You know, there are runners out there that sign up for a race, train for it and actually win.   They get a trophy and a big fake cardboard check with their name on it.  I’m awed by people who compete at any level of racing and come across that tape as a winner.  Whether it be in their age class or they win the whole kit and caboodle.

I’m not going to know what that feels like.  Ever.  And that’s OK – I’ve made peace with my pace.   It doesn’t mean I don’t sign up for races.  Au contraire, I love races.  And here are a few reasons why you should too.

1. Sign Up and Instantly Become “In Training”

Signing up for a race means you have to train.  Sometimes during the year you may find your motivation lagging.  It could be summer vacations are putting a crimp in your running or you don’t like to run in the cold.  Whatever.

Having to train for something gets you out the door when you might not feel like it.  You might eat better because better nutrition helps with training and performance.  You get focused on that goal, which is good.  Because don’t we all need a goal?  (that was rhetorical)

2.  Spice It Up!

Training for a race adds instant excitement and energy to your normal runs.  You get a new pep in your step when you’re planning for and meeting your training goals.   You also get to add fun things like fartleks, hills, speed work, track workouts and don’t forget recovery runs.

Simply telling your friends and family about your training earns respect and usually a shake of the head accompanied with a “I could never do that”.    That alone should get you amped for your training!

3.  Free Stuff and Shopping

Runners love free stuff.  For every race, there is a cool event called an “Expo”.  It’s the place where runners go to pick up their race packet which includes their race bib, course information and timing chip.  The next stop is the booth or table where you get your race tee shirt, then you get to hit the tables for free stuff.   Companies set up tables to schlep their wares such as drinks, energy bars, sunscreen, a lot of free samples are available at the Expo.

Most companies offer special prices for their products during the Expo.  You can get inexpensive running apparel and gear at all Expos, in addition to specialty items that you can’t buy anywhere else, like running hats with the race logo or the teddy bears I got my kids in NY that say “ING New York City Marathon – 2008”

4. The Spirit of Competition

Runners are competitive.  Even if they don’t think of themselves as competitive, they are.   I have not yet met a runner that didn’t get excited when they beat a previous time.    So even if it’s just being competitive with themselves, it’s still there.  It’s fun to feel the competitive juices flowing, it’s a powerful feeling.

I admit freely that I am competitive.  Always have been, always will be.  It doesn’t come out when I run with my group, but in a race, I will sprint to beat someone.   I won’t push or shove or anything nasty, but I will try and beat you.

5. Medals and More Free Food

When you finish a race you get two priceless items; a finisher medal and free food.  The medal is great because it shouts out your accomplishment to everyone who sees it.  The food is great because after a race you need to refuel your body and, hello, it’s FREE!  I love that.  Bagels, bananas, energy bars, oranges.  At the Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon you get wine.  Can it get any better than that?

So there are just a few reasons why you should look into doing a race.   You can locate local races through a basic web search or you can email me for some information.  I’d be happy to help you find a race, maybe I’ll even join you!

Run strong and remember to have fun.

Keli

Contact me at keli.honsberger@gmail.com