In my last blog I asked a question: what's missing from the local running scene? I threw out a few thoughts of my own: a relay, uphill mile or a fitness sampler event. Then I opened it up to you...and you opened up to me.
Your responses came back via E-mail, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Some of you already had ideas and were looking for an opportunity to share. Others of you waited for a few posts to come in, then added your own tweaks to those ideas. After dozens of responses were received, I'm ready to make a report.
The responses can be grouped into a few categories:
"I never would have thought of that!"
The leader in this category is Katherine's idea about synchronized running. "Sync up the iPods, let spectators know what you're listening to, then run with the moves: hand gestures, arm movements, dance steps. I think it would be fun for everyone. It would draw attention to the sport, that's for sure." Yes, it would!
Others in this category were a pursuit race where someone was dressed up like a rabbit (Julia) and a Speed Disc Golf event (Elizabeth).
"I should have thought of that!"
Amy came up with this one: "I noticed that many of the larger races around the Twin Cities have a theme that they are centered around, and that seems to attract participants. I thought that it might be interesting to do a wine and cheese run (since there are already a bunch of beer runs that people seem to like)." You had me at cheese.
"Psst..."
The most secretive idea comes from Kristen. She has an idea regarding first-time runners. "Well, I have had this idea for quite some time, and since I'm not a race director, but know YOU , I was thinking of sharing my idea if you'd cut me in on some of the action;)" I can't be more specific because she swore me to secrecy, but I think it has potential.
Variations on a theme
Quite a few people like the idea of a trail or adventure type run. Sean, Dave, Kurt and Nick all mentioned the infamous Living History Farms event in Des Moines, Iowa where runners go through water, over fences and generally get muddy. MDRA has its Mudball event in April, but these people were suggesting something on a larger scale. Julia compared it to cyclocross. Nick and Bill suggested adding hay bales. Adam suggested adding beer to the concept.
Up
Several people liked the idea of climbing. From hills (Heather and Erik) to stairs (Jeff), the concept has its fans. Several Duluthians weighed in with their suggestions of hills.
"I like sharing"
The team concept was a recurring theme. Whether it was relays (Tim and Joe), adventure racing or synchronized running, people are looking for team events.
"Bring it back"
Those who remember running in the 1970s might recall events like a one-hour run (Evan) or last-man-out (Lori Anne). Not all good ideas have to be entirely new!
Now the challenge is to take these great ideas and make something happen. My next blog will invite you to help me with that. Until then, if you see me running in a rabbit suit with my iPod and a beer, you'll know I'm just brainstorming.
