Are races "easier"?

crittergirl222

I've run for 20+ years, never had any inclination to run a race. A friend recently told me that races are "easier" due to all of the adrenaline, support,distraction etc.

Thoughts?

janejellyroll

I think it depends on the person. The social aspect, energy, and competition of races do make the runs feel easier to me. I also find it much easier to get motivated for my daily runs when I am training for a specific upcoming race. But these are individual factors -- I can imagine that for some people, the things that I find exciting and motivating are irrelevant.

VioletRojo

For me, the excitement and atmosphere of a race make me run faster. I don't know about easier, but it's a lot more fun to run 13.1 miles on race day than it is running a 13.1 training run all by myself.

zdyb23456

I'd say it depends on how you view running races.

For me, I find them stressful! Probably because I am hoping for a new PR when I run, so I'm always nervous leading up to and the day of. I can't say I feel a lot of adrenaline, but maybe. The last race I ran, the weather wasn't great and it felt like torture trying to keep pace with my training. I must saying finishing feels wonderful.

I have friends that run races purely for the social/fun aspect. And for the beer at the end.

AdrianChr92

Easier? Nah.

But you will be faster

hill8570

I've always found races far, far easier than training. Back when I was more into running, the only thing that kept me slogging through training was looking forward to race day. Just watch out for the dreaded sprint-out-with-the-leaders-then-bonk syndrome -- a little race-day adrenaline is good...too much can be very, very bad.

aub6689

I think they are, but it depends on you. I generally draw more on internal motivation, but with running I used to be the chubby short girl that would outrun anyone next to me like I had something to prove. So my first half marathon there was no way I was going to stop running and there were people that (without their knowledge) I was determined to keep up with or beat. You are also getting cheered on by strangers and there are funny signs and people along the way. I end up smiling and just happy regardless of the pain or discomfort that running can bring.

yusaku02

I find them to be easier and faster. I'm highly competitive when it comes to sports so throw in some adrenaline and I'm just focused on passing the next person ahead of me. The full marathon I ran didn't feel anywhere near that long.

JeepHair77

Sort of. A 5K, definitely. I'm really not a competitive person at all, but I usually run a little faster in a race and I feel a little less tired - so that's the adrenaline, probably, plus the novelty of the different-to-me-route keeps my mind busy and less focused on whether I'm tired or my feet hurt or whatever. And there's some mental prepwork in there, probably, in the picking up the packet, pinning on the number and getting my things together, getting up a little early and driving to the place, waiting for the start, etc.

But longer races, no. When I'm doing a 10K or a half marathon, I always struggle with "the wall" and then fight mental negativity for the rest of the run, culminating in a complete emotional breakdown at the finish and a vow never to run again because it sucks and racing sucks and that guy in a duck costume sucks and hills suck and I don't deserve this stupid medal because I suck... LOL! I usually feel like a bada$$ later that night or the next day. My runner's "high" is just delayed.

wonko221

i've been a runner for... less than seven weeks. I'm on week 7 of c25k; not sure when i became a "runner" but i've got the bug now.

This past weekend i ran in a 5k. There were a few hundred people. Folks were gathered along the sides to give us high-5s and cheer us on. There was a group handing out water, gatorade, and morale. I had my partner at my side the whole time as we pushed on.

As much as i like my solitary runs following the prompts of the c25k program, the vibe during that 5k was fantastic, and i'm already signed up for my next.

pomegranatecloud

Yes for me.

fitmom4lifemfp

crittergirl222 wrote: »

I've run for 20+ years, never had any inclination to run a race. A friend recently told me that races are "easier" due to all of the adrenaline, support,distraction etc.

Thoughts?

Totally depends on the person. It's a very individual thing. I've done a few half-marathons, but I would never call them "easier" than running around the neighborhood.

ASKyle

For me, yes.

robininfl

For me, no, but that's been true throughout my life; I lose technique in performance, and go slower in races, so have to train to be better than I want to be, in order to even do OK.

WakkoW

Faster, but not easier.

This weekend I PR'd my half marathon time in a race. I was pretty much toast for the rest of the day into the next couple of days. I run up to 14-16 miles for my long training runs, so I know it's not the distance. Running as fast as you can for 13 miles is not easy.

But it is fun to run races.

Bluepegasus

I agree, faster not necessarily easier, I've often got a PB in a race because running with a crowd of people sort of pulls you along. I love how fun races are. Seeing my husband and kids clapping and cheering near the finish line spurs me on too.

ROBOTFOOD

Faster? Usually.
Easier? No way. Definitely not when racing for the podium.

yirara

I find them more difficult for two reasons:
I'm a slow runner (some might say I have no talent for running) and I tend to start out at the speed of the rest of the participants, which is too fast for me. Not good!
The start is somewhat sudden for me as I stand at the back of the mass of people. I simply prefer to go outside, take a breath and just go. This kind of starting is somewhat stressful for me.

yesimpson

AdrianChr92 wrote: »

Easier? Nah.

But you will be faster

Agreed.

Mentally I find them "easier" because on a 10 mile training run I may decide I'm bored/tired/hungry/it's going to rain around mile 8 and pack it in, but there is no way I'm walking or stopping during a race because of those factors. Not when there's spectators and the lure of a medal and a snack at the end.

msf74

Faster, more fun but harder.

piasuffredini

Easier. I find I run at a faster pace without really trying.

Pam_Shebamm

I find them to be easier. I hate running alone by myself and never have the motivation to do it during the week.

On the weekends I show up and I have friends who run them with me sometimes. Even if I dont, the fact that there are other people running the same course helps.

For me, it's a motivation thing. Also, the fact that I have to finish, plus the promise of a medal or food or whatever is at the finish line. If I run alone, I usually cut it super short or start walking.

pugglepants318

Yes, adrenaline and the crowd makes a difference for me.

lporter229

AdrianChr92 wrote: »

Easier? Nah.

But you will be faster

Good answer!