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Author's profile photo Mark Finnern

Origin of 5K Fun Run @ SAP TechEd && d-code in SAP Mentor Playfulness

Super happy that 5K Fun Run/Walk at SAP TechEd && d-code Las Vegas is happening again this year. Here is the little story how it came to be.


One day about 2 years ago around this time of year I realized, that Bjoern Goerke an avid runner would be at SAP TechEd as well, and thought it would be fun to get together one morning for a run with him, the SAP Mentors and whoever else would like to join us. He was game and the Run with the Pack at TechEd Las Vegas was born, as well as the jokes about my face color matching my running shorts 😉

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I called up Greg Myers today to find out how our crazy little run would become an official part of SAP TechEd && d-code Las Vegas? After all in this town of vices and distractions, it is tough to get folks out of bed early Wednesday morning to enjoy the cold Las Vegas air. The stragglers from the previous night will gaze with astonishment at us, asking is it real or is their drunkenness playing a trick on them. Let me tell you, it is real and fun.

Greg Myers took the run to the next level by nudging the SAP TechEd organizational team to create an official fun run out of it. I am really happy that he saw the potential for the larger SAP community in Las Vegas and made it happen. Kudos as well to the SAP TechEd && d-code team for taking a risk and trying it out and creating a new tradition.

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Here the recording of the quick interview with Greg Myers regarding Culture Jamming SAP.

We added playfulness as another trait that make SAP Mentors what they are to the SAP Mentor Magic Foundation document recently. This 5k Fun Run is another example of where the SAP Mentor’s playfulness made a difference to SAP and its community.


The lesson is: you can do it too. If you have an idea for an improvement, don’t hesitate to try it. It may start small, but it also may just work.

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      Author's profile photo Christian Braukmüller
      Christian Braukmüller

      My favorite distance so far is about 0.007K (length of a Badminton court), but there are two month left to practice for the missing 4.993K.

      => No risk - no fun. 😉

           As long we do have some medical stuff with extra oxygen - count me in.

      The pictures of last years run are awesome TechEd2013US | 5K Fun Run 

      Idea: How about placing some badges on our way for hunting? 😆

          - "I survived 1k at the 5k run"    ...  2k  .. 3 k .. 4k ...  I somehow made it.

          - "I was awake and in a sport dress at 6pm @ SAPTechEd LV"

      Author's profile photo Mark Finnern
      Mark Finnern
      Blog Post Author

      Oh thanks for linking to the pictures. Here I am still residues from the Don Finleone makeup on.

      /wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p232266310_2_523183.jpg

      Or here is proof that Bjoern Goerke joined last year too:

      /wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p218920252_2_523250.jpg

      Going to be fun again this year. Sign up for SAP TechEd && d-code now, as space is limited for this event.

      Author's profile photo Former Member
      Former Member

      well I ran over 10k today, so I guess 5k in the morning warmth of LV should be doable...

      Running in Vegas? Am I really saying this?? 😛

      M

      Author's profile photo Greg Myers
      Greg Myers

      It is so much fun. The hardest part is getting up and getting downstairs in time. But once you get going, the weather is usually perfect. Feels good to get some fresh air after a few days of being in the recycled stuff in the convention center.

      Author's profile photo Mark Finnern
      Mark Finnern
      Blog Post Author

      Oh and I just heard that the good folks from the SAP Partner Data Vard had so much fun last year that they sponsored the run this year. Thank you!

      Author's profile photo Nigel James
      Nigel James

      Is there anything the mentors cannot do?

      Looking forward to being part of this fun run in 2014.

      Author's profile photo Mark Finnern
      Mark Finnern
      Blog Post Author

      Hi Nigel,

      I hope you marked that you are running when registering, as space is limited. We will not stop you from running, you just will not have a number, or you bring your own number and run up the strip instead of down the strip like all the others.

      Next year you call it the counter sprint, because in your mind the "fun run" is too corporate and organized. You and your ilk will dress in all black, wearing eye patches and growling at the fun runners. It is going to be glorious 😉

      Can't wait, Mark.     

      Author's profile photo Nigel James
      Nigel James

      Oh yeah! I am registered and in training. And I discovered that going for a swim in <20 degree water after your run is great for recovery and a whole lot better than an ice bath or ice bucket.

      Not sure I said it is too corporate and organised ... I am looking forward to it. I might even bring along a parrot with dubious life signs or a glass of Chateau de Chasselas to make it even more fun. Nudge nudge say no more.

      Author's profile photo Former Member
      Former Member

      Hmmm, I've just checked my registration and I did not register for the run, which is pretty hard to believe.

      Here's what I'm guessing: this option wasn't shown when I registered. Bit of a shame really, as now all places are gone.

      I'll still be there at 6:30am...

      M

      Author's profile photo Christian Braukmüller
      Christian Braukmüller

      How about sharing the 5K into a "2.5k for you" and a "2.5k for me"?

      (Then I'm fine with my training at the moment.  😉 )

      Come on ... I count on you .. you promised that you'll carry me if i fail in between.

      😥

      Author's profile photo Former Member
      Former Member

      Don't worry, I'll give you a piggyback. 😆

      M