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Frickin Fun Runners

GHarvGHarv Posts: 456
Ok so Gary R thinks the forum is tailing off so here's a rant from today.

Forget swim nemesis - fricking fun runners do my head in.

Take today i did the Leeds 10K (Jane Tomlinson run). 11,000 participants.

They have sections for sub 30 mins, sub 40 etc.

Ok so i was a but further forward than i should be (220m from the front) but hoping to beat 43 mins, but get chatting while waiting to start as you do and this guy asks what i'm aiming for well my PB is 43 i say. Oh and i'm 200m from the front surrounded by numpties who are hoping just to get round or do sub 1 hour - 200m from the front.

Gun goes and get to the line and people are walking!!!!!!!!!!!! F### of to the back you dick heads.

Spent the first 2k as did many other dodging arseholes who should have been miles back are they mad.

Actually saw one who stopped to walk and told them that they should've started at the back the dick.

I've no problem with people running for charity or fun running but it's like idiots going in the fast lane at the pool and breastroking at 1mph. Tommitri etc. will kick my ass at running but at least i started roughly where i should. i must have overtaken 500 in the first 1k.

Good for them having a go and raising money but train, run and start where your ability warrants or f### off.

Rant over.

G

P.S. Got 45mins
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Comments

  • JulesJules Posts: 987
    Tread on their heels, Mary Decker style
  • garyrobertsgaryroberts Posts: 869
    ooooh.......chill out dude!

    I know they're a pain in the ass but i bet the organisation was poor and they weren't even aware of what was going on?
  • joolzdjoolzd Posts: 245
    Being a grumpy olde woman that I am... I love a good rant by someone else....it makes me positively saintly!!
  • GHarvGHarv Posts: 456
    Just seen the results so a little happier.

    Was diappointed with 45.42 until i saw it got me 337th out of 11,000.

    Hoped to beat 43 today and get a PB but it was a lumpy bugger of a course so i think it caught a lot out. If i had gone sub 43, would've been in the top 150 so not bad really.

    G
  • MintyMatMintyMat Posts: 98
    I never go for a PB in these events. Find a club race over the distance, they're every where every weekend. Mass Participation races are a totally different game. I've ran too many disappointing Great South Runs for the very reasons you speak of.
  • Jack HughesJack Hughes Posts: 1,262
    Hey! As a general rule, I like to spread the love, as there's never enough off that to round. But, deep inside, there is a dark, deep pool of bile, and this has just managed to strike right through to it! And here it comes... welling to the surface!

    I am so in awe off JT, and what she stands for - the supreme struggle against adversity, against all odds. But this event is such a travesty. I don't care about all the money raised. That's great. But.. what does it represent...

    The whole thing is a waste of time.. you might as well get sponsored for drinking a cup.. no, wait.. make it TWO cups of hot chocolate. It's a walk. And not even a walk in the park. At least you might see a couple of squirrels with that.

    Compare and Contrast. The Abbey Dash (November, entries open now - get in!) - 5000 starts, 300+ people sub 40 mins. I was about 400 with a time of 41 mins last year. I would have been in the top 90 with this one. Out of 11,000. So, it doesn't attract the club runners.. what about the people who are just trying...

    I had about 4 or 5 Jackettes running in this one. They've done a couple now. A high profile one, then a club one. Were going, great - getting the buzz and really doing well. PBs each time. Learning how to try hard, and really race. Then they enter this one. And they are so disappointed. 10 mins before they can get going. Times well (5 mins+) outside the PB (which, given where they are in training and experience, should be happening every run for this season). They are so demoralised. Really disappointed. Frustrated with the whole thing. Now I've got to spend the next few weeks rebuilding their confidence etc. Sigh.

    11,000 runners. Doing nothing but a gentle stroll. That's not achievement, and it's a dishonour to do it in JT's memory*.




    *OK, I'm being somewhat provocative... anything to fan the flames of the forum and get it going again!
  • md6md6 Posts: 969
    I have to agree that walkers etc should start at the back, but i think it is a little harsh to say that it isn't an achievement for some to just walk the distance. For you I or most of us on here 10k is something we will kill ourselves to know a min off the PB to try and break 40 mins etc, but to some people that is a bloody long way and they may have trained and worked hard just to be able to walk around. I think that the achievement is directly linked to the effort for the individual to complete the event. I mean, all you ironmen out there may not be particularly bothered (if not annoyed how slow you were) about finishing a spint sub 1:30 - i was over the f***ing moon with that. Its the same concept if i was a big fat lardy arsed bugger who hasn't even run for a bus in 20 years, then just to finish a 10k would be a huge achievement. But yes they should start at the back and there should be clear signs in the start areas, plus marhalls asking people who look a little too far forward.
  • MowfMowf Posts: 272
    You want provocative?

    I agree with Jack entrirely. I fully applaud people getting off of their arse and doing some excercise. But don't expect me to be impressed by someone walking a 10k run. If you walk, then you have not done it. Simple as. Good on you for having a bash - but now go out and do some training so that next time you can run it. And then the time after that run it a bit faster. Don't walk it and then pat yourself on the back for having 'done a 10k'.
  • jacjac Posts: 452
    Even walking a 10k is an achievement for some of the people that take part.
    And let's face it..there's quite a big obesity problem in this country so anything which encourages people to get off their butts and do a bit of exercise shouldn't be discouraged.
    The run (or walk if you like) is about raising money for a worthwhile cause. It's not really about PBs. But if you want one get to the very front.
  • gdh250467gdh250467 Posts: 237
    Here, here,

    Next you be banning people who do breastroke from Tri's, or hybrid bikes, or mountain bikes. For some it's the taking part, and everyone has to start somewhere, and in all fairness, no one, no matter how unfit they are ar useless they think they are will ever choose to start at the back.

    I did a pool based Sprint on the weekend, and the slowest swimmer took 26 minutes to do 400m, I bet he never put that on his form, but he did it, and the bike, and the run, so yes he too is a Triathlete, and I bet his family cheered him on, and he went to work with the biggest smile and the numbers still inked on his arms and legs.
  • durhamvamdurhamvam Posts: 246
    Whilst I too agree that walkers should start at the back don't forget that some of us just aren't able to run without doing ourselves serious damage but that doesn't mean we want to stand on the sidelines watching and holding recovery bananas and spare jackets while you guys do all the fun stuff!

    BTW are you the same lot that told me before my first tri last month that I shouldn't let having to walk the run put me off and were so reassuring and supportive?!?
  • Jack HughesJack Hughes Posts: 1,262
    gdh250467 wrote:
    Here, here,

    Next you be banning people who do breastroke from Tri's..
    You are missing the point.

    The point is that it should be a challenge. Something hard to do. That could be just finishing, or racing, or trying hard, or even a PB.

    Walking 10K will be a challenge for a few people. Which is great, I'm all for that, really! But not for 10,000 people.

    I've spoken to a few people who did the event - and the unanimous view is that it _wasn't_ a challenge. Just a great big disappointment.

    There were too many people, and it was too badly organised. Imagine what you would feel like if the money wasn't going to a good cause? You'd feel pretty cheated, I suspect.
  • Jack HughesJack Hughes Posts: 1,262
    durhamvam wrote:

    BTW are you the same lot that told me before my first tri last month that I shouldn't let having to walk the run put me off and were so reassuring and supportive?!?
    Of course... but the forum seems a bit dead at the moment, so I just saw a good opportunity to fan the flames and get it burning brightly again.

    But the serious point is that you are not spoiling the event for other people when you are walking.
  • durhamvamdurhamvam Posts: 246
    Ok - I just wanted to check that a change in forum program hadn't changed everyone's personalities too!

    I'll continue working on my 10 km walking time then - not sure that at 1 hour 20 it isn't actually quicker than my run time!
  • joolzdjoolzd Posts: 245
    For all the reasons quoted here, that's why I don't do the big 'fun' runs...unless of course you just want to do it purely for 'fun' with mates and raise money or to see if you actually like doing it!! They are a fabulous way to get 1000's of people off their ar**ses and actually doing some exercise even if it is just walking but as mentioned NOT the way to get a PB.... I don't think anyone should be berated for giving it a go and enjoying it and for some it might be the starting point to the next step..and even consider doing a triathlon - am sure there are many people on this forum who would have started off at that level (me inlcuded) and just need a little bit of confidence and encouragement to do more! There's nothing I like less than conceited, patronising folk who think they always know best!!

    I'm no great runner but I still wouldn't want to participate in these big things, even found Blenheim Tri almost too big for me and that's why I don't do London Tri! Still there's enough of these things around for everyone to find their niche!!

    Happy debating....
  • md6md6 Posts: 969
    I think the issue here is, that people consider the larger events 'fun runs' They are bloody not! they are still serious events and people should treat them as that. I don't begrudge anyone fast or slow entering an event, but they had better try their hardest and do what they can. But startin the right place. People seem to believe that they can start whereever they are, then within 500m are walking as they have started at the front and set off trying to keep up with the 6min milers. I did the Bupa London 10k recently and got a pb of 46:30 - not the best i know but i started in teh right place based on my predicted finsh. there were people starting there who were talking to their mates about finishing in 'about an hour' - then why the hell are you in the 45 min section????? Have some little bit of common bloody sense and start where you should do otherwise you are in the way. If you are slow, start at the back. I have in the past been hemmed in by bloody walkers 500m into a 10k and had to shout swear and threaten to get them to move out of the way becuase 'it's for charity' they think they can just turn up and walk 5 a bloody cross - and it wasn't even the Race for life which i hear has that going on too.

    And while I'm ranting: Fun runners is a term that i hate! just because someone is not an elite they are not automatically a fun runner. Bloody Tv coverage of the FLM has given all not elites the tag of fun runner, and so that mentality has made its way to all the 'larger' events.

    um, sorry... just realised i went off on one there
  • clv101clv101 Posts: 45
    I think people are making too big a deal out of this. I recently did the Bristol 10k and started in the 2nd wave quite near the back with a slower friend of mine. I don't think I lost much time passing maybe a thousand people in the first couple of km.

    I guess the OP's only real problem is people starting in the wrong bin. I think the fun running public deserve more praise for starting at all than they do criticism for starting in the wrong bin.
  • md6md6 Posts: 969
    by clv101 » 22 Jun 2009 15:33

    I think people are making too big a deal out of this. I recently did the Bristol 10k and started in the 2nd wave quite near the back with a slower friend of mine. I don't think I lost much time passing maybe a thousand people in the first couple of km.

    I guess the OP's only real problem is people starting in the wrong bin. I think the fun running public deserve more praise for starting at all than they do criticism for starting in the wrong bin.
    i think that it would depend on how many people you were overtakking. Also in starting where you were, then if you had to pass people that was your choice and not something that you could complain about really. When it really grates is when starting int he correct position for your predicted time and have to get through a narrow crowded road passing people who clearly had no chance of the time they need for the starting area. At the GSR last year, I had to weave around people walking down the middle of the road 4 or 5 abreast for the first 4 miles - trust me, you do loose time particularly if the road is only wide enough for 4 or 5 people and they take the 'I'm a fun runner so cI can walk blocking the whole road becuase its for chatiry' approach that some (not all) do...
  • Jack HughesJack Hughes Posts: 1,262
    clv101 wrote:

    I guess the OP's only real problem is people starting in the wrong bin. I think the fun running public deserve more praise for starting at all than they do criticism for starting in the wrong bin.
    Aah! I see now. I was wrong. Now I think I understand what you mean:

    Anyone who would find running, jogging or walking 10K a challenge, shouldn't bother and should stay away.

    Anyone else who doesn't find the idea of doing it in anyway challenging whatsoever should turn up and mindlessly amble round the course.

    I guess I was confused about what a fun run meant. Sorry and everything.

    Perhaps you'll want to sponsor me to go to the pub tonight. Nothing challenging, just a short walk and a pint or two. How about it?
  • md6md6 Posts: 969
    Jack, I'll sponser you if you're buying the first round? I'll have a peroni
  • Jack HughesJack Hughes Posts: 1,262
    md6 wrote:
    Jack, I'll sponsor you if you're buying the first round? I'll have a Peroni
    I'll get 'em in.

    Feeling tired and extra grumpy today. Up at five to spend 6 hours on the motorway - didn't arrive til nearly mid day for a 9am start. Not good. Also, hassle with the hospital over the impending op. Not what I need. Ho hum.
  • Cheryl6162Cheryl6162 Posts: 356
    I absolutely agree with everyone!

    I also suffered the frustration of doing a run where slow runners and walkers were asked to start further back. The horn went and as soon as the track started going uphill, which was within 100m, loads of people started to walk! But not only do they walk, the chat to each other whilst they do so, forming a nice long barrier which is extremely difficult to get past! I am by no means a fast runner but I know where i should be in the pack and I wanted to run it, not walk it behind a load of chatterers! In the end the only way I could get past was to go right off the track and run along the rough verges, up against barbed wire etc. Luckily I train over rough terrain so it didnt cause me a problem but someone who has no choice but to train in the towns or cities could have ended up in trouble.

    I cannot see why they want to start at the front. It doesnt make me feel good to have hundreds of people going past me, so why does it to them?
  • BlurredgirlBlurredgirl Posts: 292
    J'acc - as no stranger to the OR, you are in my thoughts as regards your op. Anything you need to know about prep, general anaesthetic etc, I'm your gal, Just shout.

    blurredgirl
  • jacjac Posts: 452
    Let's face it unless you get yourself to the very front in these types of run you're not going to get a great time.
    They're about bringing running/exercise to the masses and raising money for worthwhile causes.
    And many who start haven't run a "race" since school so it's not like they're going to be aware of "etiquette".
    Sorry, but if you enter this type of run enjoy it, raise as much cash as you can and don't take it too seriously.
    If you really want a quick time and you're aware of what happens at fun runs and the like get to the very front..simple!
  • ZacniciZacnici Posts: 1,385
    I am not against fun runners, walkers, people dressed as Batman etc but quite agree - get to the back!!

    Comination of poor marshalling/organsisation and entrants not reading the instructions/switching brain on.

    If an entrant was aksed what their target time was they could be directed to different sections at the start - just like pool swim starts. Even better if their bib numbers had diffeernt colours.

    That way the gazelles can leg off, competent but older/slower/fatter ones i.e. me can chase and then followed on by those who reckon they could run it followed by those pushing prams.

    At the Lincoln 10K I was 25m from the front and had to fight my way through some who had started to walk - I was a bit more restrained and instead of shouting something rude simply shouted 'coming through'

    On subject on language I was the one swearing on the bike leg of the Sth Cerney tri - did not like the route 3 roundabouts and what crap inconsiderate drivers. - Bah grumpy old fart harrumph
  • Ron99Ron99 Posts: 237
    I just love a good rant.
  • md6md6 Posts: 969
    Sorry but it is a case of ettiqute and lets face it, what other sport would allow you to just turn up and do what you want? I know the next race I have I'll start up front with the elites and see if i can stay with them? Can't see me being allowed to do that somehow. And I don't think that the 'big ' events should be kust for fun runners? Why are they given preference to me, as someone who wants to go out and do my best? That's just the wrong attitude. I think they have their place, and that place is where their ability and training should get them, in large - near the back!
  • jacjac Posts: 452
    md6,
    I think you're missing the point of these runs. Predominantly they are about raising money for good causes/ people whose lives have been touched by tragedy/disease etc and introducing activity/exercise into the lives of those who don't do any.
    If you take them seriously and want to run the best time you can you know what you have to do. Otherwise enter events which are more suited to running PBs.
    I entered one last year and went to the very front. I wasn't the quickest by a long shot, but I ran a PB.
  • ZacniciZacnici Posts: 1,385
    Sorry have to disagree

    Unless it is a 'Fun Run' a Race is a RACE - it just so happens that in many events competitors of all abilities also take part. It is a question if simple manners - if you dress up like a clown or do not anticpate finishing in the top 25% and start from the front do not be sursprised if you get shoved, pushed past or even shouted at as you are being inconsiderate and selfish. Start at the back if you are walking, in fancy dress or will turn in a slow time, start in the middle if you think you are going to be in middle third but leave the front for people who genuinly think that they will turn in a decent time.

    Well done you if you are raising money for charity but there does seem to be this thinking of 'it's for charity so I acn do what I like and if you object you are a meany'. Jade Goody and her not even half arsed marathon attempt was lauded at for raising money for some childrens unit at a hospital yet because she 'needed' an ambulance the money raised was probably negated by the cost to the NHS/Taxpayer for her medeavc.

    I am not anti charity or fancy dress runners or those who will not be very fast - far from it I am heartend when I see anyone get off their bum and do something but PLEASE show some consideration and make an effort to learn what the etiquette is.
  • jacjac Posts: 452
    Seriously guys if you are going to take these events seriously get to the front. You can whinge and moan as much as you want about others but the fact is, knowing what you do, if you want to run a PB the front is where you have to be. Then you take the "fun runners" out of the equation.
    Otherwise enter events where everyone takes it seriously. We triathletes are competitive folk.
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