Spirited News, Observations & Thoughts Tres

[sshindel]

Since this has now become a RunDisney thread, curious. As one who has done a small handful of road races in my life, do the RunDisney races not organize their starting line? The few larger races I've been to had race workers out trying to organize people in the starting area based on their projected "mile" times. 6:00 milers here, 7:00 milers here, walkers to the very back.
Also, I'm assuming they use chipped timing for start/finish times, so you could, in theory, stand to the side and let everyone go and spread out, then haul- at your own pace after.

Personally, I've always thought the beginning "bob and weave" through the crowds as just a part of the fun and challenge of the race, but there are a few things that most organized races can (and typically) do to help out the initial cluster-fudge that is the start of a large race. I just assumed RunDisney did the same?

Also, I dont know if I care too much that everyone gets a medal. If you are truly trying your best, if you finish or not, fine, have a medal. Does that mean that some people could pay the money, sign up, walk 100 feet, go buy a turkey leg, and get their medal? Sure. And they have to live with the knowledge that they just bought their medal instead of earning it.

Now, for the longer races (1/2 or full marathon), I'd think that the finishers should get something a little extra to celebrate their accomplishments.

 

[lazyboy97o]

If they're giving them out to nonfinishers, that's a different story. But I've seen people in this thread saying the "not serious racers" shouldn't get medals and that it devalues those that are actually racing.

I took that to mean people who had not adequately trained, did not intend to finish the entire distance and signed up primarily to acquire the medal.

 

[the.dreamfinder]

@sshindel, folks are lined up in corrals organized by pace.

 

[Figments Friend]

UNI is obviously going to go after Tony because they know how TALENTED and VALUABLE Tony is, but it's anyone's guess if he bites.

As much as i would like to see Tony continue to be given opportunities to express his talents, i am not so sure if Universal would be the option he would choose.
With him being such a longstanding *Disney Purist* and having a lifelong love for the concepts that organization has created i am not so sure he would have the creative interest.

I can of course be completely wrong in thinking this, and perhaps he would indeed absolutely jump at the chance to finally be able to build something with the creative freedom and matching budget to make something truly spectacular again. That is very possible...if he still has the *fire* in him and
At this point in his life now he may well be ready to just sit back and take it easy.

I think only Tony himself would know the answer to this.

Is he a fan of Universal attractions?
Has he ever been quoted to saying some positive things about their offerings?
Just curious if he may have said some things in past interviews about UNI attractions.

I am aware of him visiting several times in the past to check out their rides and themed areas but cannot remember hearing any comments from him regarding what he thought of them.
Tony always has an opinion about such things, and is famous for not being shy in sharing it...bless him....but his best statements are almost always made privately between friends.

One day he really needs to write that book of his....

 

[sshindel]

@sshindel, folks are lined up in corrals organized by pace.

Thanks, I would have been surprised if they were not.

There is only about a 1% chance of it happening, but the Wine and Dine 1/2 is happening the day before I had planned to get there for our trip this year. Since we're driving, we're a bit flexible. I've considered trying to get there early and take a stab at this. Of course, I've been doing basically 0 running this year (biking instead), so I'd have to find time to schedule in the training...

 

[Bolna]

T

Seriously. I get the complaints about parks often.

But complaining because people get a medal for completing a 13.1 mile run?

Come on.

The complain is about people getting a medal for being swiped after a few miles because they can't keep the pace. This encourages unfit people to try and participate knowing well that they have no chance to get to the finish line.

 

[doctornick]

What is wrong with people? You drop thousands on a vacation to visit theme parks and you can't spare a few bucks for a bartender? Bad tipping is a pet peeve of mine. A tip to a bartender or waiter isn't an optional hand out its part of your cost. Maybe some people don't realize it, but these people rely on tips for income.

While I agree with what you are saying, I think it's more likely that guests are assuming the bartenders are essentially Counter Service staff and people do not typically tip those workers.

 

[doctornick]

I took that to mean people who had not adequately trained, did not intend to finish the entire distance and signed up primarily to acquire the medal.

So, to clarify, if someone signs up, participates, but does not finish, do they get a medal? If someone finishes the race do they get the same medal? Is there anything that you specifically get for finishing that you cannot get by just participating but not finishing?

Seems to me that the easy solution is just to have a certain reward (medal or whatever) that you only get if you finish.

 

[baymenxpac]

quick chime in on the run disney:

a) people lie about their pacing. wife and i have done plenty of 5ks (the most recent of which was the yankee stadium one last summer to benefit runyon) and we were dumbfounded how many walkers were in the six and seven minute mile group. and that's not exclusive to that run or this area. i've heard similar things from friends who have run the disney half and full marathons.

b) i don't think spirit or anyone is complaining about finishers getting a medal. the problem is the run disney programs are athletic events, and many participants don't treat them that way. the treat them as a means to get a collector's item (the finisher medal). if you can't run 3, 5, 10, 13.1, or 26.2 miles, you shouldn't be signing up for these things just to get a collector's item. when people who run 6 minute miles have to maneuver around non-runners who are only there so they can throw their special tower of terror medal next to their pin bags in their super special disney room, it gets dangerous.

c) the idea of any marathon not being "serious" is insane. please drive 26.2 consecutive miles. then think about running that far. a marathon implies a degree of seriousness.

 

[lazyboy97o]

So, to clarify, if someone signs up, participates, but does not finish, do they get a medal? If someone finishes the race do they get the same medal? Is there anything that you specifically get for finishing that you cannot get by just participating but not finishing?

Seems to me that the easy solution is just to have a certain reward (medal or whatever) that you only get if you finish.

I do not know. I was just commenting on how I took the label "non-serious runners."

 

[Bolna]

@sshindel, folks are lined up in corrals organized by pace.

From what I read though, it used to be not too difficult to get a good corral. I think that's why for the upcoming marathon there are stricter requirements. I was truly surprised that with my slow 10k time (12 min/mile)I would have most likely got me a place in the middle.

 

[sshindel]

Can I just say I can't imagine even taking a medal for a race that I did not complete? I think I'd refuse it or I'd likely hide it in shame if they made me take it.

 

[George]

Can I just say I can't imagine even taking a medal for a race that I did not complete? I think I'd refuse it or I'd likely hide it in shame if they made me take it.

That's a point I made earlier. My guess is some people sign up just to get a medal to add to their Disney bling collection. Apparently, finisher's get a downloadable certificate. I think a fancy finisher's medal or really nice Disney pin would be a better reward for finishing.

 

[asianway]

quick chime in on the run disney:

a) people lie about their pacing. wife and i have done plenty of 5ks (the most recent of which was the yankee stadium one last summer to benefit runyon) and we were dumbfounded how many walkers were in the six and seven minute mile group. and that's not exclusive to that run or this area. i've heard similar things from friends who have run the disney half and full marathons.

b) i don't think spirit or anyone is complaining about finishers getting a medal. the problem is the run disney programs are athletic events, and many participants don't treat them that way. the treat them as a means to get a collector's item (the finisher medal). if you can't run 3, 5, 10, 13.1, or 26.2 miles, you shouldn't be signing up for these things just to get a collector's item. when people who run 6 minute miles have to maneuver around non-runners who are only there so they can throw their special tower of terror medal next to their pin bags in their super special disney room, it gets dangerous.

c) the idea of any marathon not being "serious" is insane. please drive 26.2 consecutive miles. then think about running that far. a marathon implies a degree of seriousness.

I know a few such people who solely collect the medals - and they do so on ebay where you can obtain them for $10-25 depending on the race. Signing up for the race is not the best way to do it if thats all you want.

So, to clarify, if someone signs up, participates, but does not finish, do they get a medal? If someone finishes the race do they get the same medal? Is there anything that you specifically get for finishing that you cannot get by just participating but not finishing?

Seems to me that the easy solution is just to have a certain reward (medal or whatever) that you only get if you finish.

I stated a few posts up, only finishers get the certificate of time. Also, only finishers can get the stackable medals, like the Goofy, Coast to Coast, etc.

 

[the.dreamfinder]

quick chime in on the run disney:b) i don't think spirit or anyone is complaining about finishers getting a medal. the problem is the run disney programs are athletic events, and many participants don't treat them that way. the treat them as a means to get a collector's item (the finisher medal). if you can't run 3, 5, 10, 13.1, or 26.2 miles, you shouldn't be signing up for these things just to get a collector's item. when people who run 6 minute miles have to maneuver around non-runners who are only there so they can throw their special tower of terror medal next to their pin bags in their super special disney room, it gets dangerous.

The medal is the icing on the cake really. I just enjoy running and having a goal to push myself towards, but I can certainly see how folks can think it's just about the "bling".

 

[Figments Friend]

agree. DAK is underappreciated because its not what people see as a typical "theme park''. If it don't have rides, it can't be any fun.

Agree with this...as this used to be me!

I remember the first few times i visited DAK after it opened that i was quite dissapointed.
The problem was, i was going in and looking at it with the wrong eyes, as in, looking at it from just a attraction/ride standpoint.

It seemed there was so little to do, and so much walking between attractions in the sweltering valley setting that it seemed a waste of space.
It seemed a shallow excuse to come up with a 4th Gate , and for animal experiences Busch Gardens already held the crown for that area.

I dismissed it throughly..and ranked it right next to DHS as one of my least fave Parks to visit.
That was then..late 90s, very early 2000s.

It took a few years and some enlightening personal experiences to change that attitude within me, and by the time Asia and EE were added i had come to view DAK with better eyes.

Now i understood what this Park's REAL attractions were supposed to be...the environment, and a richly detailed one at that!
Now i 'got it'....and understood the purpose for the Park layout choices and 'spaces' between the attractions.
This was a place where you were not served rides and shows one after the other ( ala MK ) but were instead encouraged to EXPLORE the Park off the beaten trail and 'discover' things.

Once i realized this, and started to focus away from the attraction offerings and concentrate more on the wonderfully rich surroundings and themes, i was hooked.

Now i have come to appreciate DAK on a entirely different level. Now it is one of my fave places to spend a few hours when in the area.
I never thought all those years ago i could ever possibly grow to love DAK...but it happened.

Oh sure, it could use a few more things to do and see....but i get a lot of enjoyment just walking around and taking in all the beautiful eye candy.

Thanks to Joe & Company for that...

 

[baymenxpac]

I know a few such people who solely collect the medals - and they do so on ebay where you can obtain them for $10-25 depending on the race. Signing up for the race is not the best way to do it if thats all you want.

which is good, and what they should be doing. but i think (admittedly i have nothing to prove this in black-and-white) that if you asked around, you'd probably find that the people you know are more the exception than the rule.

 

[baymenxpac]

The medal is the icing on the cake really. I just enjoy running and having a goal to push myself towards, but I can certainly see how folks can think it's just about the "bling".

absolutely. i agree. any time i do a a run, it's either for charity or to push myself. the t-shirts, medals, or any other free swag just all sort of blends together. like little league trophies used to by the time you turned 14.

anecdotal aside: i have two family friends that collect the medals, but they have their sons (ages 32 and 30, in good shape) run for them so they can obtain the hardware. always more than one way to skin a cat.

 

[flynnibus]

S
There needs to be some sort of balance.

The answer there is simply using the corrals and putting true restrictions on them. Let people with qualified times start with the earlier waves.. and force the walkers to the back.

 

[Goofyernmost]

That's a point I made earlier. My guess is some people sign up just to get a medal to add to their Disney bling collection. Apparently, finisher's get a downloadable certificate. I think a fancy finisher's medal or really nice Disney pin would be a better reward for finishing.

You are absolutely correct. But this is Disney, not the Boston Marathon. Many people have made a first step into a changed lifestyle by entering a race that they probably knew they weren't going to win or even finish, but, it was the action and participation that deserved far more rewards then the well trained runners. These people had to somehow find the courage to move out of their comfort zone to be part of something that just a short time ago seemed like an impossibility. I'd give them the best prize available. It took more for them to enter then the winners. And then the "holier then thou" crowd identifies them as a "herd of elephants". How warm and compassionate they are. Where is Karma when you need it?