Thursday, May 8, 2014
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Random Race Rants
This is just an area of random musings, wonders, and gripes about the different 5k's that I've raced. Hopefully most of this will serve as inspiration and what does not will be shown as a what-not-to-do in 5k races. (Good stuff to follow; Bad junk first.)
First, I'll start with this: whether you're slender and greater than six feet tall or you are overweight and grappling with your BMI; when you cross the finish line of a 5k, YOU ARE AN ATHLETE. It matters not that you came wobbling over the finish line bracing your boobs or man boobs; you did it. You started something wonderful. Don't be discouraged by the top-ranked medals given overall or in each age group. Cross that line, take a cool-down walk, & go get your water and bananas. You deserve it! Please never ever be intimidated by the groups that show up to run together to bolster their organization rather than promote what the actual race is being held for. Running is very competitive, but the competition you should worry about facing is yourself. Ignore the braggarts and focus on your journey. To be perfectly honest with you, the braggarts are few. Most runners are extremely friendly, especially after the race. *Runner's High*
Now, on to etiquette for those who hold events:
1. If you host a stroller category and stress in the event information that you are absolutely NOT to race due to safety reasons.....DO NOT give an award to the first person who recklessly jabs their toddler-filled stroller across the finish line. Especially if the person is your employee. I'm looking at you, Fleet Feet.
2. This one goes out to the very same event and same host: If you have a participant that registered months ago, in the stroller category and you state that the occupant of the stroller will receive his or her very own race bib and finisher ribbon, be good on your word. There's nothing that adds more insult to injury after watching a dumbass receive a trophy for almost dumping his toddler over 3 times during the race, than the fact that you gave my 8 month old nothing because you "ran out" giving all away to people that did same-day registration. That was my first and last Firecracker 5K. Never. Again.
3. During certain 5Ks, the national anthem is either sang or played. Put your hand over your heart, or if you don't wish to do that, please STFU.
4. If you host an event (Yep, Fleet Feet is guilty once again.) and you post pictures of the race, include everyone in the event pictures, not just those who are wearing your t-shirts or those who are training in one of your programs. Chances are, we "outsiders" likely paid more to enter the race and you should be grateful for the extra mullah. Let us have the opportunity to have memories of the run captured, too.
5. Can't place in the big city you live in? Don't be a tool and travel to small towns because you know you can clean up on medals there. Don't be that assbag. Challenge yourself. The people that are earning those medals are earning them because they challenged themselves. Step up. Again, don't be that assbag.
6. I encourage everyone (and I do mean everyone) to try a 5k. With that said, here are a few tips:
a. Pre-register. It's virtually stress-free and gives you more time to warm up on the morning
of the race.
b. Arrive early. It may normally only take you a couple of minutes to reach the venue on an
average day, but on race day, the venue will be packed with cars, runners, etc.
c. When lining up in the Start corral, remember "Rabbits in the front, Turtles in the back." This is
not meant to be cruel, just plain etiquette.
d. If you are running or walking in a group, pair up. (Called 2 abreast) More than that and you're
likely blocking other runners from passing.
e. This isn't NASCAR. If someone is passing you, gain way. That's an easy way to be removed
from an event.
f. If you need to tie your shoelace, spit, barf, etc. step off of the course to do so. Do not stop right
where you are and block traffic. It's not only unsafe but rude.
g. If you are walking or a slower runner, try to stay to the outside or right of the lane. Leave the
middle and left open to runners and passers.
h. If you enter an event that allows strollers or pets, start at the back and also observe letter 'g'. It's
a safety measure; not something to get butt-hurt about.
i. Wear clothing that is moisture-wicking. Steer clear of cotton unless you dig heavy sweating and
chaffing.
j. Some will say that wearing the race t-shirt during the race is bad luck or makes you look like a
noob. I say "whatevah". Wear what you're comfortable running in. Just wear something.
First, I'll start with this: whether you're slender and greater than six feet tall or you are overweight and grappling with your BMI; when you cross the finish line of a 5k, YOU ARE AN ATHLETE. It matters not that you came wobbling over the finish line bracing your boobs or man boobs; you did it. You started something wonderful. Don't be discouraged by the top-ranked medals given overall or in each age group. Cross that line, take a cool-down walk, & go get your water and bananas. You deserve it! Please never ever be intimidated by the groups that show up to run together to bolster their organization rather than promote what the actual race is being held for. Running is very competitive, but the competition you should worry about facing is yourself. Ignore the braggarts and focus on your journey. To be perfectly honest with you, the braggarts are few. Most runners are extremely friendly, especially after the race. *Runner's High*
Now, on to etiquette for those who hold events:
1. If you host a stroller category and stress in the event information that you are absolutely NOT to race due to safety reasons.....DO NOT give an award to the first person who recklessly jabs their toddler-filled stroller across the finish line. Especially if the person is your employee. I'm looking at you, Fleet Feet.
2. This one goes out to the very same event and same host: If you have a participant that registered months ago, in the stroller category and you state that the occupant of the stroller will receive his or her very own race bib and finisher ribbon, be good on your word. There's nothing that adds more insult to injury after watching a dumbass receive a trophy for almost dumping his toddler over 3 times during the race, than the fact that you gave my 8 month old nothing because you "ran out" giving all away to people that did same-day registration. That was my first and last Firecracker 5K. Never. Again.
3. During certain 5Ks, the national anthem is either sang or played. Put your hand over your heart, or if you don't wish to do that, please STFU.
4. If you host an event (Yep, Fleet Feet is guilty once again.) and you post pictures of the race, include everyone in the event pictures, not just those who are wearing your t-shirts or those who are training in one of your programs. Chances are, we "outsiders" likely paid more to enter the race and you should be grateful for the extra mullah. Let us have the opportunity to have memories of the run captured, too.
5. Can't place in the big city you live in? Don't be a tool and travel to small towns because you know you can clean up on medals there. Don't be that assbag. Challenge yourself. The people that are earning those medals are earning them because they challenged themselves. Step up. Again, don't be that assbag.
6. I encourage everyone (and I do mean everyone) to try a 5k. With that said, here are a few tips:
a. Pre-register. It's virtually stress-free and gives you more time to warm up on the morning
of the race.
b. Arrive early. It may normally only take you a couple of minutes to reach the venue on an
average day, but on race day, the venue will be packed with cars, runners, etc.
c. When lining up in the Start corral, remember "Rabbits in the front, Turtles in the back." This is
not meant to be cruel, just plain etiquette.
d. If you are running or walking in a group, pair up. (Called 2 abreast) More than that and you're
likely blocking other runners from passing.
e. This isn't NASCAR. If someone is passing you, gain way. That's an easy way to be removed
from an event.
f. If you need to tie your shoelace, spit, barf, etc. step off of the course to do so. Do not stop right
where you are and block traffic. It's not only unsafe but rude.
g. If you are walking or a slower runner, try to stay to the outside or right of the lane. Leave the
middle and left open to runners and passers.
h. If you enter an event that allows strollers or pets, start at the back and also observe letter 'g'. It's
a safety measure; not something to get butt-hurt about.
i. Wear clothing that is moisture-wicking. Steer clear of cotton unless you dig heavy sweating and
chaffing.
j. Some will say that wearing the race t-shirt during the race is bad luck or makes you look like a
noob. I say "whatevah". Wear what you're comfortable running in. Just wear something.
Possibly on the IR
This past Monday, while I was mowing, I needed to move my daughter's trampoline. While moving it, I expected the weight to be the same as it usually is. Big mistake. Since we've had a few rains, the frame of the trampoline was sunk into the ground a bit, so the first pull that I gave the trampoline was met with resistance and now I've injured my back. With this week being a busy week, I will have to see a doctor next week and I'm a nervous wreck. There is no pain in bending forward, but when I try to flex backward, the pain is outrageous. Also, upon sitting for a long period of time, it is difficult and painful to get up and walking is usually accomplished by hulking forward. I am extremely nervous for this weekend's run. My better senses do tell me not to do it but I really want to complete the run. I'm not sure yet if this will take me out for the rest of the season. I honestly hope it doesn't.Progress Report
2012
Run Tulsa Pink: Chip Time: 34:19Full Moon Run: Chip Time: 33:54
Color Run: Untimed Event
Fleet Feet Firecracker 5k: (Stroller Category) 37:33
Huckleberry 5k (a.k.a. Stan Jones and Caleb Barnwell Memorial Run): Chip Time: 30:00
2013
Ready...Set...Run (Autism Run): 32:59Walk/Run to Remember (Alzheimer's Run): No time available
Full Moon Run: 33:15
Color Run: Untimed Event
Bedlam Run: 33:37
Moore Love 5k: 31:51
2014
Shared Blessings 5k: 29:57Ryan's Run: 29:06
Buffalo Run: 29:07 *3rd place - age division* (This race completes the Mac Trifecta)
Run Tulsa Pink: 28:41
Color Run: Not a timed event
MCAAP 5k: Event cancelled
RiteCare Spaghetti Run: 27:04 *New PR!* *3rd Place - Age Division (This race completes the Quad Squad!)
Full Moon Run: May 17, 8:00 p.m.: 21/92 in my age group. Chip time of 27:47
Glow Run: May 31, 7:00 p.m.: 4/66 in my age group. Chip time of 27:46
Love Conquers Hate 5K: June 28, 7:30 a.m.: 29:49 chip time, 1st in my age group and 3rd overall female!
Diva Dash 5K: July 26, 8:00 a.m.: 27:53 chip time, 61/921 overall & 7/614 in my age group
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