The Race

I was asked an interesting question last night about my running.

"Why do you race?"

It was followed up with things like "the training schedule would drive me nuts", "why not just run?"

I've been thinking about it this morning (as I slept late and skipped my long run again).

I like some structure - so training schedules are typically good for me. It gives me something to strive for. That's also partially why I race - to give myself a goal. This is especially useful for someone who was never a runner before. I sometimes need to prove to myself that I can do it.

But the more I think about it, the more I keep coming back to the running culture. It's about being around people that get what you're going through - the struggles, the triumphs and the support.

I am always in awe at the running community, particularly at races. There are so many of the fast runners that stick around and cheer on us slow runners to the finish. Theres always such a happy, festive atmosphere.

So I would say that I run for many reasons - fun, goals, bling, comraderie, health, structure, being introduced to new courses/areas.

Why do you run races?