Any runners that don't race?

RunnerElizabeth

So for those of you who don't race, how do you keep your intensity and motivation up if you aren't actually training for anything? Do you set your own goals or benchmarks? Or do you just simply go out and run?

And I require family support for my long runs (single mom of a preschooler), so for those of you who do require family support to get your runs in, is it difficult to get buy-in from your family if you aren't actually training for anything in particular?

A little background info on me:

In 2013 I ran 4 races so far (2 HMs, pr'd both times, 1 5k pr, and my 1st 10k). I have two fun runs left for the year and another HM next month.

I've been carrying 30 mpw since April, and usually peak at 40 for HM training, with long runs between 10-16 miles.

During my last HM I began to suspect I hate racing. Maybe I'm just burned out, though I never feel tired and I haven't had any running injuries to speak of. But I do really enjoy running and training but my letdown usually starts while I'm at the starting line, not the finish line.

I'm just afraid that if I do throw out the calendar and I no longer have to run that I won't and depression and weight gain will follow.

ZenInTexas

This is an interesting topic. I don't necessarily enjoy racing all that much either, I find them to be stressful and anxiety inducing. But I always love it when it's over, and for me it's the only way I can measure my true abilities, I always perform so much better during a race than any training run I ever do. I also require family/outside support to do races, my husband and I are both runners and so for us to go to an event we need babysitting. We are actually having my parents come down from Canada so we can run the Houston Marathon together.

I had about a 6 month span between my last race and my next one and I kept up my motivation over the summer by challenging myself other ways, like increasing my mileage and going farther distances, but I guess I was still always working toward the eventual goal of the marathon.

So what is it exactly do you not like about racing? Is it the pressure?

plateaued

I do halfs and fulls, but I don't race in any of them. I just run them. I enjoy seeing where I finish in my dinosaur late-60's age group. It's usually in the middle somewhere. Winning is not my objective. Enjoying the conditioning and being alive when those around me are dying are the rewards.

BrianSharpe

I'm definitely a middle-of-the-pack runner and love racing even though I know the only way I'll win my AG is to outlive my competitors.......

When I'm not training for a specific race I run for the pure enjoyment of the run but I must also confess that I've blessed with some truly great running routes (rec paths along the Ottawa River) just steps from my front door. I'm pretty sure I probably wouldn't ramp up my mileage if i wasn't racing and would be a very content 25mpw kind of runner.

RunConquerCelebrate

So here is my question for you, do you run the races for the enjoyment of running and pushing yourself or are you competing to win? I think that might make a big difference on how you see the races.

I have two kids and work full time, it is not easy for me to get out there and run in the AM since I have to get my daughter ready for school and myself ready for work. I try to do my runs at night and I also require the support of my husband to watch the kids while I do my runs. But I race because I love the feeling of accomplishing a certain distance, seeing that I have improved my time with every race. The adrenaline that I get on race day is I cannot compare to anything else that is what gets me going.

For me if I do not register for a race I do loose the motivation to run as much as I run when training for a race. But I do try to space them out so that I do not get injured or burned out.

what is it that you do not like about the races?

rungirl1973

I'm trying to figure this out for myself.

I used to run 2 or 3 races a month with friends, but I've now moved to a new place where I don't have any running friends. I've gone to a couple of races here, but I really don't enjoy running them without the camaraderie of my friends. We didn't finish at the same pace or anything, it was just about the road trip to the race and the celebration (and usually wine) afterwards.

dorianaldyn

Personally I feel a little lost if I don't have any upcoming events scheduled. I'm a bit too Type A for my own good and I do better when I have concrete goals, training plans to follow, etc.

PeteWhoLikesToRunAlot

While I'm not a competitive runner, I definitely like having a race to look forward to. Always nice to measure progress against myself.

msrootitooti

I have been toying with this one myself. I do like races however, I am not a huge fan of the training schedule and like to do things on my own. I think I have gotten to the point where running is important to me and I will do it with or without a race. I do it because it is the my time to be by myself and not worry about others. I think a happy medium for me is to do what I did this year with one half marathon in the spring and one in the fall. Then add in shorter ones as I like. This can help me gauge improvement and have some motivation but does not burn me out.

As for family support, I have 2 young ones and work full time. I do have to rely on my husband who is not always the most supportive. When the weather is cooler, my long run can be during the youngest's nap and in the summer, I go out before anyone wakes up. During the week, I go to the gym after the kids go to bed so that would be not until 8 or 9.

You can just be burned out mentally by all that is involved in training for the races especially being a single mom. There is a lot that goes into making sure those runs get in at the mileage you are supposed to be at. The coordination of it all is enough to burn you out mentally and emotionally and not physically.

TheBrolympus

I think I am going to back off on the number of races I do next year for the same reason. I don't think that I hate racing but I think I am getting burned out on it. I have been doing a half marathon every other month and it's beating me down. Especially since the last two have been hot sufferfests!

However, I still run even when I don't have race coming up. I enjoy it a little more because I have more flexibility on my run schedule.

sevsmom

I love to race....except when it's time to race. I love the detailed training plans and finding new places to go run. I love investigating new races in new locales. I love placing well in my age group (happens somewhat consistently at the 5k level....was 4th in my AG in my last half marathon).

But, when I get up on race day, I DREAD the start. I dread standing in the corral or starting area. I dread sizing up other runners as no doubt I'm being sized up. (One gal at a recent 5k asked what time I was planning on running. I said bewtween 22 & 23 min. She was disappointed because she thought I would be a 30 min runner and was going to try to keep up with me. Sizing up gone awry.)

When I cross the finish line, I love racing again. Until I have to toe the line the next time. But racing does keep me motivated. Right now, staying in good condition between training plans is my new "motivator".

I don't think I could give up racing unless I walked away from running altogether.

dougii

Well I truely don't like racing and really prefer to run with just my 85 pound running companion, Haley the black German Shepherd. Don't get me wrong - I have raced and I have enjoyed getting together with friends at those races but overall I really don't enjoy racing. For that matter I prefer to run before the sun is up and in the summer "run into the dawn". I have no problem keeping to a regular weekly running schedule running 3 to 4 times a week with long runs on the weekends. I compete against myself by tracking all of my runs (distances, splits, fastest mile, 5K, 10K, etc.) and then setting new goals to accomplish. At some point I expect I will run my own marathon just to do it (Haley will need to be dropped off after the first 10 miles or so). Since I deal with people on the job all week the last thing I want to do on the weekend is emerse myself in a crowd (even if runners are a great group to be with). At times I follow training schedules but for the most part I just like to mix it up during the week. Haley and I average 25 to 30 miles a week and I am a big fan of and for my friends that race on a regular basis. Running is just a part of who I have come to be......racing is not.

TriLifter

Marathon training totally burnt me out on running. I have a 3yo and my Sunday long runs just took up too much of my time away from him. I found it wasn't enjoyable. So...I'm going to back off to 5K and 10K races with MAYBE a half thrown in if I'm feeling it. I like 5Ks because when I'm in peak condition I can usually win my age group (30-35) and that feels pretty damn good.

likitisplit

One of my friends from the 5k group, Plexgut, has become a runner but not a racer. I asked her for insights, because she has maintained a level of steady motivation without specifically training toward anything at all - which is nearly unique as far as I know. Most new runners who don't have a specific goal reach a plateau of "three miles a day, four days a week" and then taper off over a few months.

Since she's not a member of this group, I'm posting what she messaged me. I hope it helps:

I’ve been running for a year now and have yet to run a race. I don’t feel enough of an urge to race to overcome the “obstacle” of getting up early on a weekend. The races I’ve checked out all start early (8am). I get up early (5am) on weekdays and have no desire to do so on the weekend.

What keeps me motivated to run?
1. It’s the feeling of a personal achievement. I never thought I could run. I’ve tried a few times in the past and could never get the rhythm or strength or something. I just couldn’t do it. C25K was going to be my last attempt at achieving this goal. And I did it. I’m amazed. Therefore, just being able to get out and run 5K is a personal achievement each time I do it.

2. All of the runners here on MFP are great motivators. From you all, I can see improvement; get hints and advice and encouragement to keep going. You all are the inspiration that keeps me motivated. I find your achievements motivating and inspirational to keep me going.

3. I keep track of my run times and can see the improvement (slow as it is) and I have a goal time. These two parameters are motivational. I now run 5K in approx. 40 minutes and sometimes in under 40 minutes (never under 39 minutes yet, though). That is a big pat on the back for me. Under 40 minutes! My goal is to run 5K in 30-35 minutes so my goal is close. This may not sound like a big thing but each time I’m under 40 minutes I’m pumped for my next run.

4. On weekends, I add time and distance to my runs and when I reach a new milestone I am inspired and ecstatic. Last weekend, I ran a total of 8.5K for the first time ever and am really looking forward to this weekend’s run.

5. I’m now training to run 10K. I can’t do it as steadily as required because of Life and its commitments, so it’ll take me longer to achieve, but I’m doing it and each time I finish the next level, I’m motivated and inspired to keep going.
My final goal (at the moment) is to be able to run 10K in 60-70 minutes. I keep my current work-out time at about 70-80 minutes so that I’m used to the time commitment. What I don't run, I walk. I find that an excuse of “not having enough time” is one that I’ll capitulate to so I’m not giving myself a reason to have this excuse. I started training C25K with a 70-minute workout and have kept it at that ever since. If, one day, I can actually run 10K, the time commitment will be built into my schedule already. And I would be ecstatic at the achievement.

6. I feel great at the end of most of my runs. As time goes on, I feel better and better when I get home: I’m not winded or as sweaty or as hot. I’m enjoying the cool weather and fresh air but it’s not what’s keeping my less sweaty & hot. I noticed that change before the weather changed. I’m getting stronger and maybe healthier. That feeling gives me power to push myself harder because I know I can have an (almost) effortless run on a good day. That feeling of strength inside me is motivating.

7. There have been a few runs where I’m beat and tired and am just glad to get home. That happens sometimes and it affects my anticipation of the next run. I get a bit anxious that this "inability" to run becoming the norm and feel that I may be losing my running ability. But, so far, I’ve used that uncertainty to get out and prove myself wrong: I can do it; it was just a bad day. And, each time I prove myself right with a good run, I’m motivated to keep going because I can do it (this sort of ties into my first point).

8. I’m finding new routes around my home. I’m adding hills, distance, scenery, different surfaces. I’m meeting people who are now familiar to me even if I’ve never more than said hi as I ran by. There’s an elderly gentleman and his dog that I see on a particular trail on the weekends. He always says an encouraging word as I jog by, greet, wave & smile at him. Although I don’t know him personally, he’s a big part of my run when I run that trail on the weekend and I enjoy seeing him.

I’m sure there’s more. I find challenge in just improving and just being able to run. I’m stoked to be able to go into a Runner’s Room shop and ask advice because I’m a RUNNER! That thought still surprises me but I now know it’s true.
You will continue to run if you don’t enter races. It’s an exciting achievement…..each time.

RunnerElizabeth

Wow this is all extremely helpful! Interesting subway reading.

So I guess the thing I don't like about races is the idea that on some particular day at some particular time I'm supposed to run my long run faster than I normally do, which isn't fast. I just don't like faster running, for long distances. I prefer to just add more and more miles to my long runs. I've gotten to 16 at a 10:30 pace and I only went home because I had something else to do, not because I was tired.

The thing I got from all these responses is that I can still train and follow a plan and even run occasional races, but I don't have to run them faster if I don't want to. I never actually considered this as an option before. I would get the parts I like from racing, tee shirts, medals, good snacks, festive atmosphere, not having to worry about street crossings, without the bad parts - stress and fast running. And if I am still training for 2 or 3 HMs a year it adds a little importance so my support will help me out when I do want to add in a 14-16 miler. This may work better for me and for my mfp friends who won't hear so much about my race related neurosis. Sorry guys!

likitisplit

I love this. I remember reading an interview with Katherine Switzer. She'd promised her mom -and had every intention of- quitting when she was no longer competitive. She's still running, she just finds meaning in the "stories": an anniversary of a historic race...running with her daughter...running with a friend who is recovering from cancer...etc. that made a lot of sense to me at the time.

amandamurdaugh

I love racing because I know my only real competition is myself. I'm never gonna win the actual race, I know that. But I do set time goals for myself. And I LOVE races I've never done in cities I've never been to. When I ran NOLA, Shalane Flanagan & Kara Goucher ran the half. There was an out & back section in the beginning where they were racing toward me on the other side of the street. I cried like a baby to be able to see those women run! Still gives me chills & a sense of wonder knowing I beat up the same streets as them. Then of course, there's the bling. Who doesn't love a finisher's medal?!?

mjpTennis

Good stuff here. I am in a personal tug of war about races too. I have been running for 2 years and had never before seen myself as a runner. The lifestyle has really saved my fitness. It is by far the most efficient life exercise for me. I am more fit for everything else that I do such as walking with my wife and kids, playing soccer with the kids and their soccer teams, doing yard work, or of course playing tennis. This really has become my motivation and also what keeps me from running too many races.

I do track all of my runs and am always challenging myself to get better whether it be to run a little longer or to run at a different pace. I have also stopped listening to music on my runs and it really gives me a chance to take in all of the sounds outside from the cars, noise in the woods, and my breathing and steps. I also have a bulletin board at home with my official, unofficial best times at different distances.

I do have goals to run one race at each distance - 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon (some day just one ultra marathon) but there is no time table. I have put off running halfs and fulls because I want to be able to experience the race atmosphere more. If I were to run currently, I know that I could finish, but I am not in control of my running enough to know that I could finish well. So more training and more miles.

I have raced 3 times, 2 5k's and 1 10k. The first race really was to experience the sensation. From it I have learned that there is more being challenged than just the running. It is also a mental fitness test. At this point moving forward, I have committed to running one race at each distance each year (once I officially run a half and a full which I think will be 2014) This personal commitment is enough of a hook to keep me going and doesn't break my piggy bank too much because I will always need to keep buying more sneakers.

iplayoutside19

I started running 4 years ago. That first year I would sign up for every 5K my budget would allow. Now, I only sign up for races that sound interesting, I want to donate to the cause, or I like the particular event from running it in the past. This year I also got into Adventure Racing which takes a different kind of running, and cross training on the Mountain Bike. I try to keep 2 or 3 major events a year where I'll have to push my self to my limits, and then some opportune 5K's that are fund raisers for local charities that I like to support but I don't really care how I finish.

But to answer the original question...I have a hard time keeping a running schedule if I don't have an event and a training plan in mind. When that happens I usually migrate to a weights only routine. Which is good in cycles, but I don't like to keep it that way.