What does that mean “you can’t wear the t-shirt”?
Some seriously bad mojo…don’t do it.
I have no idea what’s in the bag. It’s a mystery, like christmas morning, which is why I contemplate going there to check it out.
If it’s the same stuff as I have seen at many races, I’d throw the whole bag, shirt included, in the trash.
If it’s like this one race I did a few times - nice backpack, cycling jersey, hat, other decent schwag… well that’s some shit I’d like.
And, yes, if there is a shirt or visor or something in there that I like, I will wear it, regardless of my lack of participation in the event.
I’m just trying to decide if the anticipatory feeling of unwrapping a mystery package is worth driving an hour. Much like devoting significant time to a chick at a bar, not sure if she is going to bang you.
I’m down with those who wouldn’t walk 5 mins to get the crap that is normally in the “swag” bag at most races.
Oooh! A gel, a mini tube of Aquaphor, some endurolytes, and a whole bunch of race flyers - oh goody!
And - if there was a T-shirt or whatever, then I really wouldn’t want it, since I didn’t do the event, so what’s the point?
If you’re bored, and can’t get a deferral (it’s worth asking, no harm) - it’s a good idea to go volunteer and/or spectate.
But forget about the swag bag.
You and I have significantly different views on this issue. And I don’t want to belabor a point or argue, but . . . The shirt represents the accomplishment? Really? A symbol of commitment? Having a “great deal of meaning” I really hope you treat it as such. Successful completion of a challenging race? What if the race wasn’t challenging? What if I’m not happy with my performance, so I don’t deem it successful? I could argue the IM brand/logo is ubiquitous and meaningless (how many products are branded - from beds to watches to everything else that is made fun of here) .
Conversely, what if this dude trained for months for this specific race, blood sweat and tears and all the other stuff that most of us corporate stiffs like to talk about/overblow with respect to our goofy little hobby, but life conspired in an evil way such that he can’t race. You’re going to deny him the opportunity to enjoy this memento that represents so much to some? What if he worked harder than others who did get to race? Does that count for anything? What if having the shirt allowed him to talk to someone who may not otherwise talk to him (thinking they had a common bond) and may change his life - maybe he could share as to why he couldn’t race, or what the race (or non-race) meant to him. What if he was more proud of his training commitment than the racing commitment? what about the free advertising you’re denying all of the sponsors. What if the RD says to all the sponsors, who are looking to confirm an ROI, "yeah well, all of your free product is still in bags if you want to come get it - hey, want sto sponsor the race next year? What about all of the logos on the back of the shirts that will go unseen? Does the RD want that?
Let the poor slouch (or any poor slouch - I include myself in that description) get (and wear) the t-shirt he paid for. If you see him wearing it, go ahead and talk to him about the race. To close the loop . . my original question still stands. Why do you really give a crap what some OTHER poor slouch is doing if it’s not impinging on you.
Yes, go ahead and wear your paid for shirt. I’m fairly sure you are doing that now.
I have done this particular race every year since its inception. I have competed in triathlons from sprints to IMs, running races from 5k’s to ultras, adventure races, canoe races, cycling races, and other endurance events for over twenty-five years. I feel comfortable with myself and my accomplishments. I haven’t received any schwag that represents something or that means anything to me for years. It’s all a matter of functionality to me. Does it fit? Does it look good? Would I find this widget useful?
However, if someone saw me wearing this particular shirt (or whatever else might be in the goody bag) and asked me if I did the race I would not bother to explain any of that. I’d simple respond nonchalantly, “No.” then walk away.
My conflict is not to-wear or not-to-wear, it is should I drive that far?
“and get that stuff?”
I wouldn’t walk 5 minutes to pick it up, let alone get in the car and drive.
X2.
Last year was signed up for Chattanooga Waterfront. Sprained my ankle really bad the day before the race. Promised my girl a weekend in Chatt. so sucked it up and still went and explored the town, even though I could barely walk. Worst part by far was having reservations at what was essentially the host hotel, and right next to the finish line. Going to packet pickup or socializing with other athletes was the absolute last thing on my mind. I remember laying in bed hearing the announcer call in the winner across the line (T. White). I laugh about it now but seriously F that lol.
what if there is a cool beer bottle opener in there? I can always use another one of those.
what if there is a cool beer bottle opener in there? I can always use another one of those.
Ehh that seems more appropriate for the bowling championship packet pickup.
what if there is a cool beer bottle opener in there? I can always use another one of those.
I guess your time has a value of zero $? And gas is free, and there is no depreciation on your car?
If so, then drive all day to get your bottle opener, o’ sultan of the swag bag.
Yes, go ahead and wear your paid for shirt. I’m fairly sure you are doing that now.
yes, go ahead and continue to derive your self worth from a hobby and based on what some other dude does. I’m fairly sure you are doing that now.
Yes, go ahead and wear your paid for shirt. I’m fairly sure you are doing that now.
yes, go ahead and continue to derive your self worth from a hobby and based on what some other dude does. I’m fairly sure you are doing that now.
I’m drinking rum and Coke right now. But later I might derive my self worth from a hobby, haven’t planned that far ahead really.
Yes, go ahead and wear your paid for shirt. I’m fairly sure you are doing that now.
yes, go ahead and continue to derive your self worth from a hobby and based on what some other dude does. I’m fairly sure you are doing that now.
Give it up to someone from ST to turn what seems to be a fun jest into something asinine.
Wear the shirt, the thong, the beer bottle opener, the tattoo or whatever. Lighten up dude.
I gave a race shirt that was too big for me to my brother. He wore it to school and people asked him “so how was the marathon?”
One race - my 2nd marathon - he ran the last 2 miles with me and told his teachers at school he’d run a marathon with me! little bugger.
Anyway, to whoever said they’d throw the bag out — don’t do that! At least donate the shirt to charity.
An interesting note: people say they isn’t anything good in the bags, but if a race DIDN’T have one, you’d whine.
registered and traveled to the Big Sur Marathon, woke up driving the porcelain bus with stomach flu … the race shirt and nice long sleeve I bought with the Big Sur logo will not have tags removed nor see the light of day until I run the race next year.
To each his own, but my wife and I both subscribe to the school that you don’t wear event t-shirts for events you haven’t finished. In fact, we teach our boys that if they want to have medals, t-shirts, trophys, or whatever they can’t just “aquire” them, they have to earn them.
This is a photo of my swag back from IMWI. Immediately after returning from check in, I dropped it in the corner of my hotel room where it stayed unopened and untouched until post-race. If I hadn’t finished, it would have been left in Madison.
I would go pick up the packet, and volunteer my services to the race organization or some other entity at the race. There is nothing like giving back a bit and observing triathlon from the other side of the fence.
I was registered for the Florida 70.3 and wasn’t able to race. I picked up my swag bag. Why? I was at Disney anyway, my hotel was next door and I freakin’ paid for it. I wear the hat and I wear the shirt since that’s all I got for my $250. If someone were to ask how I did or how was the race, I would tell them that I was unable to race. I’m not going to fabricate anything. I’m also not passing up a nice workout shirt and Headsweats hat. Screw the unwritten rules.
I was registered for the Florida 70.3 and wasn’t able to race. I picked up my swag bag. Why? I was at Disney anyway, my hotel was next door and I freakin’ paid for it. I wear the hat and I wear the shirt since that’s all I got for my $250. If someone were to ask how I did or how was the race, I would tell them that I was unable to race. I’m not going to fabricate anything. I’m also not passing up a nice workout shirt and Headsweats hat. Screw the unwritten rules.
Seriously
Upon reflection I have SOME T-shirts that were from the same race but NOT the same year that I ran it … Bargain bin pick-ups, if I remember correctly
What’s the ruling on that???
Getting th eswag bag is up to you, can’t deciding whether to drive there to get it seems like a completely different problem.