I don't race a lot. There are several reasons...
1. I am a commitment-phobe. The thought of signing up for something months in advance? Eek!
2. They cost money! Except trail races. Those buggers are cheap! Or free.
3. Racing/training can be stressful. But that's the whole point, right? Running can't be all fun and games. Wait I minute, yes it can!
4. I feel like I need to "prove something" with every race. I put a lot of pressure on myself. THIS IS STUPID. Who do I think I am? Kara Goucher? I seriously need to get over myself.
5. I love the feeling after a good race, but I thoroughly enjoy running just for the enjoyment.
That being said, I am dreaming of running a race right now! It's been quite awhile since I nosed around online for something fun to run. But that's what I have been doing the past few days. A fall marathon is out of the question, but a late October half could be in the cards. Trail runs are also an option. I love a good fall trail run.
I am not at the point where I am ready to sign up for anything. Remember, I am a commitment-phobe. I could wake up tomorrow and decide I don't feel like racing at all. But I am dreaming of getting back in the game!
What websites do you use to search for races?
PA Friends: Any ideas for races within an hour or so of me?
Any chance you would do the Baltimore half?! Its an expensive one but always a fun event! I signed up for 2 races this month and my wallet is crying.
ReplyDeleteBaltimore is a good idea but I already ran the full there so I sort of want to try something different. Also, whenever we go to bmore we unfortunately associate it with surgeries at JH, which is no fun! But maybe I should make a NEW memory.
DeleteI use cool running to look for races. I , too , am a commitment phobe, but if I didn't sign up, I wouldn't train...
ReplyDeleteI forgot about cool running! Thanks!
DeleteWhy don't you do the Runner's World Half Marathon in October?! I'll come cheer for you!
ReplyDeleteIt looks fun but $95!!?? The cheapo in me cannot do that.
DeleteOkay, I was like, 'yep' when I read your point about Kara Goucher...lol. I totally put so much pressure on myself when I race. What the heck AM I having to prove???? lol
ReplyDeleteThanks for understanding! I think the only way over that is to just race so often and make other goals besides PRs!
DeleteYes, me too!! As though anyone besides me cares at all. I use runningintheusa.com when I look for races.
DeleteRight there with you. I don't race a lot either. I do a couple of halfs per year; this year I've got a marathon this fall. I like to just run.
ReplyDeleteME too. :) I raced more when I was younger but still that was only 2-3 per year. I the last calendar year I have done 1.
DeleteAhhhh I love racing! That said, every year I cut back a little more on the races. I actually love commitment but you're right, it's expensive. And I want to save my effort and money for races I really care about them so I can focus on performing my best.
ReplyDeleteMost of my races I find out about through word of mouth since I mostly do local races and I know a ton of local runners via my running club. But I like to use Running in the USA to search for races - you can do a search by state, month, and distance. :)
Maybe you could do a 10K this fall? So you can finally say you really raced one :-P
I am part of a couple local running groups on FB, maybe I should ask them! Thanks for reminding me about that. :) I know you love racing and I love reading about your races! Are there any trail runs around you? They are way less expensive. But I don't know if you like trail terrain?
DeleteThere are tons of great trail races round these parts! But I've actually never run trails before. I'd love to start getting into that scene, but it's something I'm tabling until I finally qualify for Boston. Obviously that's going to take up most of my focus and attention for the next couple years.
DeleteThat will be a great change of pace for you after all of your hard work to run Boston!
DeleteThat's how it always works right, you start thinking about a race and then whatever ails you aches. That's me this morning. I am determined to go run for an hour but my knee... there is an awareness in it. Boooo.
ReplyDeleteDoooo eeeet!
ReplyDeleteI have friends here who seem to ONLY do races. They are doing back to back halves or fulls and it's all about the race for them. I like to do 1 or 2 races, but really focus on them. For me, it's all about the training. I looooove training. I hate the time suck that it is, but I love the process.
You should get on the Oiselle Volee team. ;)
I use the google machine and also runningintheusa.com to find races. :)
lol I don't know what the Oiselle Volee team is. :)
DeleteI'll find something fun I am sure!
I never ever race but if you come to Colorado and do one, I would do it "with" you (um, not really since you are Ms. Speedy). There is one in Boulder in October! A 1/2, 10K and 5K.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I could run a half at Boulder elevation! I would be trying to keep up with YOU.
DeleteNow THAT is funny! Maybe someday you could come run the Bolder Boulder (10K).
DeleteI would love to race in CO even though I would die. :)
DeleteDo Bear Chase!!! The one that Tammy and Jeff came out to do with me! The race director was my online coach and a good friend to one of my good friends (lol). Sooo many good CO races!
DeleteI'll look it up. :) But I don't think I am going to travel for a race right now. Too expensive since we just took a huge vaycay!
DeleteI really like to search through halfmarathons.net, for half marathons that is. I am also part of a blogging group that announces local races. Have you check with your local running store? They often advertise for races of different lengths nearby. The cost of different races always stops me from signing up. If they were cheaper I would do a race every other week!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I found your blog! Your writing style is amazing. The sarcasm just seeps through.
Thanks for the tips on finding good races. I am going to check out halfmarathons.net. Thanks for visiting my blog and it is nice to meet a new reader!
DeleteI'm dreaming about racing again too! ;) A website that I use religiously to search for races is Gametiime https://gametiime.com/
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear which race you pick - if you end up committing!!
I checked out that website- it is AWESOME, so easy to navigate. Thanks for the tip!
DeleteOhhhhhh please sign up for a race! I love when you train because your serious speedwork is so speedy and fun to read about :) As a Christmas gift to yourself come run the Best Damn Race Cape Coral in December. Ali is running the full and I'm running the half. We could hang out together after and wait for her at the finish together!
ReplyDeleteomg Kristina I would looooooooove to do that! Let me research where it is and how much it would set me back to get there! I would run the half! Holy crap what is the temp in FL in Dec? I have never even been to FL!
DeleteIt would be so much fun!!!! The temp in December is really unpredictable. It's normally in the 60-70s in the morning and 80s in the afternoon... but it could be as cold as 30s-50s in the morning or as hot as 80s-90s.
DeleteA couple of years ago I heard people were dropping like flies at the Palm Beach Marathon because it got up into the 90s, which is unexpectedly warm for December.
Already I looked up travel deets and it's not looking good. I'd pretty much have to drop like 1,000 bucks to fly down there and stay in a hotel two nights, etc. It's killing me because it would be so fun to meet you guys and share in your race day! Some other time okay? I want to go to FL.
DeleteYikes, that is so much! Definitely some other time!
DeleteOMG I wish this were a possibility!!!
DeleteI live 30 minutes from the race site...you could stay with me! ;o)
DeleteYou are tempting me!!! I will research flights more, okay?
DeleteI'm glad you're feeling the racing bug a little bit...I know you'll take your time to pick one and all, but I like knowing the possibility of following your training is looming!!
ReplyDelete