Our Annual Event Guide is Here!
Our March Event Guide for 2014 is here! These pages are packed with every type of race you can imagine. 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 have more than 650.
Many of us set big goals for ourselves at the beginning of the year. Don’t be afraid of failure. Comb through the events listed on these pages and create a schedule to help yourself really conquer your dreams this year. Maybe it’s running your fastest ever 5K or perhaps your dream is to tackle your first marathon. Last year, my running routine had grown a bit stale, so my goal was to branch out and do something new. I ran my first mud run, my first color run, as well as a few other wacky events, and really energized my zest for traditional races.
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. It also helps to keep your long term fitness goals in mind. Remind yourself who it is that you want to be and what it is that you are trying to accomplish.
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.
I hope you enjoy our event guide!
Derek Griffiths