Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Surprise Races!

You all know I've been training for this 10k in October. It's my goal race for the season in the sense that my year of short/speed is coming to an end and it will probably be the last race I run in 2016.

Well, that was the plan anyway. But two races kind of snuck up on me this week and I couldn't say no!
Overused, always accurate. Fun story: when I first saw Elf I wasn't a runner yet, so I didn't get this line; now, I feel like he knows my soul.
The first surprise race is a nighttime 5k this Friday. As in, three days from now. The race is a bit of a drive for us, but I'm excited for it because 1) Sean (remember him?) loves it and swears it's great 2) the after-party/dinner is supposed to be fantastic (even though I won't be able to partake), and 3) this year is the race's 5th anniversary so there's a finisher's medal!
I plan to run it HARD and see if I've kept up my fitness from May's 5k; if I can keep paces in the 8:40s again I'll be totally surprised and stoked, but that's kind of my goal/hope.

The second race is after the 10k. The other CRT (whose office I share) and one of our 5th grade teachers have been talking about training for their first 5k. They've been excited to run it but I can tell they're also a little nervous. This week, they jokingly challenged me to join them, and I immediately agreed.

They hadn't signed up yet, even though they've been training since summer, and I had the feeling they might chicken out, so I signed up and forced their hands.
First races are a big deal and I know they can either hook you and make you love running, or they can kind of scare you off for awhile. I want this to be a good experience for them, so I plan to run it at an easy and fun pace (because it's a themed race and I'm not sure if it's worth busting my butt over, but we'll see how I feel!) and meet them at the end with big cheers and smiles.

I want Elizabeth to run either race with me, but I really wish she could run the first. She's never run a a race before, and it would give her a race experience before our 10k (she's not sure how she'll be in a race atmosphere, understandably!) and because there's a finisher's medal, I think it would really make her feel excited and accomplished. Either way, I'm still (gently) working on her to join!
I want this to be EVERYONE'S reaction after their first race!
I've missed running 5ks; I can't justify running a race every weekend like I used to, but I'm really glad these two races popped up on my radar so I can fit in a few more before 2016 draws to a close.

Do you have any last-minute races coming up?
If you're a more discerning racer, how do you decide if you're going to participate in a race?

ABK

Today I linked up with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs for Tuesdays on the Run!

10 comments:

  1. That meme is absolutely perfect. When I'm running a race and feel all pukey I question why the hell I felt the need to sign up for a race? But then I am all high at the end and want to do it again! That is exciting you're going to get some more races in! Hmmm... I ran 3 races this year which is actually more than normal. I have been itching to find something to just do off the cuff, like not prepare for and just see how my fitness is!

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    1. I see you found a surprise race yourself recently! And you did SO well. I think these surprise races are a really good indicator of our actual fitness, you're so right!

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  2. Sometimes those last minutes raves are the most fun! Goodluck!

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  3. Elizabeth has never run a race? Wow!! This is so exciting! I hope you talk her into the 5K!

    I love costume races! I don't always dress up for them, but I like having the option!

    You have been training so hard all summer, I'm sure you will rock this races!

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    1. Nope, she's (self-proclaimed) "not a runner"! But her brother once ran a half so she wants to "beat" him and eventually run 15 miles, so I'm trying to get her to that point!

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  4. 5ks are the worst about 2/2.5 miles in...I always wonder why I am participating and debate slowing down. Then the second you finish, your attitude does a 180. So interesting. I will probably do our local Farmer's Market 5k the 3rd Wednesday of October, and will most likely sign up for the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, but those are always last minute sign-ups for me. Good luck at your races!

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    1. Yes, 2/3 of the way into ANY race I start to feel like I'll never finish!

      There's a local TT I usually do Thanksgiving morning. I need to consider that this year, too!

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  5. Both races sound fun! I love that you're going to support your friends that are new to running and racing. I'm sure you'll help make it a great experience for them. :) I haven't had any surprise races, though I wish I could add in a few, lol...

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    1. I think I'm most excited about the "Souper Hero" race because I'm excited to experience their first race with them! Being there for someone's first is really special!

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