In light of the comments concerning lack of water and powerade stops maybe the ING Georgia Marathon leaders need to visit the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon April 29 to see how to properly set up for such a race.

They have a total of 12 to 15,000 runners (1/2 marathon, full, and relay teams) and are exceedingly well organized. I have ran that race since its inception and they are a model of efficiency when it comes to taking care of runners even in very warm conditions. The course for OKC compared to Atlanta is relatively flat although there are a few inclines.

I'm sure copious notes are being taken of the problems encountered by runners in today's race. I'm thinking for water not to be available from the marathon/half split to Decatur there must have been a major communications breakdown somewhere.

Jer...before the split there were one or 2 aid stations...I know they had water...some people I talked to totally missed the 1st water stop. They shoulda had them on BOTH sides of the street...I myself am a left-sided race drinker.

I say that we all need to email victoria seahorn and complain...that's the only way stuff will get changed. I'm sure she's embarrassed about that situation.

I really enjoyed the marathon yesterday. The first two hours were great, despite the crowd. I ran the first 10K 16 minutes slower than my normal time, due to the crowds and one port a john stop. By the half, I was another 30 minutes off my normal pace. I was surprised at that, because I felt like I really picked up my pace after the half/full split. By 14 or 15 miles I was starting to hurt. My whole left leg was hurting for some reason, from my ankle up. But I persevered. By mile 18, I figured out I could walk faster than I could run, so I did. Didn't like the stretch from 18-20. It was so hot and there wasn't enough shade. I actually liked most of the rest of the course, though.

I don't like to brag, but I did set the all time ING Atlanta record for guys named John Johnson. That's right, I was first in my name group!

That's all I'm saying.

JDJ - HA! Congrats on your 1st place finish! I'd love to see the medal for that.

From a volunteer's perspective, I feel for those of you who didn't get the support you expected from the staff. I was working an aid station in the Highlands and I didn't know why everyone was asking about powerade and mile markers. I thought it was the heat making their brains hazy or something.

We loaded the last of our supplies off the truck at ~7:15, just after the first few wheelers came through. Not a catastrophe for our station, but the truck still had a couple of more stops to make up course after ours. From the sounds of it, the truck didn't make it.

I also handed out t-shirts and goodie bags at the expo on Saturday afternoon. Well, I should say I handed out t-shirts all afternoon and goodie bags for a couple of hours. We ran out! Most of the racers were gracious and didn't complain about the missing goodie bag, but I know I would have been disappointed if I didn't get one.

I had a good experience working the other side of the race. I was jealous that I wasn't running - until about 9:30 when the heat started to kick in. I tried to give the non-racing volunteers some perspective to help the runners out. For example:
- don't mislead the runners about their location on the course. You don't tell a racer he/she is at mile X when the marker is not in sight.
- I know you want to help (that's why you volunteered) but don't crowd the course to try and pass off your cup of water when the pack is coming through.
- Do keep on cheering (my aid station was really enthusiastic)

I have other observations, but they are quirkier and don't add much to the content. This post is long enough anyway!
Despite the weather, here's hoping you enjoyed your day and are quickly on your road to recovery.

I think the reason I did well for myself is b/c I carried my FB. I drink the SF electrolyte drinks, so that's what saved me. In the highlands people were dishing out bottled water. By the time my hubby got there (he finished an hour behind me) they were out.

My friend from TNT ended up spending her own money to buy water and poweraid for runners.

Here are some photos taken from a friend of a friend (CNN photographer). I'm in the first group shot...getfit atlanta

I'm on the right with a red shirt white hat...2nd row I think

http://www.kodakgallery.com/SlideshowEnd.jsp?&collid_list=66985353112.86985353112.1174928647057:&img_size=5&trans_delay=3000&trans_enabled=true&conn_speed=1&mode=fromshare&collid=66985353112.86985353112.1174928647057&Upost_signin_override_collid=6698[/URL" target="_blank"> 5353112.86985353112&Upost_signin_override_collid=66985353112.86985353112

quote:<HR>Originally posted by JDJ:
Did everyone notice that JSM was 68th overall? That's awesome, considering he was "taking it easy" to help a friend qualify for Boston. I wonder where he would have been had he pushed himself? Congrats JSM. I'll be forever in awe.<HR>

While taking it easy he qualified for Boston again. Hope his friend did well.