A small gripe and a couple of questions?

[Superdebbie]

I am a walker and never did a race before. The 15K will be my first. I appreciate all the race etiquette people have posted here. Most of it is common sense. I just did a 5K last weekend (just the March of Dimes one), and they let all the Family Teams up front (with small kids; stroller; wagons...), and walkers were walking slowly, all side by side all the way across and you couldn't get past. It was frustrating. But, I am surprised when people mention that walkers are walking slowly at one of these Disney races. How do they walk slow and not get swept right away?

 

[wtpclc]

Debbie - Slow is relative. If you're running even a 13 mpm pace, a 15 mm walk seems very slow. Also, if you do a r/w, teh walk can be slower than pace. Plus, some people will be ealking slower than teh pace. Not for long, but it will happen. You're absolutely right, though, just use common sense adn common courtesy. Or is that uncommon ocutest tehse days? (Not around here)

 

[bunnyfoo]

Vicky, looking adn tehn going to the right is perfect. Just common sense. I have had people cut m off to go right and stop right in front of me. That's not so good. (No, not implying you would at all)

Hmm... sounds like some of the drivers who just happen to be on the road with me this morning I'd like to say that driving is a whole other thing but I guess it all comes down to common sense like you said

 

[solotraveler]

Debbie-- I would also add that a lot of times, it's less about pace and more about width.

If someone is walking at, say a 15 mpm pace, it's easy enough to pass. If eight people are walking side by side at 15 mpm pace.... MUCH tougher to get passed, and that's really the issue, me thinks.

As for the organizers of your 5K.. I have no idea what they were thinking with allowing the strollers, wagons, kids, etc up front....

Kevin

 

[ironz]

I am a walker and never did a race before. The 15K will be my first. I appreciate all the race etiquette people have posted here. Most of it is common sense. I just did a 5K last weekend (just the March of Dimes one), and they let all the Family Teams up front (with small kids; stroller; wagons...), and walkers were walking slowly, all side by side all the way across and you couldn't get past. It was frustrating. But, I am surprised when people mention that walkers are walking slowly at one of these Disney races. How do they walk slow and not get swept right away?

The blocking walkers in question at the WDW 1/2 for me had somehow managed to start in a corral ahead of me, and were strolling, 4 across, on one of the on/off ramps (one lane of road with guardrails on either side) at mile 1/2! I suspect they managed to get their way up to the start so they would have a little extra advantage over the sweepers, as I had put down for a 2:20 finish time. So not only were they "cheating" the system as far as where they started, they were inconsiderate in walking 4 across on a one lane road.

Again, these were not WISH people. The WISHers were all totally cool!

And to those who asked...if you run/walk, which is what I do, I try to get over to the side in time for my walk interval, look, and then slow to a walk. I sometimes do a little hand motion to indicate that I am slowing, like I do on a bike, but I'm sure many runners wouldn't get that.

It's common sense, really, is all it is. Have a good time out there!
I'm very psyched for all the Minnie peeps and WISH I could be there!

 

[ScoJo15]

The blocking walkers in question at the WDW 1/2 for me had somehow managed to start in a corral ahead of me, and were strolling, 4 across, on one of the on/off ramps (one lane of road with guardrails on either side) at mile 1/2! I suspect they managed to get their way up to the start so they would have a little extra advantage over the sweepers, as I had put down for a 2:20 finish time. So not only were they "cheating" the system as far as where they started, they were inconsiderate in walking 4 across on a one lane road.

Again, these were not WISH people. The WISHers were all totally cool!

And to those who asked...if you run/walk, which is what I do, I try to get over to the side in time for my walk interval, look, and then slow to a walk. I sometimes do a little hand motion to indicate that I am slowing, like I do on a bike, but I'm sure many runners wouldn't get that.

It's common sense, really, is all it is. Have a good time out there!
I'm very psyched for all the Minnie peeps and WISH I could be there!

Betsy I think you've hit the nail on the head here!

 

[ironz]

Just want to make one more point....communication (like in driving, too) is a good thing. If I really need to get through a couple of walkers in a tight spot, I'll let them know... "Can I squeeze by please?" Of course, it helps if the blockers are not so tuned into their ipods that they can't hear me.