Pick Your Race to Make This Your Best Season
It’s to buck up, pick your race, and register.
There is an event on the horizon that is calling your name.It’s time to answer the call! But first, learn what you want and why you want it.
Choosing a race is a big commitment. Your race will affect every run you do for the next 12-16 weeks. You want to plan your training to “peak” for your key race.
Picking a race is not pulling names from a hat. It’s YOUR race, so YOU should take some time and decide what will be best.
Below are four ways to figure it out.
Four Step to Choosing a Race
Step 1: Find Your Why.
Before you sign up for a race, think about “why” you want to run the event. Your “why” can be obvious or hidden deep. You won’t know unless thinking about it.
So, think about it….. right now…do it.
Does this sound familiar:
“I want to see what I can do when I push myself.”
It’s a good reason to run a race, but it’s a surface answer.
Now, dig a little deeper.
Ask yourself again.
Why do you want to push yourself?
Why is it important to have a challenge?
Why do you want to do more?
Ask “why” until you uncover a deeper motivation.
Example)
Q: What is my “why”?
A: I want to see what I can do when I push myself.
Q: Why?
A: I have always been a high achiever and I want to know I get better at running.
Q: Why?
A: I want to be confident in who I am.
Bingo! Now we are talking!
Now, you have a reason. Use your “why” as your anchor during training. There will be ups and downs, having a why will help you get through it.
Step 2: Can You Commit to Training?
Be honest with yourself. How much can you change your life for this race? Recognize your comfort zone and the patterns that keep you stuck.
Did you realize choosing a race takes self-reflection and is scary?
It does, and it is.
So, look at your current life load and determine if your “why’ is strong enough to create space for training. Running a race is about the journey, not the finisher medal. Decide if you can commit to training before you drop $100 on a race.
If you did not train well you will feel “blah” about the experience. Sure, you will have a medal, some photos, and a story for co-workers. But, you will know you didn’t give it your all.
Commit! Do not regret your effort.
Step 3) Which Distance is Your Distance
The barrier to selecting a race is self-doubt. So, once you commit anything is possible!
When a runner says: “I could never run a full marathon.” I hear “I don’t want to prepare.”
Any runner can do any distance. But, you need to drop your limiting beliefs and train. Once you get out of your way, you can choose your distance.
A practical guide to choosing a race distance.
Should You Run an Ultra Marathon:
If you are an ultra-marathoner, you already know it. It takes a certain mindset to be an “ultra” runner. Can you go through the grind mentally? Are you willing to put your ego aside?
An ultra-marathon is a practice in self-discovery. Not about time and place.
However, Training for an ultramarathon is not that different from a full marathon. You will spend a bit more time on your feet and nutrition will be a key focus. You will prepare your mind more than your as much as your body for race day.
Should You Do a Full Marathon?
Do you have personal goals? Are you hyper-competitive? Can you make running a priority?
The full marathon is a significant challenge, so get ready to work.
You will spend your weekends:
- Preparing to run long
- Running long
- Maybe, getting brunch?
- Recovering from running long.
It doesn’t sound like a great life, but it’s worth it!
The workload and commitment are high, so invest your time and effort.
Should I Run A Marathon with a Time Goal!
Yes, you should. If this is not your first “full” have a time goal in mind. Can you run your “PR”? Can you give the Boston Marathon qualifier a shot?
You have already finished the 26.2, so make this season about running a fast race. Training for speed will make your season exciting. Make a goal that makes you nervous. It is scary to try to run a faster marathon because it can go to shit?
At least you know you gave it a shot even if you miss your goal and the race sucks. Most people will not put themselves out there.
The best part about running is that it is infinitely scalable. You will never reach the ceiling. You can always run faster, train more, and push your limits.
How to Train for a Half Marathon
A half marathon is a challenge for the new runner. It will force a greater commitment. You can’t “wing it” in training without painful consequences on race day.
Run it fast!
The experienced runner should intend on “racing” the distance for time. A half is short enough that speed matters but, long enough to keep you honest. It’s a balancing act that will expose your weakness. Running a fast half can also guarantee you acceptance into races like “New York” and “Houston” among others.
Test Your Fitness
The half is also a great race to “check in” with your fitness. If you are training for a full marathon, it is a good halfway point or marathon simulation during training.
You should do an 8k-10k
Let ‘s talk about speed!
The 8k-10k is about running fast. The experience of a shorter race is different from the “Half” or “Full.”
The shorter distances will allow you exert a higher level of effort. The “pain” and fatigue is extreme. You will have to prepare for speed endurance during your training.
Swap The Road for Grass
Are you a cross-country junkie? Do you want to spike up and race on grass? Or, did you find running later in life and feel like you missed your calling as a cross-country runner?
Find a local “open” race and mix it up in the woods and mud. Everyone should run an “XC” race because it is the best!
Why You Should and Should NOT run a 5k
The 5k is a BRUTAL race. The strategy for a 5k is:
- Go out hard in mile one.
- Don’t die at mile two.
- Hang on for dear life in mile three.
The race is a nightmare and will push you to your breaking point. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn a lot about yourself during a short race.
BUT, don’t waste your time is a 5k unless you are willing to push yourself into the “pain cave.”
Why You SHOULDN’T Do a 5k
Finishing a 5k is not a challenge, even for a new runner. You won’t have to train so; you won’t feel the pride in the accomplishment.
Running can change your life for the positive. So, give yourself the reason to break your current patterns. A 5k doesn’t cut it.
If it were up to me, every race would be 5 miles or up.
But with that said here are some reasons you SHOULD run a 5k.
- Check in on your fitness and use it as a baseline test.
- Training for speed and run fast 5k. Your speed will help when in longer races.
Get On The Rubber
There is no better way to run a PR than by hitting the track. In the spring you can find an open 5k at a local track meet. Or grab friends and hold an unofficial time trial at your local track. The track is a mental grind. There are no excuses for slowing. It’s you vs. you!
The All Out Mile!
Everyone should do an all-out mile. It is fun, recovery is easy, and it’s a great benchmark. Finding an organized mile might be tough, but they are out there.
Side note: You are a runner, so people ask, “what’s your fastest mile?”. The question is a bit annoying because a “fast mile” is relative. But, go run your butt off just to impress friends!
Step 4) Pick Your Race
Now that you have your distance figured out, you can pick your race!
Where Should You Run Your Race?
Running is a mega sport now, and races pop up all over the world. Choose destination race if you have “vacay” days to burn and you want to skip town for awhile.
There are races held anywhere you can imagine.
Run A Race with a Legacy
Some races are “famous” and carry a right of passage. Each region has a run that is special to the community. You should run a legacy race to say you did it!
Size And Competition
What is your preferred race experience? Do you want to be surrounded by people? Do you want energy from the crowd and your co-racers?
Or, do you want the solitude? Do you want to celebrate your accomplishment by pushing yourself?
The size of the race boils down to personal preference.
So, now is the time. You have considered everything, so sign the heck! Get to training and feel amazing about your achievement.
