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Race hydration: Buyer beware
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 2009-09-20 1:12 AM |
Expert  724   Simi Valley |  Subject: Race hydration: Buyer bewareTrying to advise a friend to my wife who wrote her the following... "Signed up for duathlon. 3.5mile run then 12 mile bike then another 3.5 mile run. The bike was seriously like 6 miles of up hill. it was about 85 degrees today. You could do the race in teams...One person runs one person bikes another runner... or you could do it yourself. It was 39 bucks to sign up. (put on by the ymca) Here is my issue. NO WATER. not. one. drop. until the very end AND for those of us who did the whole thing all by ourselves? well, they ran out of WATER. I left my water bottle at home...trying to get out the door was a bit of chaos but nonetheless my fault. Every other stinking thing I have ever done had water available. I was pretty disapointed and I was not the only one. Would you say anything? write a letter? make a phone call? or just mark it as "my bad" because you did not bring your own water. I am not thinking about making a federal case out of this but I do believe that water at these things is really just a safety issue. needless to say I will prepare better if I do this again... (big if)" What say you - vent or no? Thanks for your feedback |
| 2009-09-20 1:54 AM in reply to: #2415836 |
Expert 658 | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware Smaller races generally don't have any aid stations. I'd say it's your responsibility. Lesson learned. For bigger more popular races I'd expect there to be water but for smaller or local I don't expect there to be water. If you do write the letter, write it more of a recommendation for next time rather than ripping them to pieces for not having water. |
| 2009-09-20 3:22 AM in reply to: #2415836 |
| 71 | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware I would expect there to be a water stop on that course, but would be prepared for it not being there and have a bottle on the bike. As for no water at the finish, for a minimum 70 minute race, that's pretty unacceptable. If I were that RD, I can't imagine not having at least 1 stop at transition, and stocked well enough to handle the finish. I would certainly write the RD. It's easy to do, and most RDs like feedback to improve their race. I did a first time race this season and had a few issues which I relayed to the RD. I expected to get blown off, but he fixed everything I mentioned and thanked me for bringing it up. There's not much money in RDing small races - most of them genuinely care about putting on a good race. |
| 2009-09-20 4:06 AM in reply to: #2415836 |
Veteran 207 Sun Prairie, WI | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware Personally I would expect there to be water. I always bring my own water/drink/food and rarely rely soley on the race to provide hydration or nutrition, but when you pay $39 I think it should be safe to assume you are going to be provided something for your money, even it ifs just an aid station at the middle and end. Of course most races make you aware of aid stations, or the lack thereof prior to the event. |
| 2009-09-20 6:08 AM in reply to: #2415836 |
Expert 1170 Southern Pines, NC | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware Was there anything in the pre-race info about water stations? If not, then there's not a lot of room to complain. I would probably write the letter anyway, just to suggest it as an improvement for next year. Makes me grateful that we have some really outstanding race organizers around here... I can't think of a race that didn't have water, at least on the run... |
| 2009-09-20 6:44 AM in reply to: #2415836 |
Master 2491 | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware I see water at small, local 5k's. There's no excuse not to have water. |
| 2009-09-20 7:01 AM in reply to: #2415870 |
Master 1440 | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware DrPete - 2009-09-20 7:08 AM Was there anything in the pre-race info about water stations? If not, then there's not a lot of room to complain. I would probably write the letter anyway, just to suggest it as an improvement for next year. Makes me grateful that we have some really outstanding race organizers around here... I can't think of a race that didn't have water, at least on the run... X2 |
| 2009-09-20 7:35 AM in reply to: #2415836 |
Expert 1128 Boston | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware I always opt for the self sufficent route. While they shouldn't have run out of H2O you should always be prepared. Better to have and not need than need and not have |
| 2009-09-20 7:48 AM in reply to: #2415836 |
Regular 853 | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware I have only done 2 tris. The first one was a big production, and it advertised that there would be aid stations for the run, but not for the bike. I carried my own water on the bike. The other tri that I did was a small town production, and during the run there were many aid stations, but none on the bike. Again-carry own water. Both of these tris had websites that instructed participants to bring water for the bike if needed. jami |
| 2009-09-20 8:03 AM in reply to: #2415836 |
Pro 5169 Burbs | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware On the bike --- I don't expect aid stations (except for HIMs/IMs) On the run ---- I expect water --- at the very least. Write the letter ! What's the worst that could happen? |
| 2009-09-20 9:36 AM in reply to: #2415926 |
Elite 3371 | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware trishie - 2009-09-20 9:03 AM On the bike --- I don't expect aid stations (except for HIMs/IMs) On the run ---- I expect water --- at the very least. This. On short bike legs, there really isn't a need for aid stations as you should be able to carry enough liquid with you to get you through the bike. But there should always be water on the run. As for the letter, it depends on the pre-race literature. Unless it was stated otherwise, I'd expect water...regardless of the size of the race. As a RD, it seems silly not to have water from a safety standpoint. |
| 2009-09-20 10:08 AM in reply to: #2415836 |
Champion 5376 PA | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware I guess I think of it this way: Expect people to give you nothing. Thank them for whatever they do give you. Make suggestions if there is something you may like. Also, I suggest that if you do write a letter, don't be shy about pointing out everything you appreciated in order to reinforce what the RD did well. |
| 2009-09-20 11:06 AM in reply to: #2415836 |
Expert 1123 Columbus | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware I personally think there is no need for a water stop on such a short race. Also a water bottle could have easily been borred before the race started. If she were to send the letter she should rewrite it more professional or it won't be taken seriously. Also, if you are writing a complaint letter it is advisable to start with some pleasantries. Find something good about the race and tell them. Then politely go into stating the complaint. Dear race director, I did the individual duathlon race last weekend. Thank you for putting on the event. The course was challenging for me and I learned a lot. The competitors were so friendly and the transition area was well run. I was happy to find such a reasonably priced race right here in my hometown. I do have a problem with the fact that there were no water or aid stations on the course. Every event I have done in the past has had at least one water stop. In 85 degree temps I think it is inexcusable to have none. I would like to do this event again next year but right now I am feeling upset with my experience. Please include water stops at all of your future races. Thank you, Me |
| 2009-09-20 11:07 AM in reply to: #2415836 |
Master 2202 St. Louis | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware so... 7 miles of running and 12 miles of biking and you expect water? Where would they even put it? Noone is going to need water in the first 3.5 miles, people arent going to stop their bikes on a 12 mile ride for water. SO that leaves the final 3.5 miles to put an aid station, which would be after you have been on your bike (which I assume had a water bottle on it). So I guess if they really wanted to, they could have placed a water stop part way through the second run, but my guess is most people wouldnt have needed/wanted any water there after coming off the bike. Honestly, on a race this short, most people should have enough if you had 1 water bottle on your bike. I would never expect aid stations on a race that short. In fact, I did a longer Du than that with no aid stations and everyone was fine. |
| 2009-09-20 11:23 AM in reply to: #2416079 |
Elite 3371 | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware ranger5oh - 2009-09-20 12:07 PM so... 7 miles of running and 12 miles of biking and you expect water? Yep. This race is going to take 1 to 2 hours depending on the athlete. Yes, people should have water on the bike...but it should be provided on the run. Obviously the OP would've appreciated some. ranger5oh - 2009-09-20 12:07 PM Noone is going to need water in the first 3.5 miles Really? Not one person? Most stand alone 5k's have water stops... ranger5oh - 2009-09-20 12:07 PM Honestly, on a race this short, most people should have enough if you had 1 water bottle on your bike. This I agree with. But unless "most people" is "everyone", I don't see why they couldn't have at least one water stop. And if its the same course for both runs, all you need is one water stop for the entire race. Doesn't seem like too much to ask for IMO. |
| 2009-09-20 11:46 AM in reply to: #2415836 |
Master 2202 St. Louis | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware The reason most 5ks have water is because hundreds, if not thousands of people do them. A short Du in most towns gets maybe 100 athletes. I cant speak for this particular race, but thats been my experience. On short tris and Dus, its very expensive to provide aid stations when the cost is spread only among 100 or so athletes. Its especially hard when lets say, only 10 or so of those people really "need" water during the race because they showed up unprepared. How hard would it have been for each athlete to bring 1-2 water bottles to the race? One on your bike and leave one in trasition for your run, if needed. Personally, I think the RD did what was expected. I would rather the RD keep the costs down for these short races than to have everyone pay extra for water...just seems like a waste. |
| 2009-09-20 5:46 PM in reply to: #2415836 |
Master 1690 Metro NY Area | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware Races should have water or they should say BYO. But you need to take care of yourself. Carry enough water on the bike and then wear a fuel belt or something similar. Think of it as important as wearing shorts. Keep an extra bottle in your car. |
| 2009-09-21 6:28 AM in reply to: #2415836 |
Regular 87 Melbourne | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware I think it is malpractice let alone potenially dangerous...I suppose for $35 you pay for what you get |
| 2009-09-21 6:45 AM in reply to: #2415836 |
Pro 6767 the Alabama part of Pennsylvania | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware So what did you get for $35 that you couldn't do for free? I imagine many of us have done bricks that are pretty close to this race - 12 mile bike, 5 k run. Add on a run at the start, and you have the race. I have a friend - who is very cheap - who refuses to do organized rides with me because in his mind, you are paying money to do something you do for free all the time. I point out the "free" food and party atmosphere (so far to no avail). Where would you put the water? The best place would be coming out of the bike to the second run. Minimal staffing needed, near the largest group of spectators, so a pool to recruit last minute volunteers (I always see a ton of kids helping out at aid stations). you could even hit the water twice - once coming in to the bike and once going out from it, if the route is planned for it. If it was me, I would consider whether I found the course enjoyable enough to want to run it again. If so, I would write a letter to the RD pointing out the problem (while mentioning the pluses, and my hope to run it again). If I was not going to do it again, no real point in sending the letter - wouldn't change what I do, and if the RD spends more money to accomodate me, I am cutting into the thin margin of profit there might exist. |
| 2009-09-21 6:55 AM in reply to: #2415926 |
Sneaky Slow 8694 Herndon, VA, | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware trishie - 2009-09-20 9:03 AM On the bike --- I don't expect aid stations (except for HIMs/IMs) On the run ---- I expect water --- at the very least. Write the letter ! What's the worst that could happen? X2 |
| 2009-09-21 7:52 AM in reply to: #2415836 |
Cycling Guru 15134 Fulton, MD | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware I've done up to an Olympic distance that had no aid stations on the bike. Hydration is your responsibility in the end, not the RD's (although they should provide something just from a racer-friendly perspective). |
| 2009-09-21 8:00 AM in reply to: #2415836 |
Champion 19812 MA | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware I've done sprints without water anywhere on the course and they had run out at finish and had no liquid at all when finished. I see folks at races looking to fill up water bottles before a race and it puzzles me why they aren't more prepared. You need to bring fluids to race and something for afterwards as well. I normally bring a small cooler with drinks for after my race. I'd write a letter but I'm guessing those will be more prepared next race. My bike race team suggests you keep a sealed spare gallon container of water your car just so you are always prepared in racing season. I've started doing that for tri and cyclocross season. |
| 2009-09-21 8:25 AM in reply to: #2415836 |
Veteran 200 Hudson Valley, NY | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware I would say write a letter. I think it's unacceptable to not have water on the run part. I agree that you should always have hydration on the ride, but people don't routinely have water for the run, and that's 7 running miles. Crazy! That's a liability problem waiting to happen, and the RD should be notified that it's not acceptable - otherwise, they'll run the race again and not learn from their mistakes. |
| 2009-09-21 8:30 AM in reply to: #2415836 |
Champion 7558 Albuquerque, New Mexico | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware Think of this as SHARED RESPONSIBILITY. It isn't the RD's fault you walked out of the house without your water bottle. Would it have been better if they had a cooler and cups? (i.e. you could drink water, maybe even on the run, but wouldn't have a way to carry it on the bike) At the same time, water is one of the basics for putting on a race. Let the RD know you were surprised to find no water, but in a non-judgemental way. I had about the same thing Saturday. Short tri, first time at this venue. Because it was so short, I didn't bring a water bottle with me and wished I would have. They did have water at the end though. |
| 2009-09-21 8:32 AM in reply to: #2415836 |
Master 2327 North Alabama | Subject: RE: Race hydration: Buyer beware You wouldn't go into a bike race w/out putting hydration on your bike. Kind of your responsibility. Even if it is provided, most racers still prepare their bikes with their choice of hydration. Still, most races will provide something. But they don't HAVE TO. You could write the letter as a suggestion for next year, but I don't think they were obligated to provide it. |
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