I’m No Longer Raceless
When people know you are passionate about running, you can’t escape it: “So, what are you training for right now? What’s your next race?”
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve been asked that question during the past few months, I’d be a millionaire—or at least I’d be able to afford a new running outfit. My answer has been rather anticlimactic: I’m just running for fun. I’m not really racing this year. *Waaw waaw waaw*
At the beginning of this year, I declared 2015 the year I run and exercise for fun, for joy and for others. {And for that tiny little detail that less mileage and intensity will also help me hatch a Baby rUnladylike.}
Old habits die hard.
I’m still just running and exercising for fun, but I’m no longer raceless. In fact, I am officially running 2 races in March.
Race #1: March 14, 2015: Armadillo Run
First up is a little 5K/10K race near my parents’ home in Florida called the Armadillo Run {hopefully the name isn’t an omen that I’ll be face-up on my shell unable to move afterwards, or squashed to bits on the side of the road.} I’m excited about this because my parents run it every year, and this year, Mr. rUnladylike and I will be able to run it with them. It has been a long time since I’ve done any running with my dad. Running started because of my family, and running the same race as a family is special. I haven’t decided if I will run the 5K or 10K yet, but I’m excited.
Race #2: March 28, 2015: Publix Savannah Women’s Half Marathon
One of my wonderful friends and coaching clients is running the Publix Savannah Women’s Half Marathon this spring, and I have been working with her to get her ready for what will hopefully be a personal best race (although the course map has turns and curves like I’ve never seen before). I really enjoy running in Savannah. I ran the Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon in 2011 and had the chance to run in this historic city last June when I was there for FitBloggin’. I decided it would be fun to have a road trip to help her prepare for race weekend, be there with her on race day and run for fun to see where my fitness level is at as well. I’ve been running 10 miles every Saturday as my standard long run as well as 2 to 3 times during the week + cross training and strength training, so it will be an interesting experiment to see what my running fitness is like without the typical speed work, tempo runs and higher mileage I would be doing if I was training for a goal race. Plus, who can pass up a race weekend road trip with another amazing runner?
So there you have it. Yesterday, I was a raceless runner. Today, I have some additional inspiration to keep hitting the pavement and a little more purpose than I had yesterday.
What spring races are you signed up for?
Comments
Yay spring races!!
I’m signed up for the Around the Bay 5K, the Sporting Life Ottawa 10K – and will be running both the 5K and 10K races on the Saturday of Ottawa Race Weekend (I run with over 100 students). I’m also signed up to pace an April race as well!
Sounds like a great spring race schedule Rebecca! Can’t wait to hear how it all goes 🙂
Good for you–sounds to me like a middle ground between not racing and racing. No harm/no foul and lots of fun!
Those sound like perfect races – family time, a road trip, and some coaching support too! I’ve heard good things about the Publix Savannah Half, and March is such a beautiful time to visit 🙂
Those sound like great races! My husband and I should find out soon whether we move to Seattle or stay in northwest Indiana, and once we do I’m signing up for a spring half!
Laura,
If you move to Seattle, you have to do Rock ‘n’ Roll. Seattle. It is one of my favorite races! I may be out there for it again this June.
Thanks, Jesica! I totally have my eye on that race and will probably run it if we move out there. If not, I’ll still probably run it, because my husband and I want to at least visit Seattle, and why not combine a race and vacation 🙂
I’ve noticed your running top in several pictures and hoped you could tell me the brand/style. It looks like the perfect top for running and racing this summer! I haven’t made the financial commitment yet, but am hoping to sign up for an early June Half (my 3rd) and an Olympic triathlon later in the summer. 🙂
Hi Hillary! I run and race in the same top, which is the Brooks Running Infiniti Support Tank. It has a built-in shelf bra. I have it in pink and blue and it should also still come in a hot coral color. It’s funny that so many of my pictures include it since I race in the same gear. LOL! Check out http://www.brooksrunning.com to see all the styles and what is currently available.
My first race of the year is actually the Utah Valley Half Marathon in June. I signed up for this event because the mighty Ryan Hall is going to be running it. It will be awesome to be on the same course as the fastest American marathoner (and half marathoner).
http://www.utahvalleymarathon.com/
Fun that you have decided on some races!! I am doing the Shamrock 15k and RNR Portland! Excited!!
I was raceless from May 2014 to January 2015. I signed up for the April Fools Half Marathon in AC, so I’m no longer raceless! I find that I am much more motivated when I have a race to train for (especially since it’s so cold and snowy and I’m stuck running on treadmills)
I’m also planning on entering the Chicago marathon lottery. Crossing my fingers!
Yay for two of us no longer being raceless Jojo! I’m excited to hear about your April Fools run (which is also my birthday!) and good luck getting into Chicago. You know it is a race I love! xoxo
No spring races yet. Just another half ironman in early June but I will likely sign up soon for the Bucks County 10-miler in early May and an Olympic triathlon (tune up race) sometime mid-May. Your two races sound fun! What a great way to celebrate running with your mentor (your dad)!