It's Me Against The Clock... Literally

We as runner's, probably take for granted some of the logistics it takes to put on a race for us.  I've gotten an inside look at some of the race preparations having timed a few races this past year.  One of the constants every race has is a clock at the finish line.  We're either happy with it when we PR/BQ, or it let's us down when we don't.  Perhaps we're just happy to see it because it means the race is over.  Is there anyone who crosses the finish line without paying attention/looking at the clock?

I am a member of a 300+ member running club here in Wichita.  At the club's last meeting, our race director, said our finish line clock had a mechanical problem and that the manufacturer told him we should be able to figure out how to fix it.  He then asked if one of us would volunteer to try and repair it.  At first, I declined, but no one else was really stepping up to the plate either, so I thought about it and said I would give it a shot.

It shouldn't take long to see what is wrong with the clock in the above picture.  No, you're not dyslexic, well, maybe you are, but either way, it's jacked up.  Certain segments of digits aren't moving properly.  The fact that I can set it to read 8 hours 88 minutes and 88 seconds is another issue that isn't relevant for this discussion.

This is the only race clock I know of in the area.  It is used for our marathon, half-marathon, and the other most popular races held in Wichita throughout the year.  After I accepted the responsibility to fix it, it dawned on me some of the risk I'm taking.  What if I break it worse?  What if I can't put it back together?  What if I did something so that the clock isn't available for a race?  Can you imagine a race without a race clock at the finish line?  I could envision word spreading among the local running community that I was the reason for the lack of a time piece.  They would whisper and point at me at races, and give me the "L" sign on their forehead.  This thing would cost about $3,000 to replace and take time (bad pun intended).

I took the clock to my in-law's house since it was the best place to work on it, and my father in-law knows a thing or two about repairing gadgets.  Once the case was opened up, a quick inspection revealed the bearings  had fallen out on the segments that weren't displaying.

Finally, after reseating some of the bearings, and ordering a couple more from the manufacturer, the repair was finished.

Ok, so I turn out to be more of a hero than a zero.  Not that anyone besides a few will know about my minor behind the scenes wizardry geek squad audition, but it gives me something unique to blog about, and I also get some satisfaction of giving back a little to my running club and the running community.

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Now, what to do while I have expensive electronic running gear in house, doing nothing, and at my disposal?

Can I get me some more shadows in this picture please?
If I drop it, I'll just say I couldn't fix it.

I've got one more crazy little photo to share:

Say hello to my Bank of America 24 string limited edition guitar.
Now I can say my time rocks!

I would have liked to taken a picture of me throwing the clock into the air to demonstrate how time flies, but it is heavy and pricey, and my balls just aren't that big.  Besides, if I would drop it I could show how time comes to a screeching halt.

BTW, I didn't just set the clock to a random number, 3:35:49 is my current marathon PR, and the dorky picture of me standing on my back deck includes the finisher shirt and finisher medal commemorating that glorious day.  I think the clock is needed for a race this upcoming weekend, otherwise, I'd be tempted to hold my own little race with it.