What I learned about racing from H&F

[pixy0stix]

If you start to overheat, put cold water down your front. However, you guys forgot to mention that it may cause your bra to chafe. (SO MUCH CHAFING!)

The race yesterday was so unorganized. They said there were 7,000 people to run the 7k race. It took forever for us to cross the start line. We had gotten there a little late so weren't able to seed ourselves up towards the front. I don't think it would have helped anyway, because walkers were everywhere. We wove through walkers throughout the whole entire race. On a personal standpoint, I felt awful. I'd had more sugar than normal in the morning and started sugar crashing during running. Then I started overheating (I got goosebumps). Dumping water on myself helped. I fully admit that I needed to prep more for the race. Then, when we hit the finish line, we had to wait a good 15-20 min to *walk* across the line. So basically, I hated people. Walkers were rude and strung out the full way across the course, creating a barrier. Most of the runners had to run in a line to the side of the course. People were taking selfies as they walked in and across the finish line, creating a backup of people.

So... The premise of the race was great. Run a Denver Bronco race, see players at the expo afterward, get some swag. In reality I didn't see one Bronco, got no swag, and had to battle a sea of people just to get the medal. I may try again next year and get there way early to be at the start to avoid the walkers. We'll see.

[G22]

Ugh that sounds awful.

I agree, I learned last week that the wetter my clothes, the more body glide I need to apply. I hope your chafing heals fast.

[andrealynn]

I was actually just coming here to post about this race. I did the same race last year and it was fantastic. It seemed like there were a ton more people and a lot less organization than last year.

Do you guys think it is worth emailing the RD with some feedback?

[sadlebred]

It sounds like they oversold the race! Or maybe next year they can be more organized.

Sorry for the chafing!

[jene]

That sounds crappy. I hope your chafing heals quickly!

[Susie]

Spoiler alert: The other thing that can chafe/blister when you use water/ice to cool yourself off is your feet, from water that runs down your legs and soaks your socks. I do that to myself every freaking half ironman, since the run is at midday and it's hot. Sorry you're there now, it super sucks. Heal quickly!

[Deleted]

Sounds like the race advertised to mostly non runners hoping to meet a Bronco, completely oversold the event to make money. Sigh.

[osulori]

Ugh Pix that sucks hope your chafing feels better soon!

[taratru]

That sounds terrible. I'd be pissed, and I'd be contacting someone about it.

Aquaphor or Vaseline for the chafing. Also, dump water down the back of your head and then only your back gets wet. Not as much chafing.

[thom]

I'm sorry Pixy. That sounds ridiculous. Congrats on finishing in the midst of all that. If you try it again next year I give you major kudos! Definitely trying to start at the front sounds like the best plan.

[venice2007]

Sept 1, 2014 12:53:05 GMT -5 G22 said:

Ugh that sounds awful.

I agree, I learned last week that the wetter my clothes, the more body glide I need to apply. I hope your chafing heals fast.

Me too. I barely sweated while running up north the weekend and forgot to glide under my arm band. No chafing. That never happens here in fl. I have to glide everything and still chafe from my sweaty oh so sweaty clothes!

[trigal]

You should definitely contact the race director!

To stay cool, I carry ice cubes for as long as I can stand it. Or I put it in my hat.

[bostonmichelle]

I would definitely contact the race director!!

Sorry about the chafing. I generally pour water down the back of my head.

[joenali]

I just race where it's not hot!

[andrealynn]

2 updates-

1. They sent out a survey. I imagine they will be regretting that any second now.
2. My old boss won the thing. 7k, 22:29. Between him and tru, I am feeling close to greatness right now, lol.

[emuni04]

I'm sorry. We have a popular local race that is a lot like this, and it is frustrating. I guess the premise is to have fun and not care so much about time, but it's a little disheartening to complete a race 5-10 minutes slower than normal because you're dodging walkers/dogs/drinkers/selfie takers, etc.

Sorry about the chafing. I hope it heals up quickly!