I know it's a moot point, because now they sell these chips an it's a requirement, and not like you can say "no, I don't want the chip" but, what did they do BEFORE the chip technology?
In the old days, the elite runners were hand timed at various points throughout the course. Other runners just had the gun start to finish time. Of course, those runners could easily chart their own time using their watch, it just wouldn't be "official". In my first half marathon, the chip timers didn't work for a number of runners, so I used my watch time.
Interesting question SwoLy-D. In the half I came in 2nd chip time, but 3rd gun time (by 4 seconds) in the 55 - 59 age group. I beat everyone gun time in the 50- 54 age group. I was on the marathon website and didn't realize that there is $75 prize money for the fastest "local" runner in the 50 - 60 age range, but since money is involved it is based on gun time. The guy who came in first in my age group is from Dallas, so is not local. So I was 4 seconds gun time away from a $75 check. I won $20 a few years back based on where I ended up in a season of racing against local competition, so I lost my amateur status already. I would have liked $75.
Game for a run any time mate - I like to run at Memorial Park in the mornings. Not sure when my next race is. I don't wear a watch or GPS. My splits were ridiculous: 1st 5k - 21:34 - 6:57 pace 2nd 5k - 20:43 - 6:41 pace 3rd 5k - 20:45 - 6:41 pace 4th 5k - 20:45 - 6:41 pace Finish - 04:25 - 6:30 pace I couldn't do the 20:43, 20:45, and 20:45 consecutive 5K splits again if I ran a million races ....
All of your 5K splits are faster than my fastest 5K. I haven't run a 5K since July but I'm pretty sure I could break 22 minutes now.
Very doable. IMO the best 10k's in the spring are the Rodeo Run on February 28 and the Bayou City Classic on March 14. The Bayou City Classic always has a very competitive field (it is the unofficial Houston 10K championship) and a nice post race party with a few free kegs of St. Arnold's for post-race hydration.
FYI, registration started today for the 2016 Marathon and Half Marathon for those with guaranteed entry (time qualifiers, deferrals, legacy runners, 5-9 time finishers). It runs through May 31. For those without guaranteed entry, registration opens on June 3 on a first come, first serve basis. No more lottery like in years past. http://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/Races/Marathon/Registration.cfm
