Friday, August 9, 2013

What do you race for?

Posted by CheapRunnerMichelle

“Somewhere along the line you’ve probably heard someone say that running is a cheap sport to take up—all you really need is a pair of running shoes. If you’ve been a runner for any length of time, then you know that this is an outright lie.

Running is getting pretty expensive, but the truth is that it’s only just getting started. Every year there will be more and more races that you have to enter which equates to more money spent on race fees and travel expenses for those out of town races.

You know what else you’re going to need? A second job to pay for this new running addiction that someone told you was cheap, but if you take on a second job then when will you have the time to run? You’d consider selling plasma or bone marrow if they’d let you do it more than twice a week. Perhaps you’d be better off financially if you just quit running altogether, but that’s not really an option. You’re committed to running for life which is appropriate given that you just dropped two month’s salary on your last outing to the running store.”

Excerpt from completerunning.com


So let’s talk today about something that most of us drop a lot of cash for every year….racing.

There are many different reasons to choose a race:

Support the Charity/ Run in Memory of someone

As someone who lost a parent to cancer a few years ago – I understand wanting to run a race, pay the entry fee, find sponsorship in order to benefit the charity the race you choose happens to support. Raising funds for a cause is not just an exercise in charity, but one that hits very close to many people's hearts.

For the Bling

It seems as though each “big” race is trying to out-do others in this category – and I have to admit…I do like the “bling” at a race. So far my favourite is the one I received in St.Pete’s last November at my very 1st half marathon


…but I am reeeaaallly looking forward to my Disney medals that I will be earning in October and January

For the Trip

Although I do many local races, I choose to only do shorter distances at them (anywhere from 5 – 15 km)…if I am going to run further than that for a race…it is going to be a “destination” race. Back in April Shape magazine did an article on the “10 Destination Races to Run Before you Die” and earlier this month Women’s Running magazine put out an article “Top 10 Destination Races”

Since travelling is one of my favourite things to do with my time off – what better way to combine two things I love!


Competition

If you follow me on IG you know this is not why I run…let alone run a race – because…


I know that I am never going to break any records or “win” so for me this is not high on my priority list….now my hubby on the other hand is a different story. If you didn’t check out his post talking a bit about how competitive he is – you can read it here... he calls it “motivation” I call it competition :)


So your turn…what makes you choose a race?

What’s your favourite race bling so far?

18 comments:

  1. My race choices depend on a lot of things. Especially for half/full marathons. I like local ones, support local economy etc. and it's cheaper being closer to home. Sometimes I pick races I HAVE to travel to because it's an excuse for a vacation. I don't take a lot of vacations so it's nice to be able to combine the 2! I don't do a ton of bigger/branded races (i.E. rock n roll) because you can get just as much if not more out of smaller races.

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  2. I'm the opposite - I actually don't race much anymore because I did always feel the need to run to try and win (I might be a little competitive). The constant training at that level led to non-stop injuries so it was better to be able to run and not compete for me.

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  3. Charlotte@CommitnessToFitnessAugust 9, 2013 at 10:34 AM

    as a non-racer, (who comes from a family of racers) what i love about it is that its more than just a hobby- its their lifestyle. its a reason to travel, its something to look forward to, to get better at, etc. i think anything that fits those criteria in a person's life is a pretty amazing thing. (although i cant think of anything quite as amazing as marathons and half marathons, but you know what i mean :) )

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  4. I currently (not for much longer) live where there are some great races (Va Beach) so I take advantage of being close. I'm not so much about the bling (though I do like it) but more about the cause if there is one and organziation of the race (hate unorganized races!). My favorite bling would have to be my first marathon which was the Guam Marathon. Very small, no frills race but my fave. I don't even 100 people ran it the year I ran it. I really like your St. Pete's medal. Very cool!

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  5. It's totally true I did a MEC no frills race earlier this year...it was only $15...but our swag bag was awesome - and it was a nice smaller race

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  6. I think you and Mike would get along quite well ;)

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  7. All very good reasons to choose a race - the smaller ones certainly have their perks!

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  8. katie @ fromicecreamtomarathonAugust 9, 2013 at 2:22 PM

    Several times my hubby has said I need to quit running. (The horror!!) He said I'm spending too much money. But I told him I don't have a baby to spend money on, so racing is my baby! :)
    My fave race bling so far is the Womens Half Marathon I did in Nashville last year. This year the bling from that race is going to be even better! (Cowboy boots) They sure know how to do it right!

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  9. Fit 'n' Well MommyAugust 9, 2013 at 6:34 PM

    I haven't ran a race, but I have competed in a few CrossFit competitions. I usually pick a competition based on the cause and if some of my fellow athletes are doing it with me.

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  10. Sugar Coated SheridanAugust 9, 2013 at 10:09 PM

    Love that bling! I've only done one half marathon so that medal would have to be my favorite so far...My goal is to do a Disney race one day so I can have some Disney bling like a real princess should :)

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  11. I love this post!! All so true. I would do a race every weekend if I could afford it! I usually register for a race to keep me focused and working toward a goal. I love the excitement of race day though my first few races I was so nervous beforehand my husband would say, "you call this fun?" My favorite bling has to be from my Marine Corp Marathon last October. I would still wearing it everyday if people didn't stare!!!

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  12. I'm not a big racer. The fact I even signed up for the Marathon surprised me. I like recreational running, but with a more dedicated tone to it. Going through an injury right now makes me feel worse as it will impact my marathon, rather than not have that mental stress if I was just running for fun.

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  13. So I definately want to do either the women's series or R&R in Nashville...their medals are awesome!

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  14. Having a buddy to go with - makes participating even better!...not sure that I would go do a race on my own

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  15. I CANNOT WAIT for my disney bling...I am beyond excited!!!

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  16. So true...alot of time I need that motivation and focus as well

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  17. I like having the "goal" of a race to work towards...I hate to admit it - but otherwise my running is not as dedicated or fucused

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