Turnkey Sports Poll - Which endurance sport property has the strongest brand?

While doing research for a paper I came across this Turnkey Sports Poll. I'm not surprised that Boston or NY top the list but I am surprised the Rock 'n 'Roll Marathon Series did not rank higher. If this survey is conducted at the same time next year (August, 2011) I'm sure Rock 'n 'Roll will rank much higher since they've been adding additional events and the series is becoming much more popular. It seems like more elite runners are competing in these events and the growth of their blogs, including the addition of John "The Penguin" Bingham are enhancing the Rock 'n 'Roll brand.

Having recently run a 13.1 Series race, I'm surprised they are an option. These events seem relatively small compared to the other options on this list but since they are advertised as taking place in major cities I can see why they may seem more popular and/or identifiable.

What endurance sports properties are not on this list?

Which of the following endurance sports properties has the strongest brand in the U.S.?

• Boston Marathon - 45%
• ING New York City Marathon - 30%
• Ironman Triathlon - 13%
• Rock’n’Roll Marathon Series - 7%
• Bank of America Chicago Marathon - 2%
• 13.1 Marathon Series - 0%

Running Times Magazine: Road Races Undergo Franchising Boom

Running Times Magazine: Road Races Undergo Franchising Boom

I've run a number of races, from big city to small and everything in between. I love trying out different races and experiencing different events. However, there is always a bit of hesitation and anxiety at races. Will the mile markers be accurate? Will the course have proper and adequate support? Will the expo be manageable, easy to navigate and will it be easy to retrieve my race info? Does the website have enough information and is it accurate? I have run in a couple of races where I felt under prepared due to the disorganization of the race producers. I recently ran a half marathon organized by a reputable company that has a series of events and was completely let down. There was no race day bib pick-up which is totally fine but I had to take a $20 ($40 round trip) cab ride out to this tiny suburb to retrieve my race packet from a small running store. I stayed at the host hotel and none of the staff new about the race. I printed multiple maps where the start line was supposed to be and no one could tell me where it was since it was described as being near a major street with no cross streets or landmarks. It was a point to point course with poor transportation. The post race party was not as advertised and there was zero food or drink besides the recovery food in the tent immediately after I crossed the finish line. As a result of my awful experience with that race production company, I will not run in another one of their events and will even go so far as to deter people from their races due to the frustration and disorganization.

The Rock 'N Roll events are just the opposite. They are extremely organized and make the pre and post-race details worry free. There is enough to worry about just crossing the finish line. It is up to the runner to be prepared and take care of the pre-race details such as packet pick-up, knowing what's on course, etc. but in order to be prepared, runners need to be able to depend on the race organizers and that is what is so great about RNR events. You know what you're getting when you sign up and you can arrive at the starting line knowing you have everything you need to run a good race. I ran the New Orleans Marathon the year before RNR bought it out and it was a great experience but it also lacked some support such as mile markers and clocks on the course. As identified in this article, the New Orleans Track Club couldn't keep up with the growth of the race. Having Competitor Group come in has been a boost to the local community as it increased tourism and helped provide a better race experience for the runners which benefits everyone involved. I love the Rock 'N Roll events and think they do an amazing job putting on great races that attract large crowds of inspiring people.

I love small, locally organized races, and races with unique characteristics but Competitor Group is not taking away those individual traits, they're integrating them into a better event. I will continue to run my local 10k and races on my bucket list but when I'm shooting for a PR or a big race I'll turn to a race producer that's established itself as one of the best and most organized in the industry. Not to mention, one that will keep me entertained while I'm fighting those mental demons at mile 19!

Auto Theft

I tend to keep an extra pair of running shoes and clothes in the car in case I find time to get a run in. These are a main stay in my car and I never go anywhere without an extra pair of sneaks – just in case. I prefer to run from home but many of my running friends are becoming more interested in trail running which means driving to the trail head and leaving the car to head off into the trees. Whether trail running or simply meeting people for a group run, this is the perfect opportunity for thieves. It's tempting bait - a full line of cars in the ideal demographic.

Here are some interesting stats I found about runner demographics:

2008-2009 National Runner Demographics

• Male Long Distance Runners
• Average Age: 45 years old
• 54% are married
• 76% males had 2006 Household income of $75,000 or more
• 80% have college degree.
• 37% have post-graduate degree

• Female Long Distance Runners
• Average age: 39 years old
• 62% are married
• 64% females had 2006 Household income of $75,000 or more
• 79% have college degree.
• 42% have post-graduate degree
• Runners spend $125 billion on health-related goods and services
• 16 million runners have a household income of $75,000 or more.
• Nearly 55% hold a college degree versus the national average of 33%
• In 2007, runners spent $8.5 billion on their sport with $2 billion going to the purchase of footwear.
  

I recently heard about a couple of runner’s who had their cars broken into and now it all makes sense. You may be a good 6-10 miles away from your car while a thief is breaking into your vehicle. And unless you are Kenyan or run a sub 4:00 mile, I don’t think you’re going to be able to catch the bandit. I’ll continue to keep an extra pair of shoes and running gear in the car but I’m not going to hide it under a towel or some other cover to give the allusion there is nothing there. I’ll leave my old, broken in shoes and bright pink running shorts out in the open in the back seat. I’ll be able to catch the thief more easily if I see him/her wearing my hideous shorts.

All joking aside, the real lesson is not to leave ANYTHING in your car if you go on a run. Look around the lots where you park and don’t be an easy target.

Race Report - 13.1

This year I have not been able to focus on my running as much as I would like to and as a result, have not had high expectations for myself or performances in races. I have also been running in more half marathons as I don’t have the time to commit to the full marathon. I am enjoying the shorter distance and also the increased speed. I set a half-marathon PR at the NYRR Half Marathon (1:31:??) and was so bummed I did not come under 1:30!

I went into this race with low expectations but wanting a 1:30. After my terrible half marathon at the AT&T Giant Race I was looking for redemption. I didn’t place too much pressure on myself as I have not been running or working out much due to the long hours at work and late nights working on my research papers. I felt prepared when I showed up at the starting line and was super excited! I met this amazing runner while waiting in the starting corral. She is an experienced and elite runner from the Washington D.C. area who offered me some great racing advice on pacing and shoes. (She was wearing the Brooks T6 which I have been wanting to try but do not think I’m fast enough yet to wear something that light). She was looking towards a 1:25:?? finishing time but was going to take the first half at a 1:29:00 pace so she encouraged me to stay with her and she’d help me hit a 1:30. I was so appreciative and amazed that she was being so helpful. Even though running is an individual sport, people usually are not always eager to help the competition! We started out fast but I felt great. I kept telling myself to hold on until I felt I needed to slow down and back off. It was super super hot and humid so I also made a point of drinking early and at every water stop. Around the 4 mile mark, the girl I was running with started to slow down and back off. I kept looking at my Garmin and was not sure if I should slow down too or keep the pace. I felt great so I decided to keep the pace and run my own race. As we drifted apart I told her she’d pass me later in the race as I totally expected to blow up around mile 10 (which I kind of did!). I ran by myself for the majority of the race, passing a few guys along the way and keeping pace with one for about 2 miles. Most of my runs leading up to this race had been around 10 miles. I think it was psychological that around 10.5 miles my body began to slow down and my legs started to feel super heavy. I didn’t know if I could hold the pace but people along the course kept telling me I was the #3 female so I kept pushing. There was a short turnaround at the 11-12 mile mark where I saw that I was in fact that 3^rd girl and 4^th wasn’t too far behind. My friend from the starting line really looked like she was having a bad race and I was totally bummed for her (but happy with my decision to keep pace on my own). I was mentally losing it around 12 miles and started calculating what my finishing time would be if I walked or slowed down. I do this every race when I’m near the end and while I never do either, I can’t stop my mind from going there! What was deceiving about this finish is that we were running around a lake for the last 1-2 miles so I could see the finish area and crowds of people but not exactly where the finish line was so I couldn’t tell when to kick it into gear although I didn’t have much left. I kept pushing, thinking that the next girl was right behind me. I couldn’t believe the clock at the finish line. Not only did I break 1:30, I crushed my previous PR set in March by over 2 minutes! My clock time was 1:28:36! I was super super excited to podium but more excited to break that 1:30 barrier! Now I know I have the speed and can dig deep. I’m ordering some T6’s!

Aubrey Huff

San Francisco Giants utility player, Aubrey Huff, continues to amaze me with his running ability. The Giants acquired him at a bargain price and I don't think anyone expected him to perform as well as he has been this season. The Giants' stadium is not a hitters park.


Aubry Huff is 33 years old, 6'4" and 230 lb. The replay of his in the park home run from the beginning of the season is still funny to watch because he is an awkward runner and it must have taken him an entire inning just to catch his breath! Tonight he had another great game and a solid hit out to triple's alley. Huff turned on the jets as he rounded first and safely beat the throw to third. Huff's been one of my favorite players this season. Part of it is because his speed constantly surprises me and it's so fun to watch him run the bases!

Baseball players could use a running coach.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-UHt_4Uvjc

Houston Marathon Lottery Drawing Countdown

7 days until the Houston Marathon announces the lottery winners, and registrants, for the 2011 Houston Marathon! The 2011 Houston Marathon will again be host to the 2011 USA Half Marathon Championships and the marathon course will be a preview of the 2012 Olympic Trials course!

If I win a lottery spot I will immediately start penciling my training schedule and begin marathon training in late September.

Desperate for a mental run!

I've been nursing my fractured foot for 3+ weeks. I have done a few short runs but am being super cautious because this no running business sucks! Unfortunately, due to school and travel my cross training (if you can call it that) the past week has been walking. After a wonderful walking tour of Chicago on Saturday (thanks Christian!) I felt like my healing had regressed. At the end of the night on Saturday my foot was in so much pain but it was well worth it. Returning home on Sunday after a wonderful week in Philadelphia and crazy fun weekend in Chicago, I had a lot on my mind. While in Philadelphia last week, as part of my Masters program curriculum, some major events took place and I was faced with some big life decisions. Not having the time to run, or the physical ability due to the stress fracture, made it more difficult for me to work out these decisions. I depend on my runs for much more than the health benefits. I do my best thinking while running and solve all my problems while on the run.

I went to sleep last night knowing I needed to get myself up and out the door at whatever cost this morning. I only made it 5+ miles and my fractured foot was not enjoying it but it felt great. I needed a run! I needed a run to sort through my thoughts and more importantly for some inner strength for today. I was out of the office for an entire week, the longest period of time I've ever missed work, and today's going to be a tough day at the office. I would have liked to go longer this morning, I had plenty to think about, but my short run sufficed. I feel good about the decisions I am making and I am confident I am making the right changes. With the help of my run, I'm ready to face today.

Rock It!

For those of us who frequently run races, the standard tech-T is but another addition to our running gear wardrobe. But for some, including those who are participating in their first race, completing a new distance, or running a special event, the tech shirt is not enough.


I went to pick up my race bag even though I couldn't run due to my stress fracture. I was in Chicago, my little brother was still trying to recovering from the night before, and I needed to do a little research for an upcoming role I will be playing in a half-marathon race series, so I figured I might as well head to the Chicago Rock 'N Roll expo and check it out. While there I met this super fun girl! She was running around the Brooks Chicago Rock 'N Roll event branded gear area, her arms full of gear! I was looking at her thinking, "WOW! That's not going to be a fun time at the cash register!" She was totally elated and her friends were as well. They were all in total shopping mode at the expo. As I was walking through, she started asking me my opinion on which color of a particular shirt she should get and I just knew this had to be her first race. I asked and of course it was. Her and her 2 other girlfriends flew in from NY to run their first half. They had trained for 4 months. She was yelling across the booth at her friends convincing them to buy more gear! She had a good point, after putting in the time to train and dedication, you've definitely earned bragging rights. You've spent many months training, sacrificed late night fun due to an early morning run, passed on the dessert, and altered your lifestyle to prepare for the event. Once you've crossed that finish line you've earned the right to flaunt your success, through hats, t-shirts, shorts, jackets, whatever!
Rock the gear!