Have you signed up for any races recently? I just signed up for the PNC Parkway Classic, a ten miler that starts at the Mount Vernon Estate and runs all the way down the George Washington Parkway, through Old Town, Alexandria to Oronoco Bay Park. We’ve driven the route a few times, and it’s really pretty, and spacious, so it’ll be a fun day to be a part of.  I’m also excited to experience my first Pacers race, as I’ve heard that they’re super well organised.

This is the first time that I’ve signed up for a race that isn’t a marathon in ten years!  I love the marathon; it’s just a special and amazing distance to run, and I’ve never considered myself that good at running shorter distances, but I’ve decided to bite the bullet and try something different. I plan on running the Chicago Marathon later in the fall, and I know that having a couple of goal races between now and then will be great race-day practice and will keep my training sharp. I also really enjoy running ten miles. When I’m not training for a marathon, it’s my favourite weekend distance, so it’ll be great to run it with a bit more focus and a time goal. I’m also really missing community, so I’m looking forward to the race-day excitement and meeting some runners from around the DMV area. 

Whether you’re a new or experienced runner, adding a race or two to your calendar can have many benefits, both physical and psychological:

Motivation and Goal Setting: I enjoy registering for races because they provide specific goals to work towards. Having a deadline can be a powerful motivator to stick to your training schedule and push yourself to improve. If you don’t have a race on the horizon, you could sign up for a 5k which is a great distance if you’re just starting out, or want to focus on speed work. Alternatively a 10k or half marathon will help you to hit those higher miles, or increase your endurance. Regardless of the race you choose, having a date on your calendar is something to focus on and look forward to.

Health Benefits: Whether you run or walk your race, or a combination of the two, movement and exercise have numerous health benefits, including cardiovascular fitness, weight management, improved mood, and reduced stress. Training for a race can encourage you to maintain a consistent exercise routine and help you get out into the fresh air.

Improved Discipline and Time Management: When you train for a race, it’s very likely that you’ll have a structured training plan (if you need some help with that, let me know as I’m happy to help). Having the discipline to follow it can provide a great sense of accomplishment and will help you to improve your endurance, strength, and overall fitness.

Community and Camaraderie: The community around races is something I particularly enjoy, especially with the marathon. Races bring together people with a common interest in running, and participating in an event allows you to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and build a sense of community.  I made so many of my running friends in Chicago through events linked to the marathon and I hope to find that again in DC.

Sense of Achievement: Completing a race, especially if it’s a distance you haven’t run before, provides a significant sense of accomplishment. Crossing the finish line can boost your confidence and self-esteem and who doesn’t love a medal Monday?!

Opportunity for Travel: If the race is in a different location, it provides an excellent reason to travel and explore new places. You can turn the race into a weekend getaway or a ‘runcation’.

Fun and Enjoyment: Isn’t this really why we all do it? Running races can be such a fun and enjoyable experience. The excitement of the event, the camaraderie with other participants, and the satisfaction of completing the race contribute to a positive and memorable experience.

Charitable Causes: Many races are associated with charitable organizations, and participants often run to raise funds for a cause. This adds a philanthropic aspect to your running experience, giving you an opportunity to contribute to something meaningful.

When you’re looking for a race to sign up for, remember to choose one that is aligned with your fitness levels and goals. It’s good to pick something that will challenge you, yet feels achievable, so that you can approach the training with a healthy and positive mindset and have a sense of accomplishment when you run over that finish mat to collect your medal. I’m excited to run the PNC Parkway Classic and motivated to get in some speed-work between now and then so that I can increase my fitness and have the best race possible. 

What races have you signed up for?