Doping!

It is called performance enhancing drugs. Sounds better than doping. Sadly, at least I feel sad about it, I have come to understand that even amateur racers use performance enhancing drugs. I am starting to realize it is not uncommon even at intermediate performance levels. Many, maybe most, don't see anything wrong with it. 

And there is a grey zone, I don't think anyone would object to over-the-counter vitamins for example. Or a cup of coffee, which boasts aerobic performance.

Asthma sufferers are prescribed inhalers which can be crucial to their breathing and participation in sports. Inhalers can also boast performance. When is it a form of cheating and when is it fair? Probably impossible to say, but there have been a lot of runners that have been diagnosed with asthma and are allowed to use inhalers.

Low testosterone is another grey area. Hard training can significantly lower testosterone levels. Is it then fair to get prescribed additional testosterone? After all, to cure the drop, can be to lower training levels. If one endurance athlete gets testosterone supplements, should not all get it? Knowing some very muscular and lean looking athletes on testosterone, the playing field is not level.

What is sickly, what is normal? People are different, genders are different, age causes differences. What is exercise induced, food induced, behavior induced and what is natural? 

I don't have an answer, but I know that athletes that stay clean will be disadvantaged. Society, even outside the sports arena is moving away from accepting what nature has given each of us. It all has to be fixed and enhanced by drugs.

I know many, maybe the majority, think performance enhancing drugs is great news. But when does drug intervention crosses the boundary into doping and unfair advantages? The grey zone is looking increasingly murky.