Does everyone here typically run thinking about their next race, or training for a race?
As mentioned previously, I just started running for the first time last June. About 4 or 5 years ago I walked a 5K with some family, but that’s the only organized running event I’ve done since middle school.
For whatever reason, I just don’t have a major desire to do many races. My goal is a 20 minute 5K, but until I’m relatively close to that, I don’t have much interest. I think when I get down closer I’ll have to run a couple organized events just to get familiar with the set up, actual prep that week/morning, etc.
I guess the good thing is that I’m just “enjoying” running without needing to have the specific events to keep me motivated or interested. Part of it too is how busy I am with work, weight lifting, etc. Right now I’m working 6 days/wk, 55-60 hrs. Tack on 15-20 miles of running and two, 60-90 minute weight lifting sessions, I don’t have a lot of extra time. Most events are on Saturday’s as well, which I typically work, and the opportunity cost of taking a day off work for a race makes that race very expensive. My Saturdays at work are typically “optional” but since I’m paid on a day rate, I typically find it worthwhile to go in.
Not me, really.
Last year I just winged it and kept showing up. I really didn't have a lot of goals. I was on fire last year. I did 3 half marathons (and the associated paid training programs). I took my 1/2 time from 2:52 to 2:28 to 2:20. Then my uphill half from 4:02 (it was fucking 95 degrees that year) to 3:23 (way better weather). I even broke 10:00 for a 10k. All before deciding to have "fun" on a trail run, sigh.
So now, I'm coming back from injury and ... I don't have any race goals. I've signed up for a half marathon training program for a half in May. I did the same program and race last May. I have not, however, signed up for the race.
Mostly, signing up and paying for the running programs GETS ME TO SHOW UP. Even if I don't race. (Which: I probably will? But the half is something like $120-145, so ... it's pretty and all. I've done it 3x. But...do I need to pay $140? I can just train for it, show up on race day and cheer everyone else on. Anything over 9-10 miles kinda hurts anyway. Our final long run is on the actual course and is 11 miles so...perfect!) The October race I did is $80-90, so much more doable. Uphill half is also $90 (almost no support on that one though. You do it for the glory!)
I kinda have a goal of a sub-27:00 5k. That's just a nebulous goal right now because of the state of my running. I am registered for a 10k in Sept. I will probably do the uphill half again in September (before the 10k). Because: it's kind of an insane race and it's turning into my thing.
Just gotta keep showing up.
Yep, this was the statement of the day this morning at track practice. "Just show up!" Some days are good, some days aren't. I follow Kelly Roberts on Instagram, and she had a post this week about showing up and how it took her years to break a 2:00 half. It was very inspiring.
Anyway, racing, times, etc - I'm pretty much racing myself. I'm 48 and women in their 40s are crazy fit. At least the ones who run races. Seriously I'm lucky to make it to dead even 50th percentile.
The other thing about races...I tend towards half marathons because of the training programs. But they are kind of a pain in the ass. First, they are long (2+ hours for me). So it's like this precision instrument with nutrition, hydration, carb-loading. What to eat before and during. When to go to the bathroom. How to time your morning coffee so you don't have to go to the bathroom. Learning to eat carbs for lunch the 2 days before a long run. How to get to the race start on point-to-point races. The nickel and diming (the pretty race mentioned above is 40 miles from where I live, but in the same county. They charge $15 if you want to pick up your BIB here in SB instead of in SYV. But they drive all the damned BIBs down anyway.)