The is just wrong...bad race director....

[rocknrollgirl]

So This Sunday I have a long course Xterra Race. I did it last year and it is a great race. They made the course longer this year, so I am looking at about a 4 hour race time. I have been working hard, ready to go.

Knowing that I would be putting in some serious saddle and running time to get ready, I had the idea in the back of my mind to overlap my training and maybe do a local HIM this October.

The training plans very compatible, and the build took me to just about where I needed to be for my off road race.

I was hestiant to register for the half until after the Xterra because of the high risk of injury. And I did not know if I would feel burnt out by the end of the summer.

So the plan was to go do the race, rest a few days and vacation...come back register and finish the last 5 weeks of the plan.

Here is where things get ugly.....

Worried that there would be a cap on the race entries, I called the race director two weeks ago to ask. She informed that there was not an issue. Nowhere on their site does it say there will be a cap.

I knew I would have to pay maximum price, 180.00 dollars because I would be late. I went on their site the other day, and clicked on the "register now" button to see what was involved...and the price said 225.00.

WHAT????

I called the race director back and she said...wow, yea...the spots are filling up so we raised the price. I guess I did not update the website. Nowhere on their site does it say there will be a final price increase.

I said...filling up? you told me there was no cap....yea well...sorry...we are capping at 300 racers.....

So DH and I were planning on doing it together. With processing fees we would be looking at 500 dollars. I am in total sticker shock. 500 dollars for the local podunk race. Cotton t-shirt and a stale bagel.

I am having many mixed emotions. I am not crushed. No training was lost, no time wasted. I guess I just feel kind of...put off...lied to....

DH will support whatever I decide to do....There is a nice Oly in September if I want to save money. I could start my fall trail running races.....

Even with that info, I still feel I need to wait until after the off road race this weekend...I am just...grhhh....frustrated.

[colby]

WTF? The race started filling up so we decided we'd charge more!?!?! I don't know if I'd want to race that race on principle, let alone for the expense. Maybe if it's well-supported, good aid stations, good course, good on-course support (road crossings, car traffic, etc), and good post-race experience. Otherwise? Make up your own HIM, self-support it, and spend your money on a nice post-race dinner with your dearest.

How frustrating.

[rocknrollgirl]

From what I understand, the aid stations were empty by the time the regular folks came through on the run last year. I ran into a girl that did it and she said, be prepared for self support. Not for 500 dollars....

[GabbyGirl]

I agree with Colby--I don't think i would do that race just becasue i wouldn't want to support that kind of behavior. They need better ethics--I say BOYCOTT

[Brina]

Wow, I have never heard of a race upping the price when they get close to capacity - that is ridiculous. I would not run just on principle.

[Bike Chick]

I agree.....that's just a sh!^^y way to run a race and I would want to stay as far away from it as possible. If it's this screwed up before the race starts, can you imagine what it will be like that day? You don't need the added frustration.

I would also send them an email or letter and tell them why I wasn't there. It may not matter to them but it would make me feel better.

(PS.....Was the avatar of you taken on the Flume Trail at Lake Tahoe by chance? Just wondering.)

[rocknrollgirl]

I agree.....that's just a sh!^^y way to run a race and I would want to stay as far away from it as possible. If it's this screwed up before the race starts, can you imagine what it will be like that day? You don't need the added frustration.

I would also send them an email or letter and tell them why I wasn't there. It may not matter to them but it would make me feel better.

(PS.....Was the avatar of you taken on the Flume Trail at Lake Tahoe by chance? Just wondering.)

Thanks for your support guys. I was writing the email in my head at 3am this morning. I thought I was "over" this, but apparently not.

DH told me yesterday, do the Oly...save the $$$ and he will get me new wheel sfor my mt bike. He sure knows the way to a girl's heart.

Yes, that is the flume trail...taken while I was racing at Xterra Nationals a few years ago. What a beautiful ride. I would love to go back.