor-in-chief vows to remain a hypocritical, privileged imbecile who dismisses athletically, intellectually, morally, and creatively superior people as "trolls"

137 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Running Media Criticism Sports Ethics
  1. The editor-in-chief of Trail Runner has been criticized for being hypocritical and dismissive of others
  2. There is concern over the quality and integrity of content in certain running publications
  3. Ethical concerns have been raised regarding the behavior of individuals in the running industry

Images only (#219)

117 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Photography Journalism
  1. Pfizer and Moderna have been under scrutiny for pharmaceutical corruption.
  2. It's important to shed light on other criminal chemical-distribution organizations.
  3. The post contains multiple images related to the topic.

Beloved liar, cheater, coward, and quitter Latoya Snell BAILS from ANOTHER race, collects ANOTHER sham medal, and belches out MORE nonsense from Scamtown

117 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Running Social Issues Criticism Fitness Satire
  1. Latoya Snell is criticized for bailing from races and collecting medals under false pretenses
  2. The running industry is portrayed in a negative light regarding ethics and integrity
  3. The author expresses frustration with the lack of accountability in the running community

Volume control

117 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Running Training Recovery Time management
  1. Training volume needs to be tailored to individual runners, even with similar abilities and goals.
  2. Training volume can increase over time as the body adapts, but recovery is key to avoid overtraining.
  3. Be cautious of running high mileage just for the sake of it, balance volume with quality workouts for optimal performance.

Images only (#220)

98 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Images
  1. The athletic director at CHS made a premature switch to AI
  2. Outside's messaging on alcohol lacked consistency
  3. Michael Saruni attempted a little-known "dope-ell-gänger" strategy

Amby Burfoot is correct: The U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials are both an alluring sporting spectacle and an increasingly obvious waste of America's (admittedly trivial) distance talent

98 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Running Marathons Journalism Athletes Olympics
  1. The U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials are seen as both captivating and wasteful in terms of American talent.
  2. There are criticisms about the structure and purpose of the U.S. Marathon Trials.
  3. Concerns about inadequacies in sports reporting and the handling of elite running events are highlighted.

"More work isn't the answer," advises Women's Running, this time using an "influencer" who shares a name with a leading asswipe manufacturer

98 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Running Influencers Fitness Media Gender
  1. Women's Running suggests that more work may not be the solution for improving running performance
  2. The article criticizes the influence of 'influencers' in the fitness industry
  3. It questions the credibility of articles that promote shortcuts or 'hacks' in athletic training

Images only (#217)

98 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art
  1. The post discusses how liberal media outlets continue to engage in behaviors that lead people to distrust and despise them.
  2. The post contains various images that are related to the content discussed.
  3. The post was published on January 26, 2024.

While it's easy to be distracted by the Roche cult members' lack of courage, drive, intelligence, and integrity, raw masochism is what most strongly unifies these freaks

98 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Election Analysis Democratic Party Political criticism
  1. Raw masochism unifies Roche cult members despite other lacking qualities.
  2. Criticism is directed towards David and Megan Roche and their coaching methods.
  3. Many individuals in the running community are described as self-important and masochistic.

Road Trip: Rono on the Road

98 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Running Marathons Athletes Race Training
  1. The article provides insights into the life and mindset of elite runners, like Elly Rono, and their dedication to road racing.
  2. Elly Rono's journey from Kenya to the United States highlights the challenges and aspirations of an athlete striving for success on the international stage.
  3. The road trip narrative captures the camaraderie, struggles, and dreams of runners competing in races and navigating the intricacies of the sport.

Dropping acid: alactic speed workouts for runners

98 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Running Training Athletes
  1. Alactic speed workouts can help runners improve leg speed without accumulating lactic acid-induced muscle fatigue
  2. Doing short, fast bursts like strides can be a great way to work on basic speed and turnover
  3. Consistently practicing short, fast reps like strides can help improve running speed and form over time

New Hampshire Indoor State Championships livestream and previews (via N.H. Track and Field)

78 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Running Championships Livestream Records
  1. New Hampshire High School Indoor Track and Field Championships are happening today at Plymouth State College with Division 2 events starting at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time and Division 1 at 4:30 p.m.
  2. The state record in the 1,000 meters set by Conant's Zak Wright in 1994 is a significant benchmark for runners, and two boys are aiming to break it at the championships.
  3. New Hampshire Track and Field has integrated results of the state's high-school athletes with TFRRS to create rankings for Granite State preps, allowing viewers to follow performances within the state.

Images only (#212)

98 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Images
  1. The post discusses Bill Ackman's recent actions and their consequences
  2. The post shares multiple images within the content
  3. The post references Kevin Beck's Substack profile

Alison Wade's essay on John Babington emphasizes a major problem of coaching abuse: never knowing where the edges of trust end

157 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Sexual Abuse Coaching Athletes
  1. Coaching abuse can blur the edges of trust, making it hard to know where to draw the line.
  2. The issue of sexual abuse in coaching is complex, with challenges in identification and communication.
  3. Victims of abuse may struggle with speaking out, highlighting the importance of supporting those who come forward.

Sociopathic running impostor becomes fodder for Wokish scholarship

157 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
  1. The paper discusses the concept of 'decolonial resistance' in the context of fat Black women participating in sports.
  2. The text critiques the research paper for its methodology and conclusions, highlighting issues with labeling and oversights.
  3. The author uses this case to reflect on broader societal issues like the effects of Wokism and challenges around truth and reality.

Outside's lazy, fragile editors embrace ignorance and irresponsibility while blaming the world for their self-imposed anxieties and mental disarray

78 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media Mental health Fitness Social Issues Critique
  1. Outside editors are criticized for embracing ignorance and blaming others for their mental issues
  2. Corporate publications aim to shift blame for psychological distress onto external factors
  3. Critique is given on the quality and messaging of mental health articles published by Outside publications

Images only (#216)

78 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Images
  1. The post discusses seeking medical care outside of demographic groups for better outcomes.
  2. The content includes various images linked within the post.
  3. The author's name is Kevin Beck.

Emilia Benton—having been ratioed and smacked down—responds with a non-answer and dismisses legitimate questions as "trolling"

137 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Race COVID-19 Vaccines Conspiracy
  1. Emilia Benton dismisses legitimate questions as 'trolling' in response to criticism
  2. There is debate on the integrity of Emilia Benton's accusations and the situation around photos and tweets.
  3. The post raises questions about the validity and impact of media narratives and societal attitudes.

Zane Robertson (13:13/27:33/2:08:19) just got eight years in the athletics cooler; his twin brother and training partner (13:15/27:30/2:08:26) just got nervous

137 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🎾 Sports Running Doping Athletics Coaching Professionalism
  1. Zane Robertson, a New Zealand athlete, got suspended for eight years for doping and lying
  2. Robertson's twin brother and training partner might face consequences too
  3. The suspension reveals a complex web of doping, moral issues, and support systems in athletics

The Wokish people of running are hostile, cowardly, and ruthlessly stupid even by the standards of the faith

137 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Sports Media Social Issues Political Commentary
  1. The post criticizes certain behaviors in the running community, highlighting issues like cancel culture and extremism.
  2. It discusses the impact of Wokism on different aspects of society, such as running, journalism, and societal norms.
  3. The text shares personal anecdotes and opinions on specific individuals, shedding light on conflicts and controversies within various communities.