Thought of the day: Enough distance running. Time to do some fast.
Last June, I started weekly runs with Richard and Steve, a couple of expats in their 40s who are proponents of the long run.
I jumped on the bandwagon and have enjoy greatly expanding my weekly mileage from about 20 to 30. The highlight runs are long and hilly, often cresting the 6000 foot mark here in Oaxaxa.
But now it's time for me to return to type. I'm a middle distance runner and I realize I've been in a mileage phase long enough to get a bit bored with it. Here comes the fast.
Bear in mind, as a seriously middle aged dude, FAST is relative...
Steve
Monday, March 24, 2014
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Fun Run or Badly Organized Event?
This morning I ran the first edition of the Run for International Women's Day in Oaxaca. The turnout was grand for this race honoring women, and it was a beautiful day. Well over 500 runners lined up for the start. The route went from the cathedral by the Zocalo (town center), it was generally well organized and even started on time, rare in Oaxaca.
I ran the 10K, with a goal to simply finish as I'm a bit under the weather. I did finish, so I was happy with that.
The course was well thought out. It might have even been relatively accurate, two loops around downtown Oaxaca.
Now, I gotta point some stuff out. This was the first edition of this race, generally well done. But here is the problem, there are often "1st annual" editions of races here. Some get to the second edition and most don't.
Problem #1. With groups trying to put on a road race I often see no porta-potties or designated bathroom. In Mexico, you generally have to pay for a public bathroom, and even so many of those are closed on Sunday a.m.
Runners greatly appreciate easy access to facilities before a run. I've actually skipped races due to lack of bathrooms in this town.
Problem #2. Keep traffic, and especially buses, off the race route. It's enough to be running as hard as you can without getting hit by horrible bus fumes. The cops did a fine job keeping intersections clear. But get the buses out of there. It gets done at well organized events.
Problem #3. Have beverages/oranges/water at the finish! Don't expect 600 or more people to run a race without giving them something to drink at the end. This is inexcusable.
While I salute the enthusiasm of various Oaxaca groups for the sport of running, I encourage attention to a few details to greatly improve the quality of local events.
I ran the 10K, with a goal to simply finish as I'm a bit under the weather. I did finish, so I was happy with that.
The course was well thought out. It might have even been relatively accurate, two loops around downtown Oaxaca.
Now, I gotta point some stuff out. This was the first edition of this race, generally well done. But here is the problem, there are often "1st annual" editions of races here. Some get to the second edition and most don't.
Problem #1. With groups trying to put on a road race I often see no porta-potties or designated bathroom. In Mexico, you generally have to pay for a public bathroom, and even so many of those are closed on Sunday a.m.
Runners greatly appreciate easy access to facilities before a run. I've actually skipped races due to lack of bathrooms in this town.
Problem #2. Keep traffic, and especially buses, off the race route. It's enough to be running as hard as you can without getting hit by horrible bus fumes. The cops did a fine job keeping intersections clear. But get the buses out of there. It gets done at well organized events.
Problem #3. Have beverages/oranges/water at the finish! Don't expect 600 or more people to run a race without giving them something to drink at the end. This is inexcusable.
While I salute the enthusiasm of various Oaxaca groups for the sport of running, I encourage attention to a few details to greatly improve the quality of local events.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
