Thursday, September 20, 2012

Like a moth to the flame

Here we are, 16 days away from the Chicago Marathon, and i can't help but recall my first marathon, exactly 4 months ago.  If you didn't read the horrific shit show that it was, you can check it out HERE.  Granted, as i lay there, presumably dying, i vowed to never ever run a marathon again.  But here i am, 16 days away from one.  Granted, my experience at the Rockford Marathon was basically what nightmares are made of, but now, four months later, i am glad i went through it.  It showed me what a strong person i am physically and mentally, and that perseverance is the single most important factor in running a marathon.  Oh, and water.  That is super important too, Rockford... 

 Ok, the actual intent of this post - I got this in my email:
Registration for the 2013 Rockford Marathon is now open.
Why would i even look twice at this??

 On one hand, Rockford is where i grew up, and i kind of feel like it really needs my help.  It's a failed manufacturing town with violent crime and unemployment rates that rival Detroit and Flint.  Its number 9 on the top 10 list of most dangerous cities to live.  But its still my hometown, and quite frankly, it needs help.  It needs revenues, and it needs a little bit of a "character makeover."  I really want to see the Rockford marathon be successful, something that shows how great Rockford can be.

 But on the other hand, THIS MARATHON ALMOST KILLED ME.  Seriously.  Limping through one of the worst neighborhoods in town, delirious from dehydration, while crack heads look at you like you're the crazy one is not pretty.  Or safe.  Or forgivable.  Sports Event Management totally botched this event by not having enough water, not canceling the race when the temps hit 90,  and leaving people out on the course alone and confused.  And unconscious.  I would like to think they learned a valuable lesson from their failures, but would i stake my life on it?

 But on the other hand, it's so cheap!  under $50 with my CARA discount, and i have a place to stay, and a babysitter for waffles.  And part of me (the ferocious, vengeance-seeking part) wants to show this race that i will f*ck it up the same way it did to me.

 In short, i have this question for you.  If you had a truly horrific experience at a race (that was in part because of race management), would you ever go back for more?  Am i a masochist??


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34 comments:

  1. ErinSeptember 20, 2012 at 11:03 AM

    Hmm, I understand your debate about doing this race to support your hometown versus not doing it because it wasn't a well-run race.

    If it were me, I'd probably skip it for 2013 and see how it shakes out. Go back in 2014 if the reviews are favorable. There are so many more well done marathons out there that there's no reason to keep returning to a bad one. Even if it to try and support a struggling town.

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    1. Ginger FoxxxSeptember 21, 2012 at 10:19 AM

      Thats true. I keep forgetting about "the imminent and continuing future..." :)

      Delete
  2. UnknownSeptember 20, 2012 at 11:42 AM

    I would say maybe you could add volunteer at this race next year or help in some other way without trying to die in the process :) You can also see then if they learned anything or not.

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  3. kilaxSeptember 20, 2012 at 11:53 AM

    I would NOT go back. To a race with that rep anyway. Chicago, sure! :)

    I did not realize Rockford was so dangerous!

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    1. Ginger FoxxxSeptember 21, 2012 at 10:20 AM

      Luckily my mom lives in a safe area, but there are definitely some sketchy parts of town i wouldn't drive through!

      Delete
  4. Running In BoiseSeptember 20, 2012 at 12:16 PM

    I would do it just to get revenge.

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  5. Ms. WitiSeptember 20, 2012 at 12:25 PM

    Sorry...I would NOT go back...even if its cheap there has got to be a better way to spend your money. ;-)

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  6. KerenSeptember 20, 2012 at 1:13 PM

    volunteer!

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    1. Ginger FoxxxSeptember 21, 2012 at 10:18 AM

      I actually think this might be a great idea - or even better, set up my own aid/party station in my moms driveway

      Delete
    2. KerenSeptember 21, 2012 at 11:16 AM

      thats an awesome way to help out! you know how much the runners would appreciate it :)

      Delete
  7. Pete BSeptember 20, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    Here's a slogan for next year: "Run a marathon in one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. - The Rockford Crack Head Marathon." Maybe this would attract lots of danger-seeking individuals. Then you wouldn't feel obligated to run next year.

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  8. Sweet and Savory by SarahSeptember 20, 2012 at 2:29 PM

    I tend to even avoid trails that I had a bad run on....I'm pretty sure I would avoid it if it were me...but you are not me. Even though we share the same name.

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    1. Amanda - TooTallFritzSeptember 21, 2012 at 10:14 AM

      If I avoided every trail where I had a bad run, I would have nowhere left to run. LOL! I'd have to move to a different state to try new trails. :o)

      Delete
    2. Ginger FoxxxSeptember 21, 2012 at 10:27 AM

      Matt is like that too! There is a trail he REFUSES to run on, even though its amazing, because the one time he ran it, he had a steak the night before and the run was terrible. Like it's the path's fault he ate a steak! ;)

      Delete
  9. MeghanSeptember 20, 2012 at 5:56 PM

    I don't think it's crazy at all. It's your hometown, and you can always redeem yourself!

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    1. Ginger FoxxxSeptember 21, 2012 at 10:28 AM

      What is it about hometowns that make us put up with way more crap than usual!

      Delete
  10. Michelle @ www.movinitwithmichelle.comSeptember 20, 2012 at 6:33 PM

    I get too psyched out with 'things' so think that I would redeem yourself in Chicago, and let Rockford stay in the past...(as far as races go of course).

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    1. Ginger FoxxxSeptember 21, 2012 at 10:26 AM

      I was wondering how it would effect me passing the spot i collapsed, would i feel empowered to finish, or just flake out and struggle. I think i WILL try and do some damage at Chicago! :)

      Delete
  11. Katie @ LivehalffullSeptember 20, 2012 at 8:51 PM

    I would!!! REDEMPTION and so much spite would fuel a great run!!!

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  12. emmers712September 20, 2012 at 8:58 PM

    In this instance, yes, I would go back. But ONLY because of the hometown advantage and all of the conveniences that it includes. Otherwise, not a chance. There are so many great marathons out there to pick from, so no reason to run the same one twice unless you truly want to. But a hometown advantage is HUGE!!!!!

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    1. Ginger FoxxxSeptember 21, 2012 at 10:21 AM

      Thats true, i should start researching all the May marathons!

      Delete
  13. Losing LindySeptember 20, 2012 at 9:30 PM

    I hope they do a better job this time. Good luck on the Chicago marathon.

    Thanks for stopping by with the support right now. Between you and me (and your 1000 followers, and don't forget Waffles) I have an interview on Monday. I am trying to remind myself that they seem very interested and that is how I landed myself where I am now..but at the same time thinking about insurance and a paycheck. Prayers are needed if you believe in such a thing.

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    1. Ginger FoxxxSeptember 21, 2012 at 10:23 AM

      I think you added a couple extra zero's as far as people that read my blog! You will be in my thoughts all weekend, i am excited to hear how it goes! (And i feel ya, we went through this a few months back when Matt lost his job!)

      Delete
  14. Tasha MalcolmSeptember 21, 2012 at 8:10 AM

    That is a tough question Sara. I don't know if I would forgive a race, but I am kind of a bitch like that. I would say see how Chicago goes before registering. If Chicago goes good and you feel up for it then register. If not then don't. I have had some bad race fiascoes and I never registered for them again, but then again I said I am a bitch like that. :-)

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    1. Ginger FoxxxSeptember 21, 2012 at 10:24 AM

      Luckily i have a few months to mull it over. It was just so ironic receiving that email, haha

      Delete
  15. Amanda - TooTallFritzSeptember 21, 2012 at 10:12 AM

    This would have been my 3rd Chicago Marathon. In 2010, it was 87 and miserable. In 2011, it was 84 and miserable. In 2012 the weather will be amazing because I'm not running, just like it was in 2009 when I was preggo with Michael. Obviously, I'm not a good one to ask cuz I'm all about going back for seconds and thirds in the misery department. So hell yeah, register! The babysitter would have sold me. I'd run a marathon around my mom's subdivision just to utilize the babysitter factor. And can lightening really strike twice? Well yes, but do it anyhow. :o)

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    1. Ginger FoxxxSeptember 21, 2012 at 10:24 AM

      If your absence ensures a cool marathon, then i am eternally greatful! Hell, i will babysit for your next marathon!

      Delete
  16. Kelly @ Running KellometersSeptember 22, 2012 at 7:51 PM

    I like the idea of waiting a year to see if they get their act together before registering. I mean, the marathon will always be there whether you run it this year or the next... :)

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  17. AnonymousSeptember 24, 2012 at 1:11 PM

    I ran Rockford this year and also suffered, but I would definitely do it again next year except for the Tough Mudder I'm doing the day before (5/18/13). Maybe 2014! I kind of hate Chicago, but I keep doing it over and over. Besides the heat, I'm a little tired of the crowds and constantly being reminded by spectators every 10 feet that I ONLY have X number miles until I finish.

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