"This is about limits. Reaching them, exploring them, exceeding what you thought yours were. Then coming to the conclusion that there aren't any limits."
Another blogger did some research on the source of water used at major marathons. The CEO of Competitor group said, in reference to fire hydrant water used in marathons, “ “Every big event in the country does that, and even some smaller ones.”
So Running at the Speed of Me contacted major marathons to find out if that was true. Turns out it isn’t.
Although the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in Las Vegas was, despite any positive spin attempted by Competitor Group, a fiasco and #EpicFail, I didn’t feel right just leaving a negative review and moving on. One runner described the marathon as “… being like you broke up with a long-term girlfriend. For days you can’t stop talking about it to anyone who will listen because your expectations were so high for the relationship.”
But there is hope for the RnR Las Vegas. It will depend on what actions they take next. If anyone has any further suggestions, leave them in the comments and I’d like to hear it. Maybe Competitor Group will listen. Their actions in the coming days will show just how serious they are, and just how much they actually listen to their customers. Then, as consumers, we can decide whether or not we wish to support the organization in the future. I would like to do that, but it will depend on their actions going forward. So how to fix Las Vegas RnR Marathon? Here is how I would do it:
After the disaster that was called the “Zappos.Com Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon” the reputation of RockNRoll (@RunRocknRoll) marathons was not only tarnished and hammered on Facebook/Twitter and other social media, but everyone from competitive to back-of-the-pack runners seemed to tell the similar stories of horror. And despite injuries many runners incurred from too many runners trying to squeeze into too small a space, the organizers are advertising they want to increase from 44,000 runners to over 61,000 runners next year.
I can not, in good conscience, give a good review or recommend the Las Vegas Marathon. In fact, nothing about the race is unique or can not be experienced for free, 365 days a year, on the sidewalks of the strip. (Photos and Video at the end!)
Off into the rain!
As if getting soaked during the Spartan Race wasn’t enough, Pacific Coast Trail Runs, @pctr, had many Spartans joining them for their Santa Monica 9k, 18k, 30k, and 50k run on November 20, 2011 at Point Mugu State Park. It was a good thing, too, because a Spartan attitude was needed to overcome rain and vandals who tried to steal ribbons and signs.
I have a problem with cold water. Almost drowning and suffering hypothermia can do that to you.
But they say a man should face his fears, and I find the best way for me to do that is to put it under race conditions. That way, I have a strong goal to keep me focused and push through.
The Spartan Sprint definitely did that. The website says that the average finish time is around 30 minutes, but I’m here to tell you this: They lie. It’s not 30 minutes. Oh sure, it’s 3 miles. Oh sure, it’s some running. And, sure, I could run 3 miles in 30 minutes except for one minor thing.