Running Your 1st Race
Many people run for years and never take part in a race. I have one friend who runs 40 miles a week, but I can’t convince her to participate in a local race. While it doesn’t make her less of a runner, I think that there are many benefits to racing.
First of all, you get to meet other runners, your fellow slaves to the road. You can compete against each other and push each other to improve. You can form new friendships and meet training partners, which can bring new joy to your fitness program.
Secondly, participating in races can be great motivation. Having a goal race to prepare for may help you stick to your training schedule and help you strive to run faster. Also, racing can give you a sense of accomplishment by training for an event and finishing it.
If you run local races, you have the added benefit of earning closets filled with free race t-shirts to wear while training! In addition to the great prizes, t-shirts and food that you often get at local running and walking events, many events raise thousands, if not millions, of dollars for worthwhile charities.
Some folks think that running a race takes special preparation or training. If you attend a local 5K race, you’ll find that there are runners of all ages, shapes and speeds. Often there are fast runners, slow runners and walkers. To participate, all you have to do is register, pin on your bib number, line up at the start, and start moving when the announcer says “Go!”.
If you decide that you are ready to take the plunge, check out the list of upcoming races on page 41. You can also log onto www.coloradorunnermag.com for registration information.
Happy trails!
Derek