Comments on: So it looks like I’m signing up for races again…

By: Kaethe

Kaethe — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:41:50 +0000

I try to do a few races a year and find it’s a great way to plan something fun to look forward to with friends. My favorite is the Fall 50 which is a 50 mile relay race in beautiful Door County, WI. I run with a team of friends and we divide up the legs to a manageable distance for each of us. Last year I also did a half marathon in April with a good friend which I thought would be too hard since it was such a busy season for our family. It was actually exactly what I needed in that season—the commitment made me stick to regular training runs and I loved having a weekend away with my friend—plus I was even faster than my goal time! We both signed up to run it again, even though this spring is just as busy. I’d encourage any parent of a graduating senior to schedule something that helps them meet their own goals during that school year, and for me that is a few fun races.

By: Connie C.

Connie C. — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 16:02:25 +0000

I think you need to run in costume, and provide your readers with a photo!

Have a great race!

By: Laura Vanderkam

Laura Vanderkam — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:32:16 +0000

In reply to Meg. @Meg- yep, sometimes the events themselves can be let downs. I guess it's the journey, right? If you see me say hello!

By: Laura Vanderkam

Laura Vanderkam — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:31:38 +0000

In reply to Omdg.

@Omdg – weight lifting is fun – I’ve definitely enjoyed getting a bit more into that. I’m hoping to avoid injuries but we shall see…

By: Meg

Meg — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:35:53 +0000

When I started reading your post, my first thought was, “I can transfer my Broad Street bib to her!” I think my registering this year was foolish. I’ve been dealing with plantar fasciitis since last summer. I registered during a moment of magical thinking. If I can’t transfer my bib to someone, I may defer until next year. And as part of my “training” for Broad Street, I had also signed up for the same race I think you’re running on Saturday. I am going to attempt that one. I’ve been doing run/walk re-training for a couple of months, and I want to see how I do. Last summer I was training for a half when the PF started. Such a disappointment, because I had been having such a great time with my morning runs. I think I prefer the grind of the training to the actual event!

By: Omdg

Omdg — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 23:45:02 +0000

I guess races do motivate me to run more, but these past few years that has backfired and resulted in injuries, so I’m not sure that a net positive. I’ve been doing weightlifting instead which has been fun! I signed up for a 5k this spring and I’m just going to see how it goes on a max of 10 miles per week plus weights. If it turns out not to be fun, which is a strong possibility, I don’t have to do it again.

By: Laura Vanderkam

Laura Vanderkam — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 22:02:51 +0000

In reply to Jen.

@Jen – a full Ironman does sound like a time commitment. I think a 10k is a great length – feels like you got a real run in but quick enough to go about your day afterwards. That’s how I’m feeling about my 5-miler this weekend. Should be doable (if cold).

By: Jen

Jen — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:47:41 +0000

I have done SO many races. I love them as a goal and reason to train. Everything from 5ks to marathons to triathlons. I find I am so much more consistent when I have a race. This year is my husband’s turn though. He is very supportive of my goals, always but i mostly don’t want to have to do the gymnastics of figuring out my training with his (he’s training for a full ironman so it’s a big time commitment) and I kind of want the break, anyway. It’s fine to go through ebbs and flows of motivation.
Last year I did a popular 10k here in Toronto on Mother’s day and I thought that was great! I ran a race and was done well before lunch and then got to be taken out for dinner. All around a day that was built for mom!

By: Laura Vanderkam

Laura Vanderkam — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:13:32 +0000

In reply to Elisabeth. @Elisabeth - ooh, that is tempting! I bet Nova Scotia is beautiful then!

By: Elisabeth

Elisabeth — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 14:21:16 +0000

I’ve done one timed race (a 5K) and one Colour Me 5K; both were really fun. Now that the kids are getting older, I’ll admit that the thought of a 10K or half-marathon is starting to sound a bit more appealing but not quite appealing enough to sign up for one yet. My son loves running and I think that will propel me to do some more races eventually. He will definitely leave me in his dust.

Just saying…there’s a marathon (and 5K, 10K, half, and ultra) in my town in October. And someone you know might be visiting the area at the same time. October in Nova Scotia is gorgeous!