Bet against paper

I love paper.

I keep a notebook in my backpack to jot notes, sketch diagrams, write lists and scribble thoughts. I like to send hand-written notes and read hardcover books.

I love paper. But I bet against it. Unlike the fictional Michael Scott, who discusses how “real business is done on paper” during this funny scene in The Office, I prefer to adapt to an increasingly paperless world.

When races collected registrations on paper forms, many would blow in the wind. Now, everything is done digitally with QR codes, smartphones and iPads. You can hear race volunteers share why paperless is better here.

With how technology has changed the role of paper and how quickly AI is accelerating change, what more will technology change in the next few years?

A better question to ask, according to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is what will NOT change.

Jeff shares “I very frequently get the question: 'What's going to change in the next 10 years?' And that is a very interesting question; it's a very common one. I almost never get the question: 'What's not going to change in the next 10 years?' And I submit to you that that second question is actually the more important of the two.”

With how quickly AI and technology are changing everything, what will be the same in 2035?

One thing I believe will remain in 10 years is that we will continue joining others in our community for races.

Why do I believe this?

The 129th Boston Marathon takes place next month. When the first Boston Marathon took place in 1897 (the winning time was 2:55:10), telephones had no dial pads, automobiles were rare and the Wright brothers were still figuring out how to fly an airplane.

Over the past 129 years runners have gotten faster and technology has evolved quite a bit.

Races still take place.

Not only have races survived, they are are thriving. In fact, the NYC marathon just announced a record number of applicants to this year’s race.

People seem to like coming together at races, regardless of the technology that exists.

Since races unite communities, this is good news for all of us.

-Ian

1-stop shop for seamless race days

Gun time vs. chip time

I get asked a lot about the difference between gun time and chip time.

Chip time: the time from when a runner crosses the start to when they cross the finish. With chip times, the starting times are different for all runners.

Gun time: the time from when the gun (or airhorn) goes off to when a runner crosses the finish line. With gun times, all runners have the same starting time.

A runner’s chip time is always less than or equal to their gun time.

Ian’s 13.1 miles in Colchester

If you enjoyed the written recap of my half marathon, here is a 30 second video overview.