in: Slice; Slice > 2007-09-22;
| # Posted 2007-09-24 19:56:14 | |
| superwes1000: | Based on your entry I'm assuming that there were issues with the trail markings which is really too bad. I'm glad it didn't adversely affect your races. I am a bit surprised to hear they did it again since 5 peaks just hired someone to be their course coordinator whose primary responsibility is to mark trails as well as someone else to handle all other race day preparations - presumably to prevent the course person from being distracted with other aspects of the event. With two additional resources as well as an RD they still can't mark a path in the woods....yikes. |
| # Posted 2007-09-24 20:46:15 | |
| Bash: | According to Leanimal's log, she stepped over the course flag marking the turn, thinking (in her high-speed peripheral vision) that it was a red flower on the trail. I'm not sure if Slice thought it was similarly flowery. It sounds like a couple of extra red flowers would have helped. |
| # Posted 2007-09-24 21:49:35 | |
| superwes1000: | Oh that's not too bad then but I still wish they'd default to absolute clarity. Big signs, live humans armed with accurate information etc, etc. I don't think it's too much to ask. |
| # Posted 2007-09-24 22:53:14 | |
| Bash: | Yeah, I don't see what trail running organizers have against actual arrows. They work very well in mountain bike races. I guess the little flags are favoured because they are easy and inexpensive. |
| # Posted 2007-09-25 03:24:22 | |
| Slice: | The turn in the trail was at a spot where I was concentrating on whether I was going to run over a ramp built over a fallen log or simply hop the log. I was trying to decide which action would be most efficient in the long-run and I guess I was distracted by that. Unfortunately, there was a little gap in the flags near the log and I didn't see that I didn't have to go over this log at all.....oh well, seems as though not too many other people made the mistake so maybe I should just start wearing my glasses! |
| # Posted 2007-09-25 03:36:09 | |
| Bash: | But what is really more important? Running exactly 15.6 km or looking glamorous while you do it? It's hard to argue with the results that you and Leanimal achieved, in spite of the fact that both of you commented that vision correction might have improved your race results. |
| # Posted 2007-09-25 05:57:30 | |
| Slice: | Maybe we should be called Team Hakim Optical |
| # Posted 2007-09-25 18:16:09 | |
| Leanimal: | I have to admit that I did see the flags on my left when I went by but thought maybe that's where the trail came back to join the one we were on. If I had looked at the course before I would have realized that it never doubled back. Anyway I don't think we really have an excuse since Hansel didn't make the same mistake and he was running at a faster pace and considerable hung-over. The course was well marked and it was pretty obvious when we turned around but like Slice said if you were distracted for a second you may have missed it because you had to make a 120 degree turn to the left so it wasn't super obvious! Great course though. |
| # Posted 2007-09-25 22:02:35 | |
| hansel: | The course was pretty well marked, I almost ran over a line of flags once as well though. You really have to remind yourself to pay attention in these races.
The organizers did a great job of setting the course. There were some great technical sections which I wasn't expecting. If anything, I remember thinking that there were a couple of trails blocked off with flags that I thought was a little overkill. The only way I think they could realistically improve on it would be to use bigger flags. More people on course would be great, but they did have some, and I know finding volunteers has got to be one of the toughest things for these races. |
| # Posted 2007-09-25 22:35:08 | |
| superwes1000: | You guys demonstarte a level of patience and understanding that I aspire to. Uliltimately, as you say, one has to be prepared and pay attention which is what I plan to do a bit better from now on. |
| # Posted 2007-09-25 22:37:53 | |
| Slice: | Yeah, bigger flags for the visually and cognitively and attention impaired might be good for the likes of Leanimal and I. But really, maybe this is just some type of natural selection and I'm just an idiot. |
| # Posted 2007-09-26 02:43:08 | |
| Bash: | Well, at least you're a speedy one! |
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