I need to be careful not to write when I’m angry, upset, or tired or a combination thereof. Last night while I was trapped in an airport layover, I dashed off the following to the Pittsburgh Marathon organizers and submitted via their “Contact Us” website form. I was upset (still am) about the 90 minute breakout from the downtown parking garages at race’s end. And as is often the case when something is written in anger or exhaustion — the emotions permeate the words, the tone of the writing a pitchy fest that doesn’t always advance the cause of dialogue and discussion. I think maybe I’ve sent too many of such things in my lifetime but sadly will send many more I’m sure.
Nonetheless, I stand behind the sentiment of disappointment and the legitimate suggestion that they come up with a better parking plan and traffic flow for future dates. I just kinda wish I had written it with a bit more grace.
But honestly I’m feeling particularly graceless even now. And sometimes “TIMELINESS” is more important than “GRACE.” Sometimes one writes while the ire is hot and that’s a necessary thing to convey the moment. But sometimes, well, maybe most times, it just makes things worse.
As I said, at this moment much like last night I’m feeling graceless and morose.
So it was what it was, it is what it is, and that’s where I’m at.
A Contact Us Form Submission to the Pittsburgh Marathon:
I’m sure I won’t be the only one to tell you the parking and automobile traffic flow after finishing the event was embarrassingly bad. Four parking garages were funneled the wrong way down a single lane alley. It took me 90 minutes to exit the garage. I nearly missed my flight … and to add insult to injury despite having TSA precheck, the security line at your supposed airport of the year was frustratingly mismanaged with rude staff and faulty equipment.
I’ve run a number of marathons. I’ve flown through a lot of airports to get there. Pittsburgh ranks in the bottom ten percent. You’re not the worst I’ve ever experienced but you are the most recently poorly executed exit. I am very disappointed and leave your city with frankly a mostly negative view of its denizens and organizations – which is NOT what anybody wants after visiting and running 26.2 miles.
For future years I strongly suggest devising a different parking and traffic plan; honestly, I wish you had never suggested lots to park in as they proved disastrous after the run.
Sincerely,
Kevin Hanna