tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post8190612051033787459..comments2023-04-05T02:31:44.650-07:00Comments on Faster Bunny Running Blog: Why the Show Could Go OnMargot (fasterbunnyblog)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00877129847508475201noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-28871079568516463182012-11-04T03:24:46.595-08:002012-11-04T03:24:46.595-08:00I still kind of think it should have gone on, and...I still kind of think it should have gone on, and I wasn't running it, people get so worked up! I do see cancellation reasons too. I would not have been the one to make that decision. Christy @ My Dirt Road Anthem: A Runner's Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05571125963317402377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-64935203598077010792012-11-03T08:58:49.616-07:002012-11-03T08:58:49.616-07:00now that its cancelled, im a little late, but i ha...now that its cancelled, im a little late, but i had already deffered before that, but i just want to say i so appreciate you margot being able to join/start a discussion with mature, rational thoughts, and not getting all angry and accusatory like so many facebook posts on the race's facebook page. skinnyrunnerhttp://skinnyrunner.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-89754604763979055212012-11-02T00:42:22.886-07:002012-11-02T00:42:22.886-07:00I agree that runners have made a lot of personal s...I agree that runners have made a lot of personal sacrifices in training for the marathon -- time, money, energy, etc. I don't fault them for deciding to run as planned OR for feeling disappointed at the prospect of the race's postponement. <br /><br />That being said, I do not think that the marathon should be held on Sunday. I *do* think that the personnel concern is a valid one. There are some areas of the city that most definitely will not be back on their feet by Sunday, or any time soon, for that matter. These areas WILL need any additional personnel they can get, even if it's not for acute rescue situations. That's not, in general, a reflection of the disaster relief program -- it's a reflection of the seemingly unprecedented level of damage to certain parts of the city. <br /><br />I do like your point about "The Triumph" (I mean, who doesn't like a comeback?), but I don't think that it would be lessened by having the marathon at a later date. Moreover, there will be no sense of "triumph" for a lot of New Yorkers on Sunday, and holding a race to showcase that notion would be a disservice to them, in my opinion.<br /><br />Anyway, sorry for the rambling response -- This post just got me thinking, which is always appreciated. And I do want to reiterate that I don't take issue with people that choose to run on Sunday. People have worked hard for this, and if they get the chance to race on Sunday, who can blame them for taking it? It's more just things I wish the folks in charge would have weighed more heavily in their decision.<br /><br />Thanks for a great and thought-provoking post! :-)<br /><br />-KJ (Sorry for being 'Anonymous'...I don't have a blogger account.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-87134843773148332332012-11-01T21:03:21.881-07:002012-11-01T21:03:21.881-07:00I have two friends here who have trained their ASS...I have two friends here who have trained their ASSES off for NYCM. One cancelled her trip and was able to defer her entry to 2013. I'm sure she'll have no problem returning next year. The other person is heading out anyway, hoping he can actually get there & have a place to stay. For his sake, I hope it goes. He's worked so hard and at his age it may not be as easy to train for a marathon successfully. Fingers crossed. Average Woman Runnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07552228589984570963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-12340400352610173042012-11-01T17:09:00.819-07:002012-11-01T17:09:00.819-07:00I have now. Thanks for the link. I have now. Thanks for the link. Margotnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-29228558374679337072012-11-01T17:00:25.666-07:002012-11-01T17:00:25.666-07:00Have you read this article?
http://www.theatlanti...Have you read this article?<br /><br />http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2012/11/seven-reasons-why-new-yorkers-think-holding-new-york-marathon-terrible-idea/58585/#.UJL_PgwY2ok.facebook<br /><br />a runnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13338982220048136690noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-39097338741041569382012-11-01T14:11:08.507-07:002012-11-01T14:11:08.507-07:00I hope those affected by Sandy are getting what th...I hope those affected by Sandy are getting what they need asap. That being said, I think there are many positives to having the marathon go on, as you mentioned, if it is safe and not taking away from any needs of others. Even if all businesses cannot handle tourists at this time, if there are enough to, this spirit of "it's ok to visit NY, let's have something positive here" would be good. Often a natural disaster like this can cause ppl to stray away from a place for a very long time and it can be devastating for small businesses who rely on tourists. Having lived through several hurricanes, they are devastating, but they have a certain spirit of community about the aftermath that you can find nowhere else. Something has happened to everyone, we are all equals, and we will all together rally and rebuild. Also, be careful if you choose to volunteer in any such situation. Esp if you are a female volunteer, always have a partner with you. No joke. Anisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13314855017792466595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-71878624014411877692012-11-01T11:42:30.068-07:002012-11-01T11:42:30.068-07:00Re: "it's ok to care" -- I'm not...Re: "it's ok to care" -- I'm not running NYC, but if I had been registered, and if I trained for it and planned my travel and bought tickets, I *would* care. And I would feel like a petty, guilty, selfish little asshole for caring, but I would still care. I would like to think I'm a generous enough person to think that a marathon doesn't matter in the face of all that's happened, and that instead of running I'd go out and rebuild houses, but ... realistically, I'd still be a little sad. I'm glad you acknowledged that. Kimrahttp://anotherdumbadventure.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-3969369035560132982012-11-01T10:24:00.398-07:002012-11-01T10:24:00.398-07:00I really appreciate you taking the time to write o...I really appreciate you taking the time to write out a long comment explaining why you disagree. Hopefully the transportation situation continues to improve. Margotnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-77542591624524176482012-11-01T10:22:38.204-07:002012-11-01T10:22:38.204-07:00Thanks for the input. Thanks for the input. Margotnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-26644829574471611662012-11-01T05:59:50.344-07:002012-11-01T05:59:50.344-07:00I really disagree with you on this one - and this ...I really disagree with you on this one - and this is as someone who has run NYCM twice and thinks it's the best large marathon there is. I would LOVE to see it go on and I am supporting all my friends who choose to run it, but I'm afraid that the city has put too much emphasis on "Yay New York pride!" in how they made their decision. It's nice to show our spirit and all, but that's not going to help us actually fix the damage.<br /><br />I live on the Upper West Side, which has been largely unaffected aside from the swarms of "refugees" coming up here. However, those I've met from Staten Island have all said variations on "Staten Island basically doesn't exist anymore." I think it's appalling that NYRR is going to bring over an army of volunteers to build their usual tent city for the start of the race when just a few miles away are people whose homes have been destroyed. Why aren't the volunteers helping those people? <br /><br />From a financial standpoint, sure, the marathon brings in a ton of money. But so do the thousands of businesses in New York, many of which aren't open because workers can't get to them. The city is losing millions of dollars a day because our transit systems are destroyed, and I'm guessing it far trumps the amount of revenue NYCM is bringing in. Every day that we go without transportation is an astounding amount of money lost, and I really don't think anyone should be focusing on transporting runners around.<br /><br />I wrote a blog post myself yesterday with a few more points, but they've been largely covered by other commenters here.Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17100746061554733157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-2241143132262679162012-10-31T22:27:13.896-07:002012-10-31T22:27:13.896-07:00Now that I've calmed down a little bit, I'...Now that I've calmed down a little bit, I'll try to elaborate. First, I'd love to see NYC pull off the marathon 7 days after it was ravaged by a storm, but I don't think it's a great idea. <br /><br />1) Safety. I'm assuming the course isn't in terrible shape, but I'm not entirely confident of that. Even if the course is clear, what about the EMTs/medics necessary to support the runners and crowds? First, they've been working non-stop all week - they are exhausted and I wouldn't blame them for not being on their game. Second, even if the course itself is clear, are the routes from the course to local hospitals clear? Given the shutdown of Bellevue, NYU Langone, and Staten Island, and the transfer of their patients to other facilities are the other hospitals in a position to handle any volume that comes their way? Based on what I've seen where I am, I'm sure the current demand on hospitals is high. Anyone on oxygen or other medical treatments at home that require electricity can't be cared for at home right now - many of them are literally sitting and taking up beds in other ERs and hospitals, leaving less room/staff support for those who need acute care.<br />2) There are neighborhoods within the 5 boroughs that have not seen any relief or first attempts at assessment much less clearing debris/making things safe. Staten Island and the Rockaways come to mind. Even IF those neighborhoods are reached and have been assessed , one could argue that if NYC doesn't need all of its resources, shouldn't they direct them to other states that are still in need rather than an athletic event? There are unattended fires burning in NJ currently because gas mains are just open to air with gas rushing out.<br />3) I understand that argument that Bloomberg made that small businesses stand to lose a lot without the marathon's business, but to be honest it seems that many businesses are not even in a position to benefit quite yet. If their lights aren't on, it doesn't matter how many people are in town.Ashleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10805744649826929349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-73158926114430005292012-10-31T20:34:53.435-07:002012-10-31T20:34:53.435-07:00I agree with you Margot that if possible, it would...I agree with you Margot that if possible, it would be very uplifting for the marathon to go on. It is something that people can rally around...and would be something to prove, yet again, that New York will bounce back from tragedy. <br /><br />As you said, it shouldn't go on if the city and its people are not ready, but the NYCM is something that the city takes great pride in and would be a great way for people from outside New York to show how much they appreciate all of the effort. Noodlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12636615833681314863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-2033310347174577432012-10-31T20:09:14.947-07:002012-10-31T20:09:14.947-07:00I agree. The option to donate would be fantastic....I agree. The option to donate would be fantastic. Margotnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-41651006146077329132012-10-31T20:00:40.273-07:002012-10-31T20:00:40.273-07:00I'm not running NYC this year, but I think I&#...I'm not running NYC this year, but I think I'm mostly with you on this.<br /><br />I can believe that, at least to some degree, resources will be diverted from other efforts in order to handle the marathon. And that's unfortunate. But what's the alternative? I completely agree that it's inappropriate to simply assume that all of the funds from the marathon would be or should be diverted to the rescue effort. That's private money held in a private organization, albeit one that works closely with (and pays for the services of) municipal governments.<br /><br />Maybe it would be nice if NYRR gave runners the option of donating their $250 (or whatever it was) reg fee to rescue efforts in exchange for guaranteed entry (and re-payment of the entry fee) next year.shelbyhttp://www.eatdrinkandrun.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-80390407880394418892012-10-31T18:03:23.016-07:002012-10-31T18:03:23.016-07:00Although in all honesty, it is interesting to hear...Although in all honesty, it is interesting to hear from someone with disaster management experience. Margotnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-85201734702490330922012-10-31T17:53:10.667-07:002012-10-31T17:53:10.667-07:00I think bottom line, none of us know all the facts...I think bottom line, none of us know all the facts (unless you are mayor bloomberg, in which case, hello). <br /><br />I was also clear that I hope that the marathon does NOT go on at the expense of sick people in hospitals, etc. Sorry I upset you - that was not my intention. Next time leave your name though, it make for a more fair discussion. Margotnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-42610616264618967732012-10-31T17:49:13.535-07:002012-10-31T17:49:13.535-07:00I don't know. I think Margot was pretty clear ...I don't know. I think Margot was pretty clear that she DOESN'T know all the facts, and that she was reasoning based on *her understanding* of things. <br /><br />Not everyone has disaster planning and execution experience to draw from. giraffyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06643989887305414709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-11585233186472328282012-10-31T17:45:40.942-07:002012-10-31T17:45:40.942-07:00I think that if the streets are clear and they are...I think that if the streets are clear and they are able to have the marathon, they should, it will rise everyone's spirits! Plus I totally agree that this marathon brings in tons of revenue for the city which they definitely need at this time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-22024013431290558612012-10-31T17:23:21.636-07:002012-10-31T17:23:21.636-07:00Yes, the comparison to Katrina and 9-11 did make y...Yes, the comparison to Katrina and 9-11 did make you sound like the biggest jerk, but to be honest, this whole post makes you sound like one. You have NO idea what the city looks like at the moment. In some neighborhoods, it's almost business as usual. In others, not so much. Right now, in Bellevue Hospital, the army/national guard members as well as staff members are carrying patients down 18 floors to evacuate them. They are doing this in the dark, with no phones, no toilets, no water. Prior to this, they had been on bucket-brigade duty to hoist gas to power the emergency generator on the roof up 15 flights for the last 48 hours. People are collecting drinking water from hydrants on the lower east side because they don't have another way to get it. And the temperatures are about to drop close to freezing in the midst of all this.<br /><br />It makes me nauseated to hear you talk about how the marathon won't be a diversion of resources because they are all already set aside. You clearly have NO idea how disaster planning and execution work. As someone who has helped lay out disaster plans, I can tell you that you are WRONG. The normal daily work flow goes out the window and it's "all hands on deck" without regard for overtime and with minimal accommodation for fatigue when a disaster happens. There is no such thing as a resource that is "set aside." Everyone who had planned to work some overtime to help cover the marathon is already working overtime. The marathon most certainly WILL divert resources from this.<br /><br />I hope the marathon will go on, if only to showcase the spirit and resilience of the affected part of the country. Your diatribe, however, makes me wish it were cancelled.Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07129958227421325770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-4232686550581815962012-10-31T14:17:13.794-07:002012-10-31T14:17:13.794-07:00I'm a New Yorker and right now the city is a c...I'm a New Yorker and right now the city is a complete mess. Half the city is without power and water(myself included), traffic lights aren't working downtown, mass transit isn't running(but will be partially back tomorrow!), people are looting in some parts of the city -- it's pretty scary here. I really, REALLY hope that everything works out and comes together for the marathon by Sunday but right now it's pretty hard to imagine that it will. :(Stephanienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-8118882316865912922012-10-31T13:22:13.329-07:002012-10-31T13:22:13.329-07:00I ran NYC last year, and it was a humbling experie...I ran NYC last year, and it was a humbling experience for a lot of different reasons. One of the main ones is because of the city itself. I agree that coming together for a long-standing, historical event like the marathon would mean a lot to NYC in the aftermath of this crazy storm. If they can pull it off, it would be a huge morale booster!Joryhttp://jorystory.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-51123352600921056512012-10-31T12:48:33.475-07:002012-10-31T12:48:33.475-07:00Sure, the death toll of both 9/11 and Katrina was ...Sure, the death toll of both 9/11 and Katrina was significant. But the economic impact of this storm - and that's barely even including the damage to the city's infrastructure - is MUCH more significant from Sandy than from 9/11. And the problem with first responders is not the *money* involved in dispatching them, but the number. There are only so many of them, and they will have all been working ridiculously long days in difficult circumstances by then. Even for time-and-a-half overtime pay provided by NYRR, the marathon still might feel frivolous to them.Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13550150499568693170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-86775912523012639192012-10-31T10:33:04.472-07:002012-10-31T10:33:04.472-07:00I mostly agree. The only concern I have is about ...I mostly agree. The only concern I have is about the police on the course. I would expect that by Sunday, you're right, there won't be any urgent need for them to be somewhere else, so there's not reason not to have the race. But the reality is that all those officers probably had to sign up weeks or months ago to agree to work on race morning. I expect most are off-duty, being paid at their OT rate. But when they agreed to work the race, none expected that there would have been mandatory OT in the preceding days, or the volume of work they're presently handling during a normal shift right now. So in that sense, I think it's bad to proceed w/ the marathon and make them all do more work that is, in reality, not exactly necessary (I mean, the world wouldn't end if the race was cancelled). It must suck for them to have worked an insane week and then have to go out there and direct traffic on their off-duty time, having had no guess that they'd be as worn out by Sunday as they likely will be. But at the same time, I overwhelmingly think, though it will suck for those officers to be overworked, they will be paid for their time and many of them will still be proud to help and show off how great that city really is, coming back from a disaster or otherwise. Carinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04079263542797994315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272628930275648239.post-28774301429186766382012-10-31T10:18:22.901-07:002012-10-31T10:18:22.901-07:00I agree for sure, the show must go on! Now run yo...I agree for sure, the show must go on! Now run your heart out little bunny and more importantly just try to get on tv dam it. I'll be watching for you!Rachelle Wardlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05924064419764851273noreply@blogger.com