My Forum

There was a thread on this subject a year or so ago and I suspect it will come up again as there are two valid but opposing arguments.

1. it is a race  - whoever crosses the line first should win.

2. using gun time encourages runners (including slower runners) to start as near the front as possible.

There are also problems with both arguments.

 I agree that slower runners starting too near the front is a major issue (in my experience bwfcboy's example is the norm not an exception). However I am not totally convinced using chip rather than gun times would alter people's behaviour.

Baldly stating it is a race is an oversimplification - for the large majority of runners in mass participation events (i.e. the type of event that uses timing chips) it is, in effect, a time trial. If you cross the start line 10 minutes after those at the front then you are clearly not in a race with them. (I know GymAddict already made this point just wanted to reiterate it).

Hope I haven't passed on dodgy advice  - the stretches I posted were recommended to me by a physio.

Shiva - it is quite concerning that they still aren't accepting full responsibility for the baggage fiasco and need to be told the tent was too small and disorganised. If they are unable to recognise the obvious then will they get it right in future? Runners swearing at the cadets is clearly unacceptable but  this happened when tempers became frayed because of the delays in reclaiming baggage. The cadets withdrawal exacerbated the problem but certainly wasn't the cause. Before the cadets left, and with only a few runners back to reclaim their baggage, significant delays were occuring because of lack of personnel, lack of space and lack of organisation. Even when the cadets left xtra mile could have prevented the situation becoming as bad as it did but failed to show any leadership. It does them no credit to continue to blame anyone other than themselves for this.

 I hope this event is successful - it is great that there is another marathon in the north - and would love to do it again. It just won't be next year, I need more evidence that they are going to get it right. 

15 - have also had pain in my right foot since Manchester. Like yours mine has some similarities to PF but is not a typical presentation. My pain is on the outer aspect of the foot and I have self-diagnosed it as bruising from the uneven surface at Dunham Massey. Your symptoms do sound more like PF - regardless of the diagnosis you should probably be resting it. I foolishly did the local Park Run this a.m. as the pain had been easing and it is now as bad as ever.

If it is PF you could do achilles stretches (the one where you put the front half of your feet on the stairs and lower yourself). Hope you recover soon whatever it is.