Our Annual Event Guide is Here!
Two months have passed by since the New Year. Have you been sticking to your resolutions or have you already forgotten them? Goals are important for runners. They help us stay motivated and stay on target with our workouts.
If running a race will help you stay on track, Colorado Runner Magazine has you covered! This issue is packed with an event guide to carry you through to the end of the year. There are nearly 700 events listed. You can also go online at www.coloradorunnermag.com to access all of the event listings and to find out more information about each race. We have traditional running and walking events, as well as trail races and multisport races, such as triathlons. We’ve also included adventure races and mud run events. And if it seems like there are more events than ever in Colorado, you’re right. A few years ago, our event guide would consistently publish around 500 events in a year. This year we almost topped 700!
Running a race is a great way to track your fitness. I like to not just run one or two big goal races a year, but participate in races regularly to see how my daily workouts are going. You typically push harder in a race than you would by yourself. It also helps tune up your race day routine. You can run a race at the beginning of your running cycle to gauge your fitness, and then race again every month to track your progress. Plus, a fall marathon or half marathon may be a long way off. Racing now will help you stay on target.
If you’re having trouble just getting out the door each day, try to focus on one workout at a time. Maybe it will help you follow through to pack your bag for the gym and put it in your car the night before. Or if you’re going to run first thing in the morning, lay out your shoes and workout gear by the bed so you put it on as soon as you get up. If you feel tired or too busy, just commit to a few minutes. I usually find that once I get going, I’m grateful that I made the effort and finished my entire workout.
If you’re starting to feel bored or burned out, make a change. Try something different. Try a track workout. Run hills. Stay indoors and test the treadmill. Join a group or a weekly fun run from a local running store. And remember to reward your success. Buy a new pair of running shoes or a new pair of gloves if you’re sticking to your resolutions. It will help you feel confident while running. Small rewards can boost your motivation.
I hope you enjoy our event guide! And have a great Spring, getting out the door each day for your run!
Derek Griffiths