We’ve all discussed why we run, but why do you RACE and how do you choose which races to run?

Do you look for certain distances, swag, location, start time, or something else?  Tell me how you decide where and when to race.  Also, I’m currently on a quest to run a race in every state.  Please tell me–and others about a particular race you’ve run that is not to be missed.

Why do we as runners race? That’s the question posted to us in the Runners’ Lounge by MCM Mama, and one worth elaborating about. As I mentioned in a previous post, although I have been an avid runner since 1987, I actually did not start racing until 2004 when I ran the Los Angeles Marathon. And even though that very first marathon was also the toughest thus far, I was hooked! The whole spectacle that comes with race day is one that no runner should miss. Maybe the marathon is not your distance, but any race has that special feeling about it, from the pre race atmosphere of excitement to the post race celebration. And let’s not forget about the food and possible prizes at the end, not to mention your finisher medal. I love soaking it all in: the motivation I get from other like minded runners, some who are way better at this than me, and the support from the spectators. And of course it always helps when you at least have a chance at winning your age group. I have never actually won a race and chances are I never will, but winning my age group in different races is plenty of glory for me. Having your name called out in front of all the other runners is as special as it gets for us amateurs. Usually we run in solitude. Other than the strangers passing us in cars, on bikes, walking their dogs, or running in solitude as well, we as runners do not have people watching our performance on a regular basis. Running is not a spectator sport and the only time we do get to be watched is on race day. And race day never disappoints in being motivational, no matter what the distance.

I choose my races based on distance and location. For shorter races I try to keep it local, but I will certainly travel for marathons. When I started competing I lived in Santa Barbara and the running community there is still something I miss to this day. I try to run as many races in Santa Barbara as I can. It is only a three hour drive from where I live now and certainly doable. Besides the Los Angeles Marathon I have run the inaugural Nike Women’s Marathon, the San Diego Rock’n Roll Marathon twice and the furthest I have traveled so far was to Boston for the 2006 marathon, an experience I still treasure. I would love to go back to Boston one day, but there are a few other marathons I would like to run as well (in no particular order):

• London
• Marine Corps
• NYC
• Comrades Marathon, South Africa
• Disney World Half and full Marathon (for the medals!!!)
• Midnight Sun Marathon, Norway
• Berlin Marathon
• Great Wall Marathon, China
• Paris International Marathon
• Marathon de Marrakech
• Rome Marathon

I guess these should keep me busy for a while!

One race I highly recommend to anyone is my favorite race of all: the Pier-to-Peak Half Marathon in Santa Barbara!!! It is a tough course, a course where there is truly no shame in walking parts of it, a course that leaves you breathless with laughter over what the heck you got yourself into, but it is a fabulous race. Labor Day weekend is always one of the best times of the year weather wise, with cool mornings and sunny days and the views from the course are breath taking.

I hope to see you on the mountain next September!

Today’s Running Tip: Why race?

You certainly don’t have to partake in any race to be a runner, but competing can offer benefits for any athlete, even the weekend warrior! Chances are that if you know you will be displaying your running capability in public you will stick with a training plan and not cut your workouts short. Even more experienced runners can still get something out of every race by trying a new distance, setting a PR, and /or feedback of their overall fitness level!