From Jake K on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 09:05:51 from 67.177.11.154
That bright orange is the ticket for the FT. They dominate people's eyes! I've run mine for the last 3 marathons (TOU twice and PHX) and I think they'll give you just a little extra substance that will help the downhill pounding not take quite the same toll.
From Josh E on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 14:03:23 from 205.235.104.4
And they have the taunt on the soles just in case anyone behind me gets any ideas. I'm winning! I am excited for them.
From Jake K on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 14:11:30 from 67.177.11.154
I've never run a bad marathon in them!
From Amiee on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 14:17:39 from 155.98.164.38
Interesting read. They should be required to change the name of their event to Color Parade!
How has Jake not commented on that article?!?
From Jake K on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 14:20:06 from 67.177.11.154
A great question was asked on Letsrun the other day - which would you rather do: 50 mile MUD RUN or 50 mile COLOR RUN?
From Josh E on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 14:26:35 from 205.235.104.4
It seems like there are a lot of articles these days groaning about a bygone era. Is this new or am I just new to reading them?
Personally, I think road and trail races are a wonderful pastime and I would encourage all levels of ability. But there does seem to be a severe overabundance of events that aren't justified by the demand. And of course those other activities that should not be associated with running.
From Amiee on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 14:32:14 from 155.98.164.38
We're just bitter because we didn't come up with these ideas! They charge a ridiculous amount to run those "races" and they don't have to pay for timing or awards or pretty much anything except for the colors/mud. I think capitalism is to blame here :)
From Jake K on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 14:37:17 from 67.177.11.154
The articles you mention are a very recent phenomenon. The Competitor Group decision to drop support of elite running last month was the catalyst, but it has been building for a while. I keep my mouth shut about it all because I always seem to offend people.
Anyways, I'm with you - I love that fact that running events attract a diverse crowd. I also think high-level competition is great. Good events find a way to balance and blend both aspects and attract runners of all ability levels. There are plenty of them out there, and a lot right here in Utah. So we're pretty lucky.
I don't know how these "parade" type events are going to fare in the long run... they're clearly hot and bringing in a lot of money at the moment. And if it gets people outside and moving... great! Its easy to say its a bubble... but then again, a lot of people probably said stuff like "oh, this internet thing will never last." Who knows?
After my race in Kansas City last weekend, a guy (who, for the record, was aware I was racing against a fast Kenyan dude) asked me if I had ever done a foam run. I managed to keep my head from exploding and politely answered no. This is sort of an evolution of the "you're not a runner unless you do marathons" way of thinking. Or maybe de-evolution? :-)
From Amiee on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 14:55:29 from 155.99.210.70
Ha! You're not a real runner unless you run FOAM!
Sorry I brought you into this Jake, I actually do enjoy your opinions :)
From RileyCook on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 14:57:27 from 132.3.57.79
Great link.
What's sad is a lot of these "parade races" were started and/or are provided by Utah companies. But, why not provide these events if people are going to pay heaps of money to participate? I can't blame them, especially since one of my best friends is one of them.
It may become a problem if it takes away participants from actual races. I think small, local 5k/10ks have already taken a huge hit. The longer races of the half and marathon haven't seen much attrition I don't think though.
From Jake K on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 14:58:57 from 67.177.11.154
No one answered my question- 50 mile mud run or 50 mile color run?
I'd go with mud.
From RileyCook on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 15:02:24 from 132.3.57.78
The problem with your question isn't mud versus color, it's why would I be running 50 miles in the first place?!
Now if you gave me the option of 13.1 in color or mud, I'd go color. I hate being dirty (my wife makes fun of me for this) and the mud seems dirtier to me.
Dirty Dash is the last race on the planet I would probably ever participate in.
Oh and I'd probably take foam over color...but alas I hope I never succumb to any of them!
From Amiee on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 15:09:09 from 155.99.210.70
Totally color! I ran a muddy half the other week and it was too hard plus I don't like that mud sucking shoe sound.
From Dave Taylor on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 15:32:13 from 50.198.183.21
Totally agree with Riley
From Josh E on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 15:33:58 from 205.235.104.4
Mud seems somewhat connected with reality - like specific training for combat in jungles. Perhaps a color run could prepare you for Burning Man - having a bunch of chemicals snorted into your lungs.
That being said, I will side with Riley and say no 50 mile runs!
From allie on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 15:42:06 from 97.117.90.140
whoa, this conversation exploded while i was taking forever to comment...and now it doesn't make sense. i have nothing to add. :)
i will go with the 50 mile color run -- but only if you give me chalk that will complement my shoes and hair.
From Josh E on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 15:46:38 from 205.235.104.4
Allie - I decided not to go there but love your now non-existent comment :)
From allie on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 15:49:54 from 97.117.90.140
yeah, i was excited about getting on that rant.
another day...
From Amiee on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 15:50:50 from 155.99.210.70
Oh, but those were my favorite comments. Does that mean I have to delete mine now too :(
From Josh E on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 16:01:03 from 63.226.66.73
Not at all, Aimee. You were adequately lighthearted.
From fiddy on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 17:00:18 from 155.101.96.145
This is a completely false narrative. Look at the competitiveness of HS athletics. More and more kids are putting in big miles in HS and the result is faster times at all levels and MORE medals. There are real problems with the road racing scene, but it has little to do with the young generation being "the slowest generation"
From fiddy on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 17:21:05 from 155.101.96.145
So I chose a random large marathon:
Chicago Marathon 2012
Age Division/90th Percentile/50th Percentile
20-24/3:05/4:09
25-29/3:10/4:11
30-34/3:12/4:07
35-39/3:16/4:07
40-44/3:20/4:11
45-49/3:20/4:12
50-54/3:27/4:18
From Josh E on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 17:49:12 from 166.137.209.16
I don't see how that helps. It would be more useful to analyze the same age group over a period of time. I would guess that the younger generation is probably faster but simply falling behind with ever faster times and more international interest. More importantly, mud or color 50 miler?
From fiddy on Thu, Sep 26, 2013 at 09:12:28 from 97.117.90.140
I would rather do the color run because at least there would be no waiting in line.
The stats I posted were in response to the stats in the article which made the claim that younger age groups are slower. It appears that there is little difference between age groups. The 50 year olds are a bit slower thanks, which is understandable. They certainly don't outperform the field.
I think color runs are dumb money grabs, I don't think you can extrapolate the phenomenon to any greater societal shift.
From Amiee on Fri, Sep 27, 2013 at 16:22:11 from 155.98.164.38
A little delayed comment to this thread...
But that is exactly what I like about running. I love that the younger groups are not that much faster than the older groups. It is a sport that really any age group can excel at compared to say gymnastics or ski racing.
That is the reason I first got into trail running, because I heard about 40-somethings doing amazing things and I was like wow I didn't miss the boat by not getting started at an earlier age and there is still time for me to do some crazy things :( Before that I thought people just got old and boring.
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