Active Community: Message List

Re: Get Your Rear in Gear - Half Marathon/ 5k/ Reviews

guest — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 22:30:58 GMT

Parking, although not many choices seemed available to the race organizers, was a logistical disaster - meaning runners had to walk either through a wet grassy field laden with red mud (so much for new shoes gotten at Christmas) and up a STEEP wet grassy incline or walk almost a quarter of a mile along a road and that was mostly up hill for the start.

There seemed to be enough food an drink at the end. Didn't appreciate the families who sat their children down at the food tables and then proceeded to feed their kids with the free spread - made it tough for runners (me!) to get in and grab something for refueling. I realize we're in a recession but come on. Next time, take then to McDonalds. Speaking of kids, many were running around playing which if fine, but supervise them. After running for almost 2 hours, I don't want to dodge screaming kids running amok.

Turns were well marked, police support was great, aid stations were well managed and well stocked. Also, cheers groups along the way were fantastic. Thanks for the enthusiasm! No T-shirt, bummer. Cheap finishers medal too - clear plastic circle with a sticker in the middle hung on a "Hello my name is" type lanyard. Half marathons are a big deal for many people. Make the medal a little more special next time. Everyone else does.

Re: The iPod conflict brews in racing

guest — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:59:32 GMT

Acive Toby: see what you started!?!

The above sentence to Active Toby is intended sarcasm in the form of humor.

Re: iPod Playlists

guest — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:43:04 GMT

"Middle of the Road" - The Pretenders

"Here it goes again" - OK GO

"You get what you want" - New Radicals

"I see you Baby" - Groove Armada

"Praise you" - Fatboy Slim

"Friday I'm in Love" - The Cure

"I Ran" - A Flock of Seagulls

...to name a few

Re: The iPod conflict brews in racing

guest — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 14:46:10 GMT

an evaluation of the rule is appropriate, I agree. Perhaps cleaning up the language a bit? I wear a watch when I run and use the timer functions to help me stay on pace so I don't over do it. By all accounts, this is an electronic device that is assisting me during that race. I do love my iPod when running - especially when idiots are in proximity who may shout or say demoralizing things about my wearing tights and close fitting tops (during cold day runs). It helps to ignore the ignorant. Granted, I would not expect such behavior in a race, from either supporters or fellow racers.

Also, I had read earlier in the post where an iPod wearer ditched theirs during a race and became irritated (or mildly annoyed) by the seemingly unaware iPod users up in front of them. Personally, if you're in the back and have the vision of what's going on, it's more of your responsibility to help avoid incidents. Example, I recently ran a 10K race (without my iPod, although they were allowed) . The most unaware folks on the road, that I saw, were the one's chatting who couldn't hear others coming or were aware enough to sense the pack behind them. I do not expect anyone on the race course to part ,like Moses at the red sea, so that I can stay on my line. As a matter of fact, I enjoyed eaves dropping on the conversation for a short while...Some of you out there have some dirty little secrets

Another situation in the 10K. I was running pretty close to someone else's pace, who was listening to their iPod. After a while of running basically together, they took out their ear buds and started a little chat. I was receptive and we talked for a couple miles. I suspect that a large number of iPod wearers, who go to races, are there running without freinds in the race...like I was. I'll talk to just about anyone about most anything but not all of us are extroverts in that way. I still stand firm on this being a personal choice but understand races have to answer to higher authorities. Insurers aren't exactly known for acting with logical and common sense motives sometimes. I mean, what data do they have showing that wearing an iPod is a safety issue when the argument has, is, and will be made for those who race with hearing disabilities? (rhetorical question).

Happy running all!

Re: The iPod conflict brews in racing

guest — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 19:21:43 GMT

I've run events with and without walkman/iPods - I really like running with it. I really hope I don't meet someone in an event or race who thinks my 12:00 average 1/2 marathon time per minute isn't worth the sport of running. Honestly, I make my living elsewhere and RUN for the love of it. And all those charities I have helped could care less if I listened to aniPod while doing it.

Re: Was Katie Holmes? NY marathon entrance unfair?

guest — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:41:07 GMT

Firt of all, I'm a vet. If you're not then your comments don't really mean anything to me. Sound familiar?

Re: Was Katie Holmes? NY marathon entrance unfair?

guest — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:29:34 GMT

So, if you've never run a marathon, you have no voice on the subject? What if I was one of the people who didn't get to run my first marathon because Katie Holmes took that spot? I respect your opinion, albeit elitist arrogance, and will not try to suppress your point of view but come on. This is like saying you have no voice on our going to war if you haven't killed someone before.

Re: The iPod conflict brews in racing

guest — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:00:42 GMT

iPods being banned is ridiculous. An above post makes the complete argument in that those with earing disabilities are allowed to enter races...as they should! Regarding the social aspect, as a recreational runner, some folks just don't want to have a conversation with me during a road race/run. Most of us recreational runners DO run with/train with iPods or similar devices and use music as one of their motivational techniques. Personally, I hear traffic just fine when running with my iPod and yes, I do pay very close attention to my surroundings when I'm jamming to OK GO on a run. I think it should be a personal choice. Besides, if a race course is THAT dangerous to where limited hearing is such a cause for concern, perhaps race organizers need to re-evaluate their plan.

Re: First Time Marathoners

guest — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:52:46 GMT

RKR,

Thanks for the detail on the hills...that's what I was afraid of. I live many many states away so yeah, I would certainly stay DT if I could (SSF if needed) and taxi, BART, MUNI, or whatever to near race location. I have no finish time expectation other than the 6 hour window the course is open. I think I must be crazy looking at this one as my first but that's my goal. I think I've started in enough time to prepare slowly and steady enough.

Please feel free to post more details or info if you think about it or feel up to it. Same goes to anyone else. I need to be just as mentally prepared for this as the physical part.

cheers.

Re: First Time Marathoners

guest — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 16:33:56 GMT

Who here has run the San Francisco marathon? What can you tell me about the course and what might be recommended to prepare with this as a potential first marathon destination?