Running With Reason

How to support the runner you love in the Houston Marathon

It’s almost Houston Marathon day, and whether you’re supporting a spouse, parent, child or stranger, be prepared to be the best spectator you can be. There’s more to watching a race than just standing on the sidelines, and here’s what you can do to help your loved one while they conquer the feat of adding a 13.1 or 26.2 mile sticker to their car.

Remember that the race is about the racers, not you. They have been training for months or even longer. They have logged dozens of hours and hundreds of miles on the streets of Houston. Have you run in this city before? You know the humidity and heat they probably faced. Don’t complain about waking up early or being cold. You’re there for them.
Study the course map, know their pace, and pick a few places you are planning to find them. The smartest thing to do is stand at the starting line and start your stopwatch when they cross the start. Runners can start up to 30-40 minutes after the official start time, and if you plan to meet them at mile six, you may be standing for a long time and not sure when exactly to expect your runner.
Wear bright colors, hold a neon sign, or tie a balloon on your wrist. Make it easy for your racer to find you. Major points for great signs like “Way to be the best at exercising,” or “Mommy, I hope you win.”
Bring a camera. Runners love pictures of themselves, especially when they’re free! Race pictures cost a lot of money. Take pictures before, during and after the race. They’ll appreciate them.
If you plan to run a little of the race with your runner, make sure you have checked with them before the race to make sure they want you there. Don’t do it if you will slow them down or go too fast. Also only do it if it’s safe. You don’t want to get in trouble, get hurt, or run into someone. It’s not exactly legal to run part of the race with someone.
Be positive and encouraging. Have a water bottle to hand them, Kleenex, a towel, some food at the end. Yell things like “Go runner,” “You’ve got this,” “You’re running a marathon!” Call strangers by name if you can read it on their bib.

Runners really appreciate spectators (especially with good signs and Kleenex). Dress warm if it’s cold, wear comfortable shoes, have some water for yourself. Plan to have a great time and be inspired by what you see.

It could be you running the Chevron Houston Marathon next year.

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chill out

Houston Astros ballpark gets cool new name for the next 15 years

Courtesy of the Houston Astros

The Astros' stadium will have a new name in 2025.

The Houston Astros are about to have the coolest ballpark in Major League Baseball. The team announced on Monday, November 18 that its has reached a naming rights agreement HVAC manufacturer Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc.

Beginning on January 1, 2025, the stadium will be known as Daikin Park (die-kin). Scheduled to run through the 2039 season, the new name replaces Minute Maid Park, which has been the stadium’s name since 2002. It opened in 1999 as Enron Field.

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Astros fans online are already calling the new stadium “The Ice Box,” replacing its informal “The Juice Box” moniker. That name feels likely to stick.

Japan-based Daikin Industries is a leading manufacturer of HVAC systems. It sells air conditioning units and other products under brand names such as Daikin, Goodman, Amana® and Quietflex. Critically, it operates Daikin Texas Technology Park in nearby Waller, which is the largest HVAC manufacturing facility in North America. The company employs approximately 10,000 people in Greater Houston, according to a release.

“We are excited to be partnering with Daikin for our ballpark’s naming rights,” Astros owner Jim said. “Daikin is an international company that proudly calls the Greater Houston area its North American home. The Houston Astros and Daikin share the same values, a commitment to excellence and a desire to give back to our local community. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this ballpark in 2025, I am proud to have Daikin alongside us to create even more special memories for our fans now and in the future.”

The Astros will use the revenue for new stadium amenities and other upgrades. It will also continue the team’s various community initiatives. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. the Houston Chronicle notes that naming rights deals may be worth anywhere from $3.5 million per year (T-Mobile park in Seattle) to $11 million per year for the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field.

The team’s first game in Daikin Park will take place on Monday, March 24, which it plays an exhibition against its Triple-A affiliate, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. It will open the regular season on Thursday, March 27 against the New York Mets.

“Daikin fit all of the criteria we set out to find in a naming rights partner,” Astros senior vice president Matt Brand added. “Their name and reputation fit our iconic downtown Houston home, and their values mesh perfectly with those of the Astros. We are grateful to partner with the entire Daikin team and to help them succeed in their business goals. Daikin Park will be a special place for our fans for many years to come.”

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