To many runners, running is something they love; they look forward to their daily runs, they love getting out the door, seeing beautiful scenery, burning off the stress of the day, but they don’t see themselves as competitors. They’re not in it to win races, or even compete to win. They don’t see themselves as competitive at all. In fact, the very thought of competition makes their stomachs flip-flop.
Maybe they don’t race, they avoid races because they don’t think they’re fast enough or good enough. That’s a shame I think, because there’s a lot of comradery and friendships made at races.
I’m not the biggest fan of races, but once I’m there and the race has started, and that beginning mile or two is done, I’m glad I went; seeing friends and fellow runners doesn’t disappoint! The best part is at the finish line where I get my medal from the wonderful volunteer and feel a sense of achievement that I never feel anyplace else!
We don’t have to be elite runners to like competition. Maybe you have bad memories about competition from school. I have some myself. I hated running in school! I was slower than most of the other kids and was usually one of the last finishers. That usually meant I got teased or branded one of the Slowest Runners.
Things haven’t changed much, I’m still one of the slowest. But unlike in school, I get support at the races I do! Most of the time anyway.
I would say that trail races are much more supportive than road races, especially bigger road races. As long as you can make the cutoff times, you’ll feel a part of things. If you don’t think you can make the cutoff of a longer race, do a short distance if they offer it and train until you can do the longer one. It can be done!
Just remember that the competition in running is between You and You. It doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing; don’t let them distract you from your race! That’s one of the biggest secrets to enjoying races. Go out with the intention of having fun and the have FUN!
You won’t be sorry you did!