Spring has sprung, so it’s time to start thinking about shedding those extra “warming layers.” No, we’re not referring to your polar fleece; we’re referring to those extra pounds accumulated during the gorge-fest we call the holiday season.
Most people find this time of year a little more inspiring, but for those of you who still can’t find your motivation to work out, we suggest stepping out of the box. For example, if you’ve never entertained the idea of signing up for a race–whether it be a 5-K, half-marathon, triathlon, etc.–now may be a good time to consider it. If the very thought of doing this sends a wave of panic from your deepest core through your entire body, bear with us. It’s not as crazy as it seems.
Motivating Factors
When we say the word “race,” we’re really talking about an effort of the masses to get from point A to point B. It’s only a true race for a small percentage of people who are usually eagerly waiting as close to the start line as possible. The rest of us are there to enjoy the support of fellow participants and an enthusiastic event staff, run down the middle of normally busy roads and consume free gels, sports drinks and snacks during and after the event. One advantage the amateur athlete has over the elite athlete: In most cases, just crossing the finish line is fulfilling. Without the pressure of winning hanging over your head, the goal of finishing is quite attainable and rewarding. It always feels great to achieve a personal best or just accomplish the act of running or walking a specified distance.
There are few things more motivating–or intimidating–than the moment you hit the send button on the Internet or drop the check in the mail to sign up for an event. Within minutes, something comes over you. Some may call it fear, but we like to think of it as motivation. When there’s an event on the horizon, looming in the coming months, it’s difficult not to think about it daily. There may be a certain amount of stress once you’ve made that commitment, but putting in a little time (or a lot, depending on the race) to prepare for the event will alleviate most of the stress.
Another factor that makes signing up for an event a very committal act is the monetary component. Whether your entry fee is $20 or $400, it’s still hard to forfeit your money by not following through with the race. Granted, it is definitely harder to walk away from a larger sum of money, but any amount will help keep you committed.
Pick Your Battle
Before you can begin preparing for your race, you must decide what challenge you’re going to tackle. It doesn’t have to be a running race, but that’s the most common type. Generally, any populated area is going to offer a virtual cornucopia of opportunities for these “competitions.” Look on the Internet, in local newspapers and in local event publications, or check with the local running or multi-sport stores. If you’re still at a loss, there’s always the Firefighter Combat Challenge.
Once you’ve selected the type of event you’ll participate in, select an event that allows you enough time to adequately prepare. The last thing you want to do is sign up for something at the last minute and have a miserable experience. The objective is to set a goal, prepare and then have an awesome sense of accomplishment when you successfully finish the event, all while taking your fitness level up a notch or two and quite possibly developing a new passion.
So how do you know how much time is enough time? Although we can’t say for certain that you can be ready for your first 5K in just 8 weeks, that’s a common preparation time for a new runner. In all likelihood you can finish a 5K by following a recommended schedule. Of course, if you struggle to run a quarter mile at the onset of your training, you likely won’t have the same experience as someone who can confidently run 1—2 miles when they first start training–but you can still accomplish your goal and have a rewarding experience.
Fortunately, in this day and age, there’s more information available to you online than we could ever provide in a monthly column. The biggest challenge is knowing what to look for. First, use your favorite search engine to search for “running training schedules.” You’ll be amazed how specific some of the information is. On some Web sites, such as www.runnersworld.com, you can get a customized workout for any common race distance; it’s like having your own personal coach. Simply enter your race distance, how much time you have to train and a general intensity level, and you’ll soon have a weekly training program. The site provides the program; you provide the effort. If you follow a training schedule, chances are good you’ll finish your event successfully. Much of the same information is also available for a variety of sporting events, such as triathlons or cycling.
Racing Tips
As you embark on this new adventure, keep the following important tips in mind. As usual, take it slow, especially if you’re moving from the couch to a starting line. Be kind and patient with yourself. Give yourself a lot of time to train so you don’t feel rushed or panicked. You don’t want to injure yourself during training.
If this is your first effort in the “racing” world or it’s been a long time since your last race, you’ll probably be nervous and perhaps a bit intimidated. If you acknowledge this from the outset, you can work to counter these feelings instead of succumbing to them and backing out.
Finally, crossing the finish line will leave you with a tremendous sense of accomplishment. You may even think to yourself that you can go faster or farther the next time. The temptation will be to take some time off as a reward for all of your hard work. Although a break is duly earned, be careful not to get drawn in to a perpetual rest period. You’ve worked hard to get to that point, so try to stay in the game. Sign up for another event!
