It has been 45 days since my last run. But only 16 hours since my last glass of wine.
So, here's the big question. You all know I can't run San Antonio in 10 days due to my stress fracture. We are going anyway because Ken (husband) and Julie (BFF) are going to run the half. I emailed the Rock 'n' Roll people and told them about the injury and begged for a credit towards another RnR race. They politely, yet firmly, said "No." They did, however, say I could have my t-shirt from the marathon. Just what I want. Another cotton race shirt and one from a race I did not/could not run. A reminder of this whole fiasco. Basically a $110 t-shirt. If I wanted to pay that for a t-shirt I would go to Abercrombie and Fitch.
I am thinking this no credit business is really lame. I get that they have a no refund/credit policy since some people might just drop out cause they didn't train or decided not to run. Not me. I wanted to run. Was dying to run. Would practically cut off my left jug to run. Even offered a doctor's note to prove myself.
So, what do I do to get back at the RnR people? I post on craigslist that I want to sell my bib for $60. A good deal. There are quite a few other people trying to sell their bibs. I've gotten several responses. I realize, of course, that my name will be attached to and defined by whatever person - be it slow ass who runs a 6 hour marathon or speedy stud who runs a 3 hour marathon - runs in my name. I also realize I could qualify for Boston without even running if said person is a speedy stud. But, really, I could not and would not do that. WHEN I BQ, it will be on my own merits.
Back to my question that was started several paragraphs up there: have you ever sold a bib? I know it is frowned on greatly by the race folks. Ken also said I might get black listed/black balled from the RnR people if they found out and they wouldn't let me run future races. Could be, but I don't see them turning down any one's money. What would you do? Suck it up and lose the money or take your chances and sell the bib?
These are things making me happy today. I just booked our trip to Mexico for spring break (this place is awesome, by the way.) Son is back at school after only 3 days of illness. Candy cane and Gingerbread Spice teas are out in the grocery store. I might, might be able to run on Friday. Modern Family is on tonight. My jugs attracted the attention of the bagger at the grocery store.
Last year's trip to Mexico:
Happy hump day if you know what I mean.
Oh, I was totally in a bad mood after I got that e-mail wanting me to confirm my SA registration. I haven't contacted them yet, but it looks like there is no use in pleading my case to them. Guess I'll just eat the $110 too. Screw the effing t-shirt and yes, I would sell your bib!! Maybe I'll sell mine too. F#@k them all! Ok, now I'm in a bad mood again cuz I can't run that damn marathon.
ReplyDeleteI *hate* that most race organizers will not refund/defer/transfer. Wouldn't they rather make that spot available to someone else??
ReplyDeleteI have sold a bib in the past, but only for races that allowed transfers (sometimes for a small fee).
Cannot stop laughing at this: "Would practically cut off my left jug to run."
ReplyDeleteI agree - it's freaking lame that they don't do refunds...
I wouldn't want someone else running under my name and take a chance of get black listed. I would just let this one go. Unfortunately injuries and lost entries are part of racing.
ReplyDeleteI would totally try to sell it. You asked for your money back very nicely and they said no, so now they have to suffer the consequences. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd I'd like to add that I'm glad I'm not the only one who watches Modern Family. I think it's hysterical!
They should offer at least a transfer to another race when people have a valid Dr's note - you know, not the Michael Jackson type. But a legit one. I think it's crap, too! Go ahead and sell!
ReplyDeleteI havn't ever sold a bib, but I did just recently buy a bib for a race that was sold out from a person who couldn't run it. I won't tell you the race but I am sure you can figure it out if you take a gander over at my blog. It's not a big deal. I still got all the wonderful prizes and opportunities. My only disapointment was that I had run a really good time and it wasn't an "official race" for me. Oh well, I got good schwag out of it. Go for it!
P.S. Mondern Family is awesome!
ReplyDeletei've sold when the race organizers allow it, but have foregone entries/money too. i'm just so used to it being injured around race time, that it just sorta works itself out. for the races i really want to do, i buy my bib early in case it sells out... been caught like that too. :(
ReplyDeleteI think I'd let it go...too many "what ifs."
ReplyDeleteNot sure what I will do. I guess it will depend on the race, and on how much I paid for it. I think it is horrible that they are not: 1) allowing transfers (this would not hurt anyone, it could be like breathing a lease, OK if you find someone to take your place), 2) give a 50% refund (I got out of a tri this summer and received 50% of). I think that we, as runners, could start demanding these changes and send emails to larger running forums about this.
ReplyDeleteI personally know someone who was blacklisted from future triathlons for selling a bib. If you don't get caught, then no one knows, but if you do get caught...well, is it worth $60?
ReplyDeleteI would probably let it go too.. only because of the too many what ifs...
ReplyDeletehowever, not until i was done being mad. because i would be FURIOUS! what if something terrible happened to someone and they could NOT run because someone else hurt them or something? totally not their fault... i guess thats why they tell everyone no, cuz if you tell some people no, you gotta do it for everyone. however i still think you should get a refund... i would want one! thats a lot of money!
I've purchased a bib off Craig's List and didn't feel the least bit bad about it. It was sold out and I wanted to give them my money.
ReplyDeleteI would sell it also, though never even thought that people actually did this on CL! Wow! I wonder if I could get an NYC bib for next year!!???!! Many races let you defer your entry to the following year, was that an option?
ReplyDeleteDid you find that Sugar Cookie tea?? You won't be disappointed my friend! Check Craigslist if you can't find it, maybe you can do a tea/bib swap.
ReplyDeletesuck it up. i do believe we all sign off on understand the no refunds policy when we register. and selling the bib? also part of the agreement you made with the organizers. but...whatever. it's like parking in a red zone on purpose...sometimes you get away with it...but don't whine if the car gets towed! happy recovery!
ReplyDeleteRnR races are natorious for not comping you. That sucks. I would totally try to sell it. If they black ball you so be it. Truth is, I think RnR races are totally over-rated. Good luck getting some of your money back.
ReplyDeleteI had a friend who posted an entry for a 1/2 marathon on craigslist. The race had people who would pose as interested buyers and email you, once they got your name they emailed you - banning you from the race and from entering any future ones!! YIKES
ReplyDeleteSelling the bib...I don't know about that. But I agree that when you are forced to not run a registrated race there should be an option to defer to another year. Even if a "doctor's note" was required.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Michael B Risdon, Suck it up!!! Isn't the name of your blog Shut up and Run,
ReplyDeletereally is mind over matter. No excuses. Just do it! You know the rules, No excuses. Seems to me this motto should apply to all aspects of running.
With Lots of Love, XXOO
Your premenstral BEST FRIEND! Thank goodness you don't work at Starbucks.
I had an "I can't run but really want to experience" when my car got a flat tire on the highway on the way to a race. www.runningbetty.com/race-day it sucks. But I would think in your case with a doctor's note and a zillion posts documenting your injury, and the request to run in a different race - you'd think someone somewhere would decide to treat you like a person, not a number. On the other hand, runners get injured all the time, and for them it's a busines. They can count on this kind of thing all the time. Sucks.
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