What's up with packet pick-up? Ins and outs of this running race must.

  

Packet-pickup has become a standing tradition for running races. Whether it’s a simple walk-up table in a local location or a huge running expo in a major city, it’s a familiar part of the process from 5Ks to full marathons. Most important, it’s how runners obtain their registered race numbers (tagged as bibs), which are required for participation in the event.

 Packet pick-up details are listed on race websites, and often on their social networking pages as well. Additionally, registered runners will usually receive email reminders as race day approaches.

 

When does packet pick-up occur?

 Although plenty of smaller races (such as community 5Ks) hold packet pick-up on-site on race day, most running events schedule it ahead of time. Often, it’s the day before a race, but it may be a few days or a week in advance. A few running events offer multiple packet pick-up choices, perhaps on different dates in a couple of locations, if the race will be in a large metropolitan area.

 In many cases, running events will also offer race-day registration, check-in, and packet pickup. This is helpful for out-of-town runners who may be unable to arrive ahead of time. Sometimes there’s an extra charge for on-site pick-up. And there’s almost always a higher cost for signing up for races at the last minute.

 Race day packet pick-up can be convenient for some runners, but it can also be cumbersome, as they need to stash the stuff in a car, hand it to a non-running supporter, or place it in gear check at the race site.

 

Where does packet pick-up take place?

 Race organizers may choose to set up shop for packet pick-up in all sorts of spots, such as: 

• a hotel lobby
• a local gym
• a park pavilion or picnic shelter
• a sponsor’s location
• a sporting goods store
• a tent at the race site
• and more.

 I cannot tell you how many packet pick-up events I’ve attended that occurred inside running shops. Of course, the race table is always set up towards the back of the merchant facility, so all of the race entrants must walk the gauntlet through all of the product displays. (It’s a little like the exit-through-the-gift-shop setup at popular museums, theme parks, and other attractions.)

 Packet pick-up is an excellent opportunity for running enthusiasts to volunteer, especially for charity races held by non-profit organizations. Race ambassadors may be volun-told to participate in such occasions, greeting fellow runners and handing out race packets. In some cases, races may hire temporary staff for assistance as well.

 Most packet pick-ups are done in-person, although more and more of the larger, well-organized races will offer mailed packets for an extra fee. These generally arrive at least a week or two ahead of race day.

 

What’s in the race packet?

 The primary item is the individually numbered race bib, which is actually a square or rectangle sheet (generally coated with plastic or some water/sweat-resistant substance). This is to be attached to the front of the entrant’s shirt, identifying the runner and proving paid admission. (No bandits allowed!) It also helps race photographers to sort images for runners to find and possibly purchase after the race.

 Some runners write their names on their bibs for crowd cheers.

 The bib may or may not have a microchip for timing, or it might have a tear-off portion for manual/old-fashioned timing. It could also feature a tear-off for beer, post-race food, or other goodies.

 Usually the bib has a bag check tag, on which the runner’s bib number is printed. Race staff (or volunteers) affix this to the individual’s bag or pack when it is checked in for holding till after the race. That tag is matched to the runner’s bib when the bag is claimed later.

 Almost always, the race bib will be accompanied by four safety pins, for use in case a runner does not use his or her own bib magnets or clips.

 

What else is in the race packet?

 Some races distribute runner packets that are filled with give-away merchandise – at least to early registrants. Such packets are frequently known as goody bags, much like those given out at children’s birthday parties.

 Most often, such contents (also known as swag) will include a race tee, jacket, or hoodie (usually bearing the race emblem and often also displaying company logos of race sponsors). There might also be running-related trinkets, such as sports nutrition samples, refrigerator magnets, stickers, and such.

 And there’s almost always a few promotional flyers, postcards, or coupons announcing future races or special sale events by running-related merchants.

 All of this is usually contained in a plastic bag, an imprinted nylon string pack, or even a manila envelope.

 

Can a runner ask others to pick up his or her packet?

 A friend or family member may be allowed to pick up a runner’s bib, but it’s important to confirm this ahead of time. A signed form, a copy of the runner’s driving license, or other confirmations may be required. Some race directors insist on advance notice for such arrangements. Others allow individuals to pick up multiple bibs for various entrants.

 A few years ago, an acquaintance planned to go and procure race packets for about a dozen running friends for a military-themed race. But there was a catch, as he discovered arriving at the packet pick-up location. The facility was situated inside the gates of a military base, and appropriate identification documentation was required. Alas, he was not granted entry, and the group of runners had to grab their packets on race morning instead.

 However it happens, packet pick-up is the go-to precursor to a running race – even if it’s as simple as obtaining the numbered race bib. Without that, no one crosses the start line when the race begins.

 

Related Items: 

• Choosing running races: How do you pick which races to enter?
• Power Play: 15 reasons runners often run faster in races than training runs
• Race aid stations - What are they serving this time?
• Race management: 10 tips for choosing race tees
• Race volunteers are both valued and violated
• The worst-run race I ever experienced ... and why

 

 

Image/s: Pixabay public domain photo

 

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Have you been caught WALKING again?

 

Cue the blush here.

 OK, I’m totally kidding.  But sometimes it feels like that, when a runner is spotted out walking.

 A non-runner might say something like this:

“I saw you out there yesterday, but you were walking.”

 It’s as if we are expected to maintain an all-out sprint the whole time we are out on the trail or the road or the track in our sneakers.

 

It doesn’t really work that way.

 Even elite marathoners begin their jaunts with warmups and end with cool-downs. These may include giant steps, backward steps, lunges, and butt kicks. But they also include walking – plenty of walking.

 And plenty of fitness fanatics walk miles and miles and miles, burning countless calories without ever breaking into a jog. They’re on-the-move for hours, which is almost harder in some ways than running faster for shorter time spans.

 

Walking may be purposeful.

 It usually is exactly that.

 Walking is a primo plan for beginner runners, but also for those who have run countless races and are still committed to practicing physical fitness (perhaps past their primes). Professional trainers and physical therapists prescribe walking for those who are recovering from injuries or long races.

 Additionally, more than a few runners mix walks into their weeks for cross-training, socialization (with other runners and non-running friends), dog-walking, sightseeing, stress relief, or even phone calls on-the-fly.

 Let’s not judge one another, or ourselves, for slower steps.

 

Runners build one another up – at any pace.

 Mostly, the running community acts like a fellowship of mutual encouragement. We say things like “Your race, your pace,” and “You’re lapping everyone who’s at home on the couch.”

 Sure, runners want to become faster. We want to beat our own personal records, racing the clock more than one another. Some of us even want to win race titles – or at least place in our age brackets.

 But we generally enjoy waving at each other (at the run or the walk). We salute one another for getting out there and cranking out the miles, from 5Ks to ultras. We “like” each other’s online posts. We basically celebrate running, hoping to inspire anyone who’s getting up and trying.

 

So why do we almost apologize for walking?

 We act like we’ve been caught in a crime when another runner catches us walking. We trip up into a trot when we approach race cameras (if we spot them). We jump into a jog when a car comes along, if our routes take us on the roadway. We pick up the pace when another runner (or even a walker) approaches.

 Why are we embarrassed to practice a slower pace?

 

There’s no shame in walking.

 All miles count. And just by stepping out there, we are all burning calories, building endurance, improving our cardio condition, and doing the distance. All that makes us stronger … and yes, faster.

 

Related Items:

·        Long runs: Shared-track slowdowns don't have to be let-downs

·        Long runs: Sometimes ya just gotta walk a bit

·        Mixing it up: Cross training adds spice and fitness

·        Some training runs are simply dreadful

·        Walking works wonders for warmups and workouts

•   What’s the difference between a runner and a jogger?

 

 Image/s: public domain photo

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Social Distance running is a whole new game

 It seems like everyone wants to be a runner, now that social distancing has become a thing.

Regular runners definitely took the lead on this. Keeping up with running and avoiding contact with others (and possible Coronavirus / COVID-19 exposure) is something of a balancing act, isn’t it? From race cancellations to gym closures, runners are taking to the trails (and streets) to keep moving. Virtually every race director is coming up with virtual races to offer the running community at-large.

Hey, we’re still free to lace up our sneakers and go pound out as many miles as we want.

In these crazy days of pandemic uncertainty, scores of other folks are stepping into sports shoes and hitting the bricks or tracing out trails to escape cabin fever and burn off some of those shelter-in-place calories.

If we’re heeding the warnings, we’re running (or walking) solo. Or we’re pairing up, but trying to stay 6+ feet apart (per federal guidelines). Maybe we’re wearing face-masks or stretching neck gaiters / buffs or lycra headbands over our noses and mouths.

Then there are those devil-may-care hotshots, who think they’re tougher than anything Covid-19 can throw at them.

Those are the hard-core runners who still post Instagram photos of their running crews with arms draped over each others’ shoulders. They’re the ones who jog three or four across on single- or double-track paths.

Take a look at these photographic examples. (Disclaimer: These stock photos were taken before the pandemic hit. So these individuals were not violating any current health standards.)

An active worldwide pandemic makes running a whole new game.

Tons of runners have posted photos depicting the lack of social distancing in favorite running spots. Chicago's mayor has now closed the city's scenic lakefront paths, for example. On the other hand, Wisconsin has waived fees for state parks and trails, urging people to practice safe social distancing.

Experts tell us COVID-19 can spread like wildfire. Would you run through wildfire?

Have you encountered others along your running routes, who crowded your Coronavirus-avoidance personal boundaries? How did you handle this?

I have darted into the street to cross and put appropriate space between me and them. Two days ago, a pair of runners came up behind me and passed me on a local trail. One actually shoulder-bumped me, as he crowded past.

Seriously, folks?

Call me germophobic. OK.

I just want to stay healthy, so I can keep running and doing the rest of life well (or reasonably so). I battle a chronic medical condition daily, which threatens to sideline me, if a serious illness throws my immune system into overdrive. I have family members and other loved ones who could likely not weather such a storm, if they became infected.

Bet we all do, if we think about it. Because when it comes right down to it, it’s not just about us. It’s about who our lives might impact.

Images:

Photo collage created  by this user from public domain images

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zippy

Marathon recovery: Did I race again too soon?

Marathon experts and running gurus trumpet the value of post-race resting. Lots of them urge runners to take time off, perhaps calling for one day of rest for every mile (or five miles) they ran in the big race. Some advocate reverse tapering, with athletes gradually increasing their distances (and speeding up their paces again). Others simply suggest easing up a bit for a while and listening to one’s own body.

Toss MS into the mix, and well ... I probably should heed that advice better.  But sometimes it's worth the risk.

Oops.

I kind of got off-track recently, while recovering from the Chicago Marathon, which took place nearly three weeks ago.

My intentions were good. I skipped my morning-after weight training class. I eased up on my training mileage for the following week or two.

Then I headed to Washington, DC, with friends.

I’d signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon 10K, rather than the full 26.2, acknowledging that my body still needed some recovery time from the Chicago race. 

But things didn’t exactly go that way. And I’m honestly glad they didn’t.

Marine Corps race day arrived, along with crazy-heavy rains and strong winds that overflowed puddles and the Potomac River.  Runners slogged through ankle-deep (and higher) waters to follow the race course. It was a mess. Then the sun came out, bringing system-shocking humidity.

Runners were dropping like flies. Skilled, well-trained, fit runners climbed (or were loaded) into rescue vehicles.

Two friends and I completed the 10K and then checked in electronically on two others, who were slugging their way through their first-ever full marathon. One was tired and hurting around the midway point. She’d come back from major surgery (with complications), but she wouldn’t let any of that stop her from doing the marathon.

We 10Kers jogged to the nearest subway stop and made our way to that friend’s next mile marker on the marathon course. Once we spotted her, we tucked our 10K finishers’ medals into our shirts (to keep them from beating our chests) and fell into step with her to offer some encouragement for a mile or two.

The other back-of-packers at that point didn’t seem to mind our company, either.

We shared our goos and pickle juice and other snacks (along with shoulder taps and words of encouragement) with total strangers, as we all trudged along together. I handed one lady a tiny snack bag, with just 4-5 pretzels left in it, and she actually hugged me.

We made it to the final bridge, a dreaded gauntlet, not long before many later runners were swept off the course into buses. We outran the final pickup bus and passed the final turn-off, sharing a cheering roar with fatigued runners all around us.

But we didn’t stop there.

We actually ran almost a half marathon, accompanying our intrepid friend all the way to the start of the marathon finish line chute, before veering off to let her conquer the final battle alone and receive her well-earned finisher’s medal.

Our two marathon-entry friends completed their first 26.2 races. The other three of us totaled about 19 miles, between the two races, although only 6.2 officially counted.

All in all, the day was worthy of true celebration.

Today I’m a little tired. That was more than I ought to have done, so soon after my own full marathon in Chicago. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. The glow on our friend’s face, as she beat the marathon dragon at his own game, was well worth it.

My next race is just under two weeks out. It’s a 10K. And I promise I will leave it at that.

Images:

Public domain image.

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