It's Okay to Ask

On a recent run, I was cruising along, consciously trying to make my steps as light as possible. It wasn't anything other than a fitness run, but I was in a good zone, a blend of aware of my surroundings but also in my own space.

"Excuse me. Excuse me sir."

After passing the parked car by a few strides, I realized it was me they were calling to. Once again my secret abilities as "Directions Man" were being requested.

I know I'm not the only one called upon for these duties. I live with "Where is... Woman" who gets the call at least as often as me. But as a loyal St Paul resident, I felt it was my duty to stop and give the requested information. The two senior citizens seemed genuinely appreciative, and apologized for interrupting my run. The job done, my puffed-out chest made the rest of the run a breeze.

Last week, "Where is...Woman" and I had been stumped in a similar situation. We were quite a ways from our normal stomping grounds, but we really wanted to help. We were still in St Paul, after all, and we felt badly that we didn't have the answer.

It's harder to be helpful when in a city that is not your own, but somehow I find myself in that situation frequently.

"Sorry ma'am. I'm not sure where Fenway Park is from here..."

"I think the ocean is that way, but this is only a Minnesota runner's tan. I look like I'm wearing socks even when I'm barefoot..."

It is oddly comforting to know that people are willing to ask questions of a stranger. Part of me wonders why a week's worth of stubble doesn't make me seem more unapproachable, but really I'm honored to be asked. I'm glad to help if I can.

Lately I've been finding that same spirit from you, people who I may not know personally, but aren't really strangers.

Back in August we asked you some questions about your running and the economy. You gladly stepped forward to tell us how you were doing, and to offer advice to others. I'll summarize the answers below. It reminds me that, just like the people asking me for directions, sometimes we don't have all the answers. In a society that has a mystique of individuality, we actually rely on others to get much of what we need. It's okay to ask. You may not always get the answers, but what you find out might be just what you need.

As we here at The Sporting Life work toward a business model that is built around meeting your needs, we'll keep asking you questions. And your answers will be just what we need.

"Where is the zoo? I'm sorry sir, the RNC left a few weeks ago. Como Zoo? That I can tell you!"


Running and the Economy: Give Me My Shoes!

Our survey was completed before the most recent bad economic news, but the results clearly show that runners are not forsaking their sport due to the economy. Here is a summary of the results highlights form the survey:

• 68% of the respondents had household incomes of $75,000 or more, higher than state and national averages of just over $50,000;
• Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they were not changing their running spending habits;
  
• About a third of respondents said they were spending less for running clothing, accessories, race entries and travel in 2008;
• Only 14% said they were spending less on running shoes.

Your comments reflected a range of opinions and suggestions:

• "Being more choosy when entering races- why pay to run a 5k around Harriet when I run it at least once a week for no cost?"
• "About the only noticeable impact that I have experienced is related to gas prices and getting to the races. Otherwise, I have not made any significant financial changes as far as running and racing is concerned. I figure you make room for the things you love!"
• "I ask myself whether the outcome (all the way from running a PR to failing to finish) will be worth the expenditure. Expensive races lose out to more reasonably priced ones. Races where the results are not submitted to USATF-MN are considered less valuable. Races without age categories are mostly not even considered. I try to combine events with business travel."
• "I'm choosing my key races each year (triathlons/half marathons/a few 10ks) and am doing fewer "fun" races like 5Ks and the like. Also, not traveling to races to avoid hotel and transportation costs."
• "Running is my #1 hobby, so I won't let the economic conditions affect it - at least not too much. I guess I'm now less likely to run a race that's further away, like Woman Lake 30K or Mora Half. And I'm even less inclined to spend $90 for a half marathon."
• "I ride my bike to do neighborhood errands. Regarding races, I am more selective on which races I register for. With entry fees and gas prices higher, I would prefer to do a long run in my locality instead of driving to a distant race just for the sake of racing."
• "We have always saved and not so far affected by the bad times. I intend to continue my thrifty ways."
• "Understand that reports via electronic media are often exagerated, misleading and hysterical. Do your own analysis, study the subject, listen to real economic experts. This economy is sluggish now, but this impacts different segments of the economy differently so don't panic. I would think it would have 0 effect on the running habits of people in Minnesota."
• "I am prioritizing the events I do and this year chose to take the $1000+ we were spending on Grandmas and do more events. I love Grandmas but the fact I can do 4 marathons in 4 states for the same price was too appealing. I am also doing less costly events more for smaller fields then anything to do with the economy."
• "I run more in my neighborhood instead of driving to neat courses. Therefore, my motivation is lacking as it is the same scenery."
• "I'm wearing old clothing longer, not going to stores or even looking at running clothes to tempt me. I have plenty of running clothing-some is dated but not worrying so much about how I look or having new running clothes this year-have not bought any new clothes-except shoes as they wear out."

TSL Events
As an event promoter, I understand the concern over entry fees and delivering value to participants. That's why we offer shirts as options, and give discounts for teams. Our fall events are especially well-priced due to lower cost venues.

We'll continue this dialog as we work to improve the event experience in every way. We know you'll keep running!