But I finally came across something I did agree with from a Weather Channel meteorologist named Mike Bettes. He said:
"When I first started doing races, I didn't understand why people did them. I thought it was boring. But give it a try. If you're new to the sport, or maybe even an infrequent runner, try it. Once you do it and finish a race, there's such a feeling of self-accomplishment—that's really been one thing I've taken away from doing running events. Because it's just you, and you have just yourself to credit for doing what you did. It's always a great feeling afterward, because you know you did it all yourself."
I absolutely LOVE races. From a logical perspective some people have a hard time understanding races. "So you're telling me that you PAY $70 to run for 26 miles and you get a shirt and medal at the end?" I can see their reasoning. But I get so much more than that. A few of the reasons I love races are:
1) The sense of accomplishment I feel afterward when I know I did something hard.
2) The pride in knowing that even if my time was crappy, I did the very best I could do.
3) The volunteers - they are always so happy and encouraging.
4) The excitement and uncertainty of what will happen when you're standing at the starting line.
5) The crowds and spectators. Having someone cheer you on or give you a high five is a big emotional boost.
6) The medal at the end - proof of what you have achieved.
Signing up for a race is also an incredibly motivating factor. Once you have signed up there is no backing out and the training begins. My recommendations for new runners are:
1) Find a race and sign up. NOW. Even if it's your first 5k. Don't wait until later to register. The sooner you sign up, the sooner your motivation will increase. (Plus the races sometimes fill up.)
2) Sign up for a popular race that lots of people run. Being part of a big crowd of people is an even bigger adreniline rush.
3) Tell your friends and family. They will be a positive support (and maybe you can talk one of them into being your running partner).
4) Be prepared because after you do one - you will be hooked.
I totally agree with you but I have signed up for a half marathon hoping it would motivate me and it has mentally I just haven't gotten out an ran physically!
ReplyDeleteGreat job on 34 miles!! especially by yourself. You are going to do awesome in the Buffalo Run.
Very true about races selling out. I have two upcoming races the Biggest Loser 5k on March 26th and the SHAC Sprint Triathlon on April 2nd. I signed up for the Sprint Tri first because I saw that it said it had a limited field of 400 per race distance. A week later I signed up for the 5k only because I didn't want to pay late registration. Races are expensive enough without adding on additional late charges. Well lo and behold the 5k is already sold out and it didn't even make it to late registration and I found out it only had a field of 600. So if there is a race you want to do totally sign up early because then you don't have to worry about it being sold and you save yourself some money not paying late registration charges.
ReplyDeleteAnd racing is extremely addictive, like shooting heroin into your eyeballs addictive. I ran my first race August 14th 2010 and my 5k and sprint tri will be by 7th and 8th races respectively. I'd run more of them except they get so expensive all the time (how do drug addicts get the money for their fixes I need to look into that :) ). I'd love to run the Hurricane half on April 30th but I got to pay for the marathon next month and doubt I could afford both. So you pick and choose, do you want your heroin (the Saint George marathon) or do you want some mushrooms (the Hurricane half).
Hi my name is Patrick and I am runner and a race addict.
I am in love /w this blog :D YAY!!!!! love that I found you....thank Christy
ReplyDelete