Runner Triathlete News [ return ] From Message Jon Korte 1/22/2002 07:30:33 Subject: Houston Marathon Memories... IP: Logged Message: On Sunday, January 20, 2002, I participated in the Compaq Houston Marathon and ran my fastest marathon to date surpassing my previous best from June 2000 by almost two minutes. By my watch, my net finishing time was around 2:55:35. I had not run a marathon since the end of April 2001. The race was well organized, volunteers were friendly and helpful - I enjoyed the course and the people who turned out early to see the runners pass by. Evidently, my personal ChampionChip was not programmed for the Houston Marathon computer mats. I picked up my race packet at the EXPO on Saturday the 19th and, as part of the process, had a Compaq Houston Marathon representative assure me that the ChampionChip was activated and ready to go on Sunday morning. He waved it over the sensitive mat and adjoining “computer box” twice and received a green “OK” light indicator both times. Again, he assured me that the chip was functioning properly. I had no reason to doubt the chip wouldn’t record my time; it had done so in all marathons prior to running Houston. I had been running well while training for other shorter races (including two half marathons) during the past five months, so I began to envision running a personal best on my first Texas marathon course. I also would have liked to update my current qualifying time for the 2002 Boston Marathon. I could have utilized that same time for qualification to Boston in 2003 given the 16-month qualifying window. The Boston Athletic Association revised their qualifying cut-off date for this year’s marathon to February 01, 2002, so Houston would have just been inside of that date. I selected Houston because the time of year was right with my mileage buildup prior to the race, and I had visited the city in September and thought a second trip would definitely be in order after enjoying myself there previously. The marathon was the perfect excuse to return! I realize that getting to Boston is something in itself, and I feel fortunate to be going, however, a final 26.2 miles after months of training diligently is a long way to push to come up empty under any circumstances, especially after accomplishing a personal best. There is a bright side to all this… I can now say that I have run a marathon as an “official” bandit complete with receipt of finisher’s medal, finisher’s t-shirt, and finisher’s mug. I was allowed to cross the finish line too! Seriously though, this is an honor I am not enthralled to be associated with. To say that I am disappointed with this situation would be quite the understatement. The lesson learned here is that if you own a personal ChampionChip to be used in any chip-timed race, please have properly trained personnel double check to ensure the chip is functioning with the computer system. And - I would definitely suggest that you somehow, with your own eyes, check to see that your ChampionChip serial number is listed in the runners on-line database next to your name before you walk away to begin preparations for your race. It seems almost senseless to have purchased a ChampionChip… I decided to buy mine after a great first marathon to keep as a “good luck charm” that I could use throughout the remainder of my running years. Jon Korte 2002 Houston Marathon Bib #1433 Frisco, Texas Dr. Dan Feeback   3/27/2002 15:03:01 RE: Houston Marathon Memories... IP: Logged Message: Jon, Ouch and double ouch!!!!! I think you have convinced me to NOT buy my own Championchip. DLF kent   3/28/2002 19:26:51 RE: Houston Marathon Memories... IP: Logged Message: Please do not blame ChampionChip for this mishap. While you own a ChampionChip (TM) chip, Houston DID NOT USE THE CHAMPIONCHIP TIMING SYSTEM in 2001 or 2002. Houston used a "no name" brand chip for their race in these years. (Obviously I'm biased, I work for the local Houston ChampionChip Timing company.) The Houston Marathon representative who told you your chip would work was not correct, but that's obvious to you. Sorry that you didn't get in the results, but all chips are not compatible ... kent   3/28/2002 19:37:08 RE: Houston Marathon Memories... IP: Logged Message: FYI ... when you "activate" your chip at the expo, actually all you're doing is VERIFYING the data that we've recorded on you is correct. Look to see if your Name, Age, Sex, Bib# are correct (unless you JUST registered and we haven't input your data yet). If it's all correct, you'll be in the right category in the results list. If NOT, GO BACK AND GET IT FIXED RIGHT AWAY. Jon, in Boston they use the ChampionChip!!! Good Luck and we'll see you there !!! kent   3/28/2002 19:37:13 RE: Houston Marathon Memories... IP: Logged Message: FYI ... when you "activate" your chip at the expo, actually all you're doing is VERIFYING the data that we've recorded on you is correct. Look to see if your Name, Age, Sex, Bib# are correct (unless you JUST registered and we haven't input your data yet). If it's all correct, you'll be in the right category in the results list. If NOT, GO BACK AND GET IT FIXED RIGHT AWAY. Jon, in Boston they use the ChampionChip!!! Good Luck and we'll see you there !!! P 1

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