Yikes, I need to get back into blogging! I have been running though--just not writing about it. This weekend will be the first time I attempt to run 10 miles. I've done 9.25, but never more. Cross your fingers for me!
I also may have the best/worst idea ever. My first half is scheduled for Sept. 18. Over Labor Day weekend, I will be in Virginia Beach, where a half-marathon is taking place that Sunday. I already have to run 12 miles that day. Should I just register and run two halfs in a month?
The one thing (other than the running itself) that is holding me back from registration is the $110 price tag that comes with the Va. Beach half. Would it be really terrible of me to run rogue? Meaning, I wouldn't drink any of their water or take any GUs or anything--but I would run the race course. Will someone come kick me out if I attempt this? Am I being really cheap? Should I just map my own 12-miler and prep for the Philly half on Sept. 18 as planned?
So many questions and so few answers!
I never knew this, but banditing is a huge issue in the running community. I never realized it was so common, but there are debates in online forums about jumping into Boston, Chicago, and other races.
ReplyDeleteThose online boards note that New York and other big marathons employ patrols to kick bandits off the course. I don't think that the Virginia Beach race make that effort, but you never know - there could always be some race volunteer who wants to flex his authority and demands to see your running bib or timing chip.
Banditing is clearly wrong. You'd be contributing to the crowding problems that so many races suffer from in the early stages. That said, I think you can do a half-bandit. Maybe you can map a route that joins in the race for the middle (say miles 4-10) and timed so that you'll be near the back when congestion is less of a problem. That way, you enjoy the race experience, and you don't interfere with the race for anyone else.
Besides, my experience running the Virginia Beach Shamrock Marathon was that some of the route along the boardwalk and downtown area is spectacular and some of it is a boring slog through some military post. Skip the boring parts and treat yourself to the beautiful sights!
I don't think I could ever bandit run...I'm a mcwimpy always scared of getting caught, so I don't do things against the rules for that reason.
ReplyDeleteMan...$110 is HIGH for a race! Sheesh!
Hope your 10-miler was awesome!!! =)