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Topic: Bizz Johnson & the Psycho Race Director (long) |
Ileneforward Cool Runner |
posted Oct-09-2007 10:31 AM
TheProFromDover is onto something! You guys should have brought your rifles. If that RD had seen how well you could run and stop and shoot, he would have behaved better.  Congratulations on a trip and race you will never forget.
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perchcreek Cool Runner |
posted Oct-09-2007 10:37 AM
Choovie.. That's a shame to have such a beautiful race route marred by inhospitable (read: hostile) race organizers. The course really was beautiful. As far as pushing yourself, just pick a race or two where you try to be "ultra competitive' and push it and see how it feels. It is totally up to you to decide whether to race or run a race and what ever you decide it's right and just try not have any regrets. Running that race on that scenic course with MrC sure sounds like a winning decision to me. Great job! Steve
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mbelongia Cool Runner |
posted Oct-09-2007 10:45 AM
Cheryl,I'm sorry this race didn't live up to your expectations. That guy is, as tomwhite says, a jerk! As for your running goals, I have always felt you have a very balanced approach. I would hate to see you sacrifice yoga for more running I admire that you do more than run, and have a very integrated whole body sort of outlook. Please don't lose that on some quest for a BQ (or anything like that...ya know what I mean, I hope).
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rochrunner Cool Runner |
posted Oct-09-2007 11:32 AM
Choover: Glad to hear that you had a good time travelling and running with your DH, but sorry to hear of all the other troubles. At least there are plenty of other good destinations and races that you can take your business to from now on!------------------ - Runnin' in Rochester Rochrunner
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nighthawk42 Cool Runner |
posted Oct-09-2007 11:45 AM
Amazing photos, cops, wacko RD and stomach problems…what a strange trip indeed…how bizarre. I wish you all the best for the next half!!!!Mike
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TammyM Cool Runner |
posted Oct-09-2007 11:53 AM
That RD just blows me away! I think you handled it very well. Not sure I could have been as polite throughout that ordeal as you guys were. I'm sorry that his unprofessionalism soured the trip for you. I agree with others who stated that a letter with your feedback would be a good course of action. Then you can put it out of your mind and maybe the RD can read through it and recognize how poorly he performed as a RD and learn something from it as well. Don't let one bad experience though make you not want to race for awhile. If you want to take a break, then do it, but do it for the right reasons and not because some jerk left a bad taste in your mouth. You and Mr.Hoover have such a good time with your races and supporting each other. Focus on that aspect. I enjoyed seeing the pictures and reading your RR - you are always so thorough and make us feel like we were there right along with you. ------------------ Tamalina
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pfriese Cool Runner |
posted Oct-09-2007 12:06 PM
What a bizarre RD. Congratulations to MrC on his PR and for you and MrC not ending up in jail.Paul
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MarkGuy Cool Runner |
posted Oct-09-2007 12:32 PM
Choovie, that's some race weekend. The photos are spectacular. The course sounds and looks beautiful, it's too bad the experience was ruined for you. Sorry to hear about the stomach issues, I hope you get that figured out. Congrats to MrC on the PR to you both for keeping your cool.
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glidegal Cool Runner |
posted Oct-09-2007 01:49 PM
choovie--- you take the most gorgeous pix and write such great reports. I can smell the pine, feel the cinder crunch and understand your anger at having the RD taint the gorgeous weekend you had planned. Fuhgeddabout him. Kick back and enjoy the gift of your "everyday" runs for awhile:short, long, fast, slow, whatever you feel like that day. Rejoice in being able to get out there and get those endorphins up. While you're running you'll figure out what to do next, even if it is back off for awhile. Better you take a mental break than having an injury force one you don't want to take. You'll find your groove. we're here for you. glidegal
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hollys4874 Cool Runner |
posted Oct-09-2007 02:46 PM
Cheryl,What a great race report! The pictures are stunning, and the commentary kept me on the edge of my seat. What a shame that what should have been a lovely race weekend had to be tarnished by some idiot’s behavior. I think in your place I would feel compelled to write an angry letter or two. As far as getting serious about your running, don’t let other people’s goals induce you to do something if that’s not what you want to do. Run for your own reasons, and don’t be ashamed if you want to treat it more recreationally than some do. Follow your inner voice. As my good friend Lynn would say, “Don’t be a lemming.” I ran for years for no other reason than so I could have an ice cream cone. I got more serious about it when I was about to turn 40 and needed a mental boost, then more so later because, never having been fast or particularly athletic, I began enjoying seeing what limits I could push myself to. Still, it all comes down to, get what YOU want to get out of running. We all love you, however you choose to run (or walk, or bike, or swim). 
------------------ Holly
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Sans Souci Cool Runner |
posted Oct-09-2007 04:12 PM
choovie, as usual, stunning pics. I'm so sorry about your awful experience with this RD, but I'm more concerned about your stomach troubles and getting those fixed (I had them in the past; seem to have them licked, so maybe I can help). That will make your next HM MUCH more enjoyable.What are you eating when before your races? Do you have similar troubles when training? I think you need a bit of "play" time, as my program director calls it, maybe a little hiking, biking. Give the structure a bit of a holiday and return to running refreshed and raring to go. (((choovie)))
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choover Cool Runner |
posted Oct-10-2007 12:23 AM
quote: originally posted by John2635:NO PICTURE of Choovie!!!!
John, I thought Babe the Blue Ox was more interesting  Sans Souci, I would like to contact you about the stomach issues sometime.
Thanks for your comments, everyone!
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TheProFromDover Cool Runner |
posted Oct-10-2007 05:54 AM
quote: Originally posted by choover: ...Sans Souci, I would like to contact you about the stomach issues sometime....
Me too! Hey C'mon. Choovie, no premature thank yous. We've got to double the reply rate here to catch that darn Econo. She's making us normal RR'ers look silly and has lapped us! This thread is our only hope. We need to work on your letter of complaint collaboratively. CRig
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choover Cool Runner |
posted Oct-10-2007 08:43 AM
quote: Originally posted by TheProFromDover: We need to work on your letter of complaint collaboratively.
Ha! With some of the creative minds on this board that would be a very interesting letter...
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dg9 Cool Runner |
posted Oct-10-2007 09:04 AM
ok, (" We've got to double the reply rate here to catch that darn Econo. She's making us normal RR'ers look silly ") I'll help. Cheryl, I can't really add anything, just agree with all of the above. I'll pick out, especially, mc & marie. I've read a lot about the challenge of balancing running with the rest of our lives, & I've always looked to you for a wonderful example of that. I understand being torn, it's easy to lose touch with what you really want, & freeze-- hard to go in any direction. which is one reason I liked mc's reply, it doesn't have to be either/or.2 directions for now.... let yourself be breathed. and the collaborative letter of complaint. great idea. I think you should start. or maybe criga.
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bobscamman Cool Runner |
posted Oct-10-2007 11:22 AM
Choovie:So sorry to hear about your problems, but you and your husband handled it with class. You should be commended for that. As for the race as usual your photos are spectacular, the scenery sure looks awesome. Too bad about those stomach issues, does this count for John finshing ahead of you? As far as the RD is concerned, I would take a little time to relax and then I would draft a letter of complaint to the RD and cc a copy to the media in that area. I would also give him an opportunity to apologize, who knows maybe he'll do the right thing after all. And if he doesn't well then yeah he really is the loser. Thanks for representing us boomers so well in your race but more importantly with your actions. ------------------ My User Profile "Keep on Running" Bob
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jura Cool Runner |
posted Oct-10-2007 11:24 AM
Beautiful course, good time, but what a bizarre incident. The guy should not be organizing races. On pressuring yourself: please don't do it. Probably because lately I have been going to the opposite direction regarding running, and thinking that it is there for my enjoyment, health and stress release and not for piling on even more stress and competition in my life. I believe you made the right choice and I admire that. The pressure you're feeling is a form of peer pressure, though nobody actively pushing you, but reading about the fantastic accomplishments of others, PRs, BQs, long streaks etc. makes us feel inadequate sometimes. I keep reminding myself that I am too old to give in to peer pressure, but I am falling into that pit over and over again. Don't do the same. Continue what you are doing, regardless of others, because it works for you, that's who you are. Happy running, Choovie . j
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arf 1 Cool Runner |
posted Oct-10-2007 12:04 PM
Choovie...first I have to say I am so sorry that I didn't get a chance to meet you. I really wanted to but Dave told me that it sounded like the meeting probably wouldn't happen as you and Mr. C wouldn't have much time to hang around.I think the RD and towns people treated you despicably and I would've been steaming mad too. As Dave said, we really had no interaction whatsoever with the RD, which was probably a good thing...sounds like he was an idiot. I agree about the darkness in the tunnels...should've been lights or cones in there. Anything to help us see what we were running on. Keep running girl, don't let anyone or anything keep you from doing what you love...just have fun. arf
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tselbs Cool Runner |
posted Oct-10-2007 12:34 PM
choover, I'm really sorry to hear about the RD and your experience with him. As far as the race itself, it sounds pretty good, beautiful scenery as indicated by your photos and running with mrchoover who had a fine race and PR. I hope you find a resolution to your stomach issues. As far as the issue of "seriousness", I think there are different types. There's the PR, BQ, high finish position OA and in AG type. There's also serious as running for your physical and mental health, going to races for the camaraderie with other runners, and sharing your running with the boomers. Most of us appear to have a blend of these two approaches. I like the occasional PR I get and the occasional AG award if the race is small and the fast people aren't there but it's the second approach that means the most to me. Do what works best for you and that will bring you pleasure without stress and pressure. Thanks for the report and pictures.TomS ------------------ My Profile
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Soundrunner Cool Runner |
posted Oct-10-2007 01:23 PM
ooooohm. A RD beating up on gentle yogini? Bad, bad karma.  Sorry to hear about your bad end to the weekend, but glad you were able to enjoy most of the weekend. In such a lovely setting, how could you not? Would love to see you join us out here for a race soon, Choovie.
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MustangSally Cool Runner |
posted Oct-10-2007 01:35 PM
Choovie, I have a new approach to running, and I'll share it here with you - just you.Train well and smartly enough to be able to hack "easy shakeout jogs" with the giants among us. Go to major headline races, support your friends, and... PARTY ON, DUDE! I have lots more fun at races when I don't actually have to run them :-) MustangSally ponders the handcuff-shaped bruises on her wrists and shakes her head, wondering where on earth she got them ------------------ Mustang Sally Boomers and Beyond wiki
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Fortunate One Cool Runner |
posted Oct-10-2007 04:11 PM
Great RR. I hope it helped to be able to vent about the RD. As for running motivation, I'd say do just enough to stay ahead of Mr. C.  ------------------ Fortunate--a volleyballer with a running problem Profile
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Dove61 Cool Runner |
posted Oct-10-2007 06:03 PM
Choovie,I had this one on my list for next year, now I'm seriously thinking I'll stay in the PNW. Thank you for the report, there is no need for that kind of behavior. -Dove
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IFixFido Member |
posted Oct-10-2007 06:11 PM
I had to laugh when I read your story. I had a similar experience, flew from Seattle to participate, registered for Sunday 1/2 marathon by accident, e-mailed with no response to correct my mistake, then was told to fly back home, no room on the bus. I wrote a poem to express my feelings and e-mailed it to Eric. No reply yet but thought I'd post it here for all to enjoy.It is a parody of "The Cremation of Sam McGee" The Frustration of Eva P. Strange tales are told in the shivering cold
By the runners who patiently wait; The Bizz Johnson trail has a secret tale That sealed Eva P's fate; My friends and I have seen strange sights, But the strangest we ever did see Was the lack of devotion that started in motion The frustration of Eva P. She came from afar, by plane and by car, a five hundred dollar affair. The course was exciting and visually inviting, a group of her friends met her there. It was so far so good, and please knock on wood when the whole rendezvous went astray; Race officials abused her when the website confused her and she registered for the wrong day. She tried clarification which caused consternation, her e-mail got nary a glance. He said “Don’t make a fuss, there’s no room on the bus! You’ll have to go home! Not a chance!” Reeling with shock she attempted to talk, and to make sense of what was implied; “Just get on the plane, you have poop for a brain, and as for your last hope, it has died.” She was taken aback by this sudden attack, and she desperately tried to explain. Then the crabby man softened, he’d dealt with this often, and the pressure was causing some strain. “Come back in the morn, I’m just tired and worn of the runners all changing their mind. Your case is unique and it’s fairness you seek, we’ll find a seat for your behind.” She awoke with a thrill though the air had a chill and put on her new running socks. Her first 13 mile race! Could she keep up the pace? Could she take it and not have to walk? She found the nice man who developed the plan to find her a seat on the bus; Her number was snatched as the busses dispatched, participants started to fuss. “Go ahead, go ahead!” they suddenly said as they realized the seat room was spacious. All began piling and not single filing, there was plenty of room! Goodness Gracious! Eva P. was content, though her patience was spent, and her number (690) was lacking; She wanted to run with her friends and have fun then load up her stuff and get packing. As she pounced on the race the stress drained from her face, and she took in the glorious scape. Forget all the strife, this was it! This was life! Who cares about all the Red Tape? She ran all 13, she felt strong, she felt lean, and her heart swelled with pride as she finished. Her arms in the air, her friends crowded there, made the earlier frustrations diminish. She began to rejoice, then she heard a shrill voice as her Montrails skipped over the line. “Hey you! Where’s your number! Can you get any dumber?” A shiver ran down Eva’s spine. Her shoulders were rounded, her friends were astounded, she desperately stuttered her story. After all she had borne, her psyche was worn, and now they had stolen her glory. The woman went on, sympathy was foregone, and the finish was scarred by reproof. She had her full say, Eva wandered away, there was no use in raising the roof. The man running the race, with a smile on his face, then asked her a question (ironic!) How was your run? Did you have lots of fun? She said “yes.” in a tone quite laconic. Strange tales are told in the shivering cold By the runners who patiently wait; The Bizz Johnson trail has a secret tale That sealed Eva P's fate; You can take this or leave it or just disbelieve it but try to remember I beg; To see people’s faces at subsequent races Not numbers attached to some legs.
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choover Cool Runner |
posted Oct-10-2007 06:23 PM
EvaP,What a nightmare. I loved the poem! Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope you'll consider posting a comment at: http://www.marathonguide.com/races/MoreReviews.cfm?MIDD=2122071007&Page=1 I submitted one yesterday but it hasn't yet appeared.
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