How often do you run a race, but don’t “race” a race?
Tomorrow, I’m running the Scotland Run 10k (read last year’s recap here). Last year I was in the middle of my peak season and this year I’m just getting started with my training. The game plan is to run the race as my long run of the week and tack on two more miles.
Sounds like a breeze right?
Well, it would be a breeze if my ego didn’t get in my way. It’s hard running a race knowing it’s just for fun and not for setting a new pr. I guess I should try and enjoy a pressure free run. I know that later in the year I’ll be craving a relaxed pace but right now I wish I was fit and I wish I was fast.
I have another “fun” run on my schedule for spring, but right now I’m thinking about not signing up for any more races until I’m ready to “race”.
Do you enjoy running races just to run them or do you prefer racing?
i’m doing the same exact thing. scotland run + 2 miles for some added distance. i totally prefer running them to racing. i find that without pressure i tend to run more strongly. hmm… it’s clearly a metal thing. best of luck tomorrow — maybe i’ll see you on the ‘+2’ 🙂
I’m running Scotland, as well. I’m really not ready to race a 10k, so I won’t be pushing for a PR. I will be ‘racing’ it, though. Planning on running maybe 30 seconds slower than my usual race pace.
I like to beat my own times but I also know I can’t always do it or I’ll be injured. I always take into consideration the rest of the races I want to run later before deciding how fast to run.
I think when I first started running, I didn’t really understand the distinction. Now I have a lot of trouble holding myself back, even if I’m not taking a race too seriously I still try hard and race it! Good luck tomorrow, whatever your plan may be 🙂
i find races are perfect training runs too though becuase you push yourself, the atmosphere of the race always gets to me and brings out something special in my legs. its good to have races planned throught your training to keep you motivated and accountable for your training.
I struggle with this… I think I like racing more than running, if that makes sense. Although now that I’m injured and CAN”T run, I realize I do love running. I ran a big race in the fall that I was running for a PR but I really should have just run it for fun, there were too many people and not enough room to spread out and run as fast as I had wanted. I don’t think I’ve ever run a race and not “raced” it!
I think that’s why I sometimes struggle with races – I want to run to enjoy the run, but once I’m in a race, it’s hard not to get caught up in things. I hope you can enjoy the run and not push too hard since it’s supposed to be for “fun” right? Easier said than done, I realize 😉
I always ‘race’ a race. All of my training runs (or fun runs) were done in anticipation of that ‘race’ moment.