The Race Booklet...

[cewait]

Has anyone looked at the Race Program? I have a stack of 13 programs and in general the program is the same as it was in 99. But I still read the book cover to cover. A really minor gripe I have is that I miss the inky smell of the early days when the book would arrive in mid October wrapped in plastic with the waiver card serving as the address card. I really miss laying back and falling asleep browsing the book. Somehow, the fresh smell of toner just does not generate the same warm feelings.

Anyway, to the reason for the post. It seems like a couple really nice adders have been included. First, the park schedules are now part of the book. That’s a nice touch for those who may not understand where to go to get the information. Also, looks like we are in for a 5:35 start again. While not mentioned in the booklet, I am sure that the close coupled wave starts will continue, bringing the last waive to the start line around 6 am for the full and a little later for the half.

The Expo is opening at 10AM on Thursday again. That is great as it allows for getting to the expo then lunch rather than missing lunch to hit the first opening of the expo when it used to open at noon. A couple of vendors there that are unexpected. The most unexpected is Curl by Sami Duval… A water sports company. Cool. Next, one that I hate to see but have purchased their product on site a couple times… Shedable Shell. Basically a Tyvek Painters suit with rippable seams. They make a great wind/water breaker and are really stylish when temps are 30F.

Looks like Hal Higdon is returning to the race again. Its been a while since I recall seeing him at the expo. Definitely an expo rich in written talent.

Now for another toungue in cheek comment. Page 33 describes the B-Tag. Essentially, Disney is moving a little greener and going to the b-tag system for timing. For history, we used to run events on clock time only. If you were in the back, you needed your own runner’s watch so you would know what you exact time was. Chips allow for individual times to be recorded. The technology is simple. You, the runner carry a RFID (Radio Frequency ID) chip tied to your shoe. The chip is just a small unpowered circuit that is energized by a weak magnetic field carried by wiring under timing mats at the start and stops of races. When energized, the chip sends out a signal with a unique ID code. Basically a data logger records the chip code at the time you cross the mats.

Disney and many other races used these loaner chip systems for years. A disposable chip company created competition 4-5 years back called the D-Tag system. D-Tag because the tag on your shoe looked like a D when you installed it correctly. Now comes the B-Tag or Bib Tag. The B-Tag has two RFID bars running down the sides of the bib. We will receive several sets of instructions through the days between now and the race tell us that the bib must be worn on your outer layer, not covered by a top, not on a belt and definitely not folded. Now, look at the photo on Page 33 where this discussion occurs. There is a photo of Tink with a bib folded to less than half height.

Well, I won’t spoil the rest of the book… Enjoy

 

[joan4mickey]

I have not looked at the online book, but after reading your report I think I should. This will be my first full and I am using Hal Higdon's (with some tweeking to fit my schedule) Marathon 3 plan...3 as in 3 runs a week. I used his plan for my first distance race, the Minnie Marathon (15K), in May 2008.
Thanks for the report. Now, time to get to some reading.

 

[TEK224]

Hey Coach,

I remember the shedable shell company from 2 or 3 years ago. I wore that suit (along with 3 other layers) the entire race. Looked like the abominable snowman!

Terri

 

[FFigawi]

Disney and many other races used these loaner chip systems for years. A disposable chip company created competition 4-5 years back called the D-Tag system. D-Tag because the tag on your shoe looked like a D when you installed it correctly. Now comes the B-Tag or Bib Tag. The B-Tag has two RFID bars running down the sides of the bib. We will receive several sets of instructions through the days between now and the race tell us that the bib must be worn on your outer layer, not covered by a top, not on a belt and definitely not folded. Now, look at the photo on Page 33 where this discussion occurs. There is a photo of Tink with a bib folded to less than half height.

Speaking of the B-Tag, I figured I'd add some personal experience since I know this topic has been addressed ad nauseum in the past - yes, you can wear outer layers over your B-Tag and still have it work. I had my throwaway jacket on for the first few miles at Marine Corps last weekend and had no issues with the chip not working or not reading.

 

[crewmatt]

And I've personally worn them on belts with no issue. Its basically like they stuck 2 thin D tags on either side of the bib. The only thing to watch for is that you dont bend those 2 pieces.

 

[goofyinohio]

The one thing I really miss looking at it is knowing which wave I'll be in once I know my corral. The last two years I've come solo so I really don't have to worry about anyone knowing when I take off, but at least I would like to know when I'm going to take off. I'm pretty sure last year I was in my corral and had no idea which wave I was in until I got to the start line.

The maps as have been discussed are um not good. Mile Markers and especially where the water/sports drink are needed. Especially for first timers. I know it says on average every 1.5 miles and I know where they are as doing these races in the past, but I'm thinking about those of us that don't do this every year.

Also, I feel like I could use some more information on the relay. Especially transportation and all that. No real worries there as I'm runner 1.


Other than that it's really good info. Can't wait to get the booklet in January and hang with everyone all weekend!