Erin
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(10/11/2009, 2:36 PM)
Austin Oyster adventure RUN
So this was my first Oyster race and I had a good time inspite of the cool and extremely wet weather. I can definitely see how this would be a blast if we didn't get soaked the entire way.
Still it seemed like a very odd race to me, being asked to cover the exact same path for back to back running events was definitely a drag (Clues 7&8). The fact that so many tasks had you covering the same ground and that it was almost all running was a bit a of a surprise to me, I expecting there to me more variety but maybe that's par for the course with the Oyster since as I said this was my first.
Like I said I definitely enjoyed it and will definitely be back, but would love to see more diversity in the future.
Thanks,
Erin
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lisa
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(10/11/2009, 8:08 PM)
RE:Austin Oyster adventure RUN
I will second Erin's feedback. This was also my first Oyster Race and it was WAY more running than I expected it to be. Based on pictures from previous races and various blogs, I expected the "point A to point B" to be less physically tasking and for the obstacles to be more creative and physically/mentally challenging.
It was a fun race, and I will likely do it again next year as well, but I was still expecting more.
Thanks,
Lisa
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Russ
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(10/12/2009, 9:39 AM)
RE:Austin Oyster adventure RUN
I'll echo what you both said too. I would love to see the challenges a little more creative and fun (goofy even). I liked being pushed on the running part, but it was a lot. I was surprised there was no interaction with south austin locations at all and we were doing the same paths across over again. The one thing that actually did bug me was the Merrel bags on your head on the Kayak portion. It was wet and I was already suckin air as it was.. So with every deep breath the bag would suction to your mouth. It just wasn't even safe much less like I was being Waterboarded...
I'll give it another go next year though I'm sure. This was my 2nd.
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jackie
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(10/12/2009, 2:34 PM)
RE:Austin Oyster adventure RUN
I thought the race was a blast and will for sure be back next year. This was my first and I was sure what to expect but I was pleased. The cold rain even added to the adventure. I personally loved all of the running but we did use the bus twice because one of my partners was lame and it worked out fine. Thanks for all the work. I know it's not easy putting on a race.
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Oyster Racing Series Staff
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(10/14/2009, 11:34 AM)
RE:Austin Oyster adventure RUN
Thank you all for your feedback as we always appreciate both positive and negative comments as it only makes us better race organizers. Just to address a few comments:
Sponsored Teams - each Oyster Race Sponsor receives several free team entries as part of their sponsorship. Merrell’s teams are not pro-racers, or even sponsored by Merrell other than as an entry into the race. Both Free to Roam and Merrell ATX is a combination of Austin-area runners, cyclists and tri-athletes who love to compete and have participated in the Oyster since year one. Merrell identified these past Oyster racers, built a relationship with them and asked them to run under the Merrell name in the Oyster.
As far as all the running - the course ended up run-heavy due to canceling Passport #7, which was a bike leg to South Austin. Looking around at all of the wet racers and blue lips, we decided to get teams out of the elements as quickly as possible.
As far as creativity on the course- which is always subject to interpretation, we ask you this- what other race is going to start you off blindfolded on a duck tour, catching flying oysters, jumping in a hotel pool, kayaking across a lake blindfolded and taste testing beers during the race? I know we have set the bar high in past years, but it was still pretty darn fun based off the numerous emails we have received from other racers.
We are thrilled racers are passionate about the race, enough to take the time to point out where we had downfalls and where we excelled. Thank you for all of your comments and we hope to see you in 2010. Please feel free to send more feedback and course ideas to info@teamsage.com
Sincerely, The Oyster Racing Staff
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Jody
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(10/12/2009, 3:28 PM)
RE:Austin Oyster adventure RUN
You SHOULD expect more....
You DESERVED more.....
The race was a bust.
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Without a Paddle
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(10/12/2009, 7:36 PM)
RE:Austin Oyster adventure RUN
After reading all of the reviews, I really hope that the Nashville race is a little more organized and a lot more creative. The race is definately advertised as being a little more thought provoking and fun instead of your average race. The Boot Camp event a couple of weeks ago was not organized at all and no new information was given that couldn't be found on the website. Sorry that Austin wasn't better utilized and I sure hope that TeamSage redeems thierselves in Nashville.
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just an animal
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(10/13/2009, 8:51 AM)
RE:Austin Oyster adventure RUN
it was really thrown together. no creativity at all.
i agree with the many that say it was way too much running. the other thing is i think allowing merrell sponsored teams to compete against the local market teams is demoralizing. they should have there own division. the other thing is that they didn't make any effort to thank teams for raising money for austin parks foundation. poor form. the start of the event would have been the appropriate time for that not at some beer bash latter that night with only a quarter of all participants there. not impressed at all with the etiquette or teamsage. i don't know that my company will do another one.
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Run4Fun
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(10/15/2009, 9:43 AM)
RE:Austin Oyster adventure RUN
I agree that the race lacked some anticipated variety, but at the end of the day I'm just thankful to have the opportunity to race in an event with friends. Our team placed second in our division, Merrell won it, and I have no hard feelings at all. Team Merrell made less mistakes and got lucky on the beer challenge. Good for them. As far as recognition for raising money goes...yeah, it stinks when you get overlooked. Good thing we do it for the sake of the foundation and not the recognition.
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Brian
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(10/12/2009, 3:40 PM)
RE:Austin Oyster adventure RUN
I agree with Erin and thought it was much more running than I expected. Overall, I had a great time, but I expected use the running (a short distance) to do an fun event and then run back. It seemed like a lot more running than it told you to be prepared for. It said that if you can fun a 10k, you should be able to do the whole event. I do not know the exact distance we ran, but I feel like it was much further than 10k. I liked the biking events much more than the running, especially in the rain. But overall, I had a great time and will most likely do it again next year. I will just be training in the running department a lot more so my legs don't feel like they do today
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