Why You Should Put a Race on Your Calendar NOW
Spring races are coming up soon. If you don’t have a race on your calendar, it’s a good idea to register for one. There are many benefits of racing, no matter your running experience. From new runners to experienced runners, and runners of all distances 5K to marathoners, can enjoy these race benefits-
Community
The benefit that strikes out is the community aspect of racing. Racing brings the running community together. I am an introverted person, and I love my solo runs, but races are the perfect way to be surrounded by like-minded people, even for someone like me. Fellow runners in my race corrals have taught me so much about racing. From the marathon expo to the finish line, the support and camaraderie of runners is like none other. Races are like big fitness and running parties.
Motivation
I love the motivation that a scheduled race gives you. The date on the calendar is an excellent way to set a timeline for your running and fitness goals. For me, goals of running with a friend, setting a personal best, or just finishing strong are great for a confidence boost. After achieving the goals for a particular race, I am motivated to set the bar higher for the next race.
Structure
One of the best things about race training is the discipline and structure. I am a pretty self-disciplined person, but life happens; yes, I am talking about kids, work, and home. These things get in the way of exercise schedule quickly. Running with an aim, like a future race, will help you put various runs on your calendar and motivate you to prioritize your running workouts. You will be able to gauge your progress with structured running.
Challenges
Racing always comes with challenges, managing the training schedule, staying healthy and injury-free, or a hilly course. I like to embrace challenges because they push me out of my comfort zone. I want to do more, push harder, get tougher, and races give me ample opportunities to do just that.
Travel
Racing is a great way to travel around the states and worldwide. I know a few athletes who have run a marathon in every continent of the world. Many runners set to complete the fifty-state challenge and go around to see all fifty states. What better way to explore a city than racing in it? It’s a perfect opportunity to explore the state and turn it into a runcation.
You can reap all these benefits from racing. Try putting a race on the calendar this spring and see where it takes you next. You might get hooked on racing and running.
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About the Author
Aesha Tahir is a health and wellness coach and a certified personal trainer. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Exercise Science and is certified by the NASM as a Personal trainer. She is a certified USA Track and Field Running Coach and Road Runners of America Coach. She is a 200-HR Registered Yoga Teacher. She is also a group exercise instructor specializing in barre, spinning, strength training, boot camp, and yoga classes. She has over five years of experience in the fitness and wellness arena with focused expertise in coaching, corrective exercise and injury prevention, individualized fitness programs, and group fitness programs. She is also an aspiring public speaker in the fitness and wellness world who believes in this quote; “To be inspired is great, but to inspire is incredible.”
