Ottawa Winterman Revisited

[joe]

Somersault really outdid themselves in chaotic organization this year.

The lineup for chips was very long and we stood and froze while the chip distributers dithered. Then as I am getting ready to line up I hear about a course change from last year, could they not have put that in the e-mail they sent out so we were all on the same page and mentally ready for it.

The change they made was ridiculous, they had everyone start at the same time (as usual), but they had the 5 and 10km runners head to Tunneys Pasture for the turn around and the HM and M runners continue on 550m and 1.1km respectively before turning around and THEN into Tunney's Pasture, the result, 100s of faster runners in the M and HM ended up behind slower running 5km and 10km runners, it was like hitting a wall, I dodge and ducked and slipped though best I could and nearly fell twice. Others were not so courtious and were just barrelling through the slow runners (typical dickhead jock types - the barrellers not the slow ones). Not fun at all for them to feel pressured like that and then knocked out of the way, not good for faster runners to stop and duck and dive.

Whatever posessed somersault to a) make this change and b) to keep it secret until just before the race is beyond me.

What was wrong with doing the final loop at the end when only the HM and M runners are left on the course?

Send Christine an email, with Terry out ill, she's been doing basically everything... We talked about that today, and she is looking for constructive suggestions, and ideas for improvement, and trust me, she will address them!

[joe]

Amazing result Andrea! (even if they don't get it fixed, we know you did it!)

Oh and a big pat on the back to your photographers today. Utter proffesionals IMO, you could see them moving about trying to get great shots with interesting backgrounds, calling out to runners they were photographing etc...very impressed

Oh, and thanks! Jes just passed this note on to me, which I forwarded on to my boys (Bill and Henrik) working today. We had over a dozen folks working this weekend at various races, and I like to pass on compliments when they come in!

[5km]

Crossed at 1:31, a tear and vomit worthy moment. Then I leared my chip times were wonky. I know I finished the first 6.1K at 24:39, and the balance of the 5K loops at 21/22 based on the mat clock. Was told to visit the SportStats van, my data was immediately reviewed, and the problem is being corrected.

Added bonus: Turns out one of the guys behind me confirmed he was on my tail the entire race. He could describe when I sped up, stopped momentarily to massage my knee, and burned it to the finish. Um, yah... who knew a running stalker would come in handy

So, while more corrections to others are still being done - it looks like I ended up in 13th overall, with a 2nd woman, and 1st in age.

Wow - congratulations on a fantastic result and the placings. Let's hope those timings get fixed.

Like he said.

[gnu]

Whatever posessed somersault to a) make this change and b) to keep it secret until just before the race is beyond me.

I didn't think it was a secret - this is the first time I have done this race so I had never seen the route before, and I remember thinking when I signed up in the fall - "gee I am glad the extra 1.1 is on the first lap and not at the end!" - is it possible that you just didn't notice?

I do think it is silly that they don't allow chip pick up at kit pick up though - why have advance kit pick up as an option then have everyone line up a second time - outside no less - for chips?

Overall though, I thought the race was well organized (of course, as a slower runner I didn't notice the issues with rejoining the route )

And sorry Mr. Kelodie!!

[Miss*Smiles]

Sorry I missed you guys on the course (because I stayed inside and slept in instead...). I am SO proud of you Andrea!!!! You rock!!

Congratulations to all of you

[mas_runner]

I didn't think it was a secret - this is the first time I have done this race so I had never seen the route before, and I remember thinking when I signed up in the fall - "gee I am glad the extra 1.1 is on the first lap and not at the end!" - is it possible that you just didn't notice?

I looked again at the e-mail they sent and no mention of a change in the course. Then I checked the website and buried in there near the end they mention it, but not as a change, so I would have skimmed past it. As a teacher I know that if you change something that people are used to, you mention it first, and in big flashing letters or people don't notice. Even then, 50% won't notice.

[Dr. S]

I didn't think it was a secret - this is the first time I have done this race so I had never seen the route before, and I remember thinking when I signed up in the fall - "gee I am glad the extra 1.1 is on the first lap and not at the end!" - is it possible that you just didn't notice?

I looked again at the e-mail they sent and no mention of a change in the course. Then I checked the website and buried in there near the end they mention it, but not as a change, so I would have skimmed past it. As a teacher I know that if you change something that people are used to, you mention it first, and in big flashing letters or people don't notice. Even then, 50% won't notice.

I also didn't know about the change in course BUT as a slower runner I really enjoyed doing the extra km at the beginning too. Last year going out for that little extra lap sucked. But we didn't feel that bottleneck you faster runners had. I guess they will have to figure out if they can get 5K-10K runners to start a bit later too. That would stop the congestion at the beginning of the race. The path is a bit narrow for all thos people going down the water station.

[mas_runner]

I also didn't know about the change in course BUT as a slower runner I really enjoyed doing the extra km at the beginning too. Last year going out for that little extra lap sucked. But we didn't feel that bottleneck you faster runners had. I guess they will have to figure out if they can get 5K-10K runners to start a bit later too. That would stop the congestion at the beginning of the race. The path is a bit narrow for all thos people going down the water station.

It would be fine for the slower HMers and Mers, but the 30+ minute 5kmers and 1:00+ 10kmers ended up being ahead of 1:45 Hmers on the narrowest part of the course, was a bit dangerous and not fun for either group of runners.

[jes]

I do think it is silly that they don't allow chip pick up at kit pick up though - why have advance kit pick up as an option then have everyone line up a second time - outside no less - for chips?

Because the timing company is completely separate from Somersault? What race gives you your chip in advance (except for the big ones with disposable chips)?

[ceileigh]

Crossed at 1:31, a tear and vomit worthy moment. Then I leared my chip times were wonky. I know I finished the first 6.1K at 24:39, and the balance of the 5K loops at 21/22 based on the mat clock. Was told to visit the SportStats van, my data was immediately reviewed, and the problem is being corrected.

Added bonus: Turns out one of the guys behind me confirmed he was on my tail the entire race. He could describe when I sped up, stopped momentarily to massage my knee, and burned it to the finish. Um, yah... who knew a running stalker would come in handy

So, while more corrections to others are still being done - it looks like I ended up in 13th overall, with a 2nd woman, and 1st in age.

They still list you as a DQ ... any word on fixing it! Personally I think the problem is you were so blistering fast the chip went into shock

[mas_runner]

They still list you as a DQ ... any word on fixing it! Personally I think the problem is you were so blistering fast the chip went into shock

Maybe DQ means they will treat her to a "dairy queen" once they sort it out....

[ceileigh]

They still list you as a DQ ... any word on fixing it! Personally I think the problem is you were so blistering fast the chip went into shock

Maybe DQ means they will treat her to a "dairy queen" once they sort it out....

Or maybe it means she is 'da Queen!"

[abirdd]

They still list you as a DQ ... any word on fixing it! Personally I think the problem is you were so blistering fast the chip went into shock

Maybe DQ means they will treat her to a "dairy queen" once they sort it out....

Or maybe it means she is 'da Queen!"

SS was closed for Family Day, but I did hear from them - it's in the queue

After listening to a guy yell at the SS staff, I came home and thought about technology: it's not perfect. I think changing my chip data on-site was a mistake, I should have waited it out. Everyone was rushing, awards needed to be done - and people were stressed. My gut is telling me when the changes were made on the fly, it should have been a 1:41. A 1:41 matches up to my regular weekend long runs ranges with Piko pup.

If I have to stay in DQ status, or go back to a 00:00:00 as my time, so be it. I'll be back out at Winterman 2013 to do it all over again!

Oh ya, we'll also be having a DQ cake for Duncan's birthday in a couple weekends - maybe this was my reminder to get it ordered

[ceileigh]

You are still 'da Queen' and entitled to eat DQ too

[abirdd]

I do think it is silly that they don't allow chip pick up at kit pick up though - why have advance kit pick up as an option then have everyone line up a second time - outside no less - for chips?

Because the timing company is completely separate from Somersault? What race gives you your chip in advance (except for the big ones with disposable chips)?

I was thinking about this - a lot of smaller races are now using the disposable shoe or bib MyLaps chips. Think Bush Canada Day, 9RunRun, Rattle, Midsummer, etc. I am curious if Somersault could do the same for their larger races (like Winterman), or does it become a challenge since they offer Race Day Registration?

[HCcD]

I do think it is silly that they don't allow chip pick up at kit pick up though - why have advance kit pick up as an option then have everyone line up a second time - outside no less - for chips?

Because the timing company is completely separate from Somersault? What race gives you your chip in advance (except for the big ones with disposable chips)?

I was thinking about this - a lot of smaller races are now using the disposable shoe or bib MyLaps chips. Think Bush Canada Day, 9RunRun, Rattle, Midsummer, etc. I am curious if Somersault could do the same for their larger races (like Winterman), or does it become a challenge since they offer Race Day Registration?

Interesting, as I was talking to Joe about this last year, and was told that it was SS's decision on what system that they eventually used, and not really the call of the Race Director, if I recall correctly ...

The velcro straps, that is the reusable one's, would require that SS be at the race kit pick-up to give them out, which would be an additional cost for labour, etc ... And, if the participant, either loses it or forgets to bring it to the race, it could cause a lot of other confusion, and there is also a $40.00 Charge, if the Chip is Lost and/or Not Returned, to the participant ...

[Strider]

it should have been a 1:41. A 1:41 matches up to my regular weekend long runs ranges with Piko pup.

Did you not wear a Garmin?

[HCcD]

it should have been a 1:41. A 1:41 matches up to my regular weekend long runs ranges with Piko pup.

Did you not wear a Garmin?

I believe that you were the one who told her to leave her Garmin at home on race day, Strider ....

[abirdd]

it should have been a 1:41. A 1:41 matches up to my regular weekend long runs ranges with Piko pup.

Did you not wear a Garmin?

I believe that you were the one who told her to leave her Garmin at home on race day, Strider ....

What lesson has Strider and Andy been trying to teach me? Ditch the Garmin and run!! Think back to Carleton Place 2011 Strider - you were right, I was turning into a slave to the watch At the time I never saw it, but in hindsight...
You can read about it here: http://www.ourbirdhouse.ca/back-on-track/

My 2012 goal was to stop paying attention to my arm, and listen to my body. I did have my watch on me, not turned on. After talking with Somersault and SS today - my position is to defer to the chip data, since I honestly respect SS and their ability to time events. I know I ran the four loops, and I refuse to get into a slump over numbers. If it means a DQ, I'll accept it. I'll keep running, go to races, and just masking tape up my Garmin And as I told Christine, I want the medal/layard/blanket to go back, otherwise I am left with unresolved feelings.

eta: A couple Maniacs also mentioned I needed to stop staring looking at the watch, and just run by effort. Not saying it's just Andy and Strider, before you jump on me for leaving you out

[carm]

eta: A couple Maniacs also mentioned I needed to stop staring looking at the watch, and just run by effort. Not saying it's just Andy and Strider, before you jump on me for leaving you out

Run with it on but turn off the 1K lap notification and turn it upside down or leave it in a pocket. That's what I did for Vancouver (sub-2 hour by feel) and my HIM run. I love running by feel. For the longer stuff, you can keep the "FEED ME" notification on though.

[Tori]

If I have to stay in DQ status, or go back to a 00:00:00 as my time, so be it. I'll be back out at Winterman 2013 to do it all over again!

That is a good mindset to have. I had a chip issue a couple years ago with SS at NCM. I sent them my garmin data and the links to the pictures of me during the race and crossing the finish line. It was a no go for me. My chip didn't register across the mats and there was nothing they could do.

[dgrant]

Just bad luck that you happened to not be self-timing for that race (though I agree there are good reasons to run that way sometimes). It would seem logical that the 1:31 they have for you is a time after crossing the mat to begin Lap4, so it would appear the mat just didn't pick you up at the very end. The race director can definitely have Sportstats add you to the official results (I've done it dozens of times, when it doesn't affect prizing), but of course only when you give them a time to go on.

If you know you were there and completed the race like everyone else, I think you should keep the memorabilia. The timing result is only a small aspect of your raceday experience.

[Kelodie]

I do think it is silly that they don't allow chip pick up at kit pick up though - why have advance kit pick up as an option then have everyone line up a second time - outside no less - for chips?

Because the timing company is completely separate from Somersault? What race gives you your chip in advance (except for the big ones with disposable chips)?

I was thinking about this - a lot of smaller races are now using the disposable shoe or bib MyLaps chips. Think Bush Canada Day, 9RunRun, Rattle, Midsummer, etc. I am curious if Somersault could do the same for their larger races (like Winterman), or does it become a challenge since they offer Race Day Registration?

My guess is that because their main business is triathlons and disposable chips don't work so well for triathlons.

[mas_runner]

Andrea, you defintely crossed the line at 1:31

I looked at the finish line video zoomphoto e-mailed me and moved it back 16 minutes and you (#104) appear in screen at 30:40ish and cross the line at 30:51, the next guy to cross the line is #148 at 31:46 in the video, his final race time was 1:32:28 and you finished about a minute ahead of him.

If you are certain you did 4 laps then your race time was 1:31:33 and can't possibly have been 1:41 (as you crossed the line at 1:31 - gun time).

Hope that helps you.

[abirdd]

I do think it is silly that they don't allow chip pick up at kit pick up though - why have advance kit pick up as an option then have everyone line up a second time - outside no less - for chips?

Because the timing company is completely separate from Somersault? What race gives you your chip in advance (except for the big ones with disposable chips)?

I was thinking about this - a lot of smaller races are now using the disposable shoe or bib MyLaps chips. Think Bush Canada Day, 9RunRun, Rattle, Midsummer, etc. I am curious if Somersault could do the same for their larger races (like Winterman), or does it become a challenge since they offer Race Day Registration?

My guess is that because their main business is triathlons and disposable chips don't work so well for triathlons.

Valid point, I forgot about the triathlons aspect. I guess it does make the disposable chips a moot point. Oh well, was worth considering, if only for a moment!