5 Great Reasons to Run a Race, Even if You’re Not the Competitive Type

Whether you’ve been running for a long time or are brand new to the activity there will come a time when you consider running a race. It’s easy to ignore the urge by telling yourself you’re not the competitive type however there’s much more to gain from running a race than winning it. Here are 5 great reasons to run a race.

#1 Running races is a spectacular motivator. Even if you’re not competitive, running a race gives you a goal. For example, let’s say that you’ve been running for a while and your typical distance is three miles. Perhaps you’re a bit of a slow runner and your pace is a ten minute mile. When you’re out on your running path it’s easy to become stuck in a rut. There’s nothing motivating you to run farther or faster.

Signing up for the next 5K however can light a fire under you. A 5K is 3.11 miles so in addition to adding a touch of distance you’ll want to work on increasing your speed. Not that you’re competitive and want to win the race, for that you may have to run a 5 minute mile, but you want to do your best and finish at least in the middle of the pack. Now you have motivation!

#2 Running races mixes up your routine.

Continuing with the example above, if you’re running 3 miles several times a week chances are you have a set path and routine you’re used to. If you sign up for a race you’re going to want to train for that race.

Now that doesn’t mean that every single time you head out the door for a run you have to have that race in mind however you will want to think about it sometimes. That may mean varying your route so you’re doing more hills if the race you’re running has hills. It may mean running in intervals to increase your speed, it may also mean lengthening your run so you know you can do the 3.11 miles with ease on race day.

#3 Running a race is a chance to give back.

Many races are sponsored by local, regional and national charities. Your entrance fee is often your donation and in return you usually get a few freebies like a t-shirt, some food, and even a goodie bag. Some races ask you to get sponsors and their sponsorship is all a tax deductable donation to the charity sponsoring the race.

#4 Running a race is social.

There’s something almost magical about race day. Unless you’re in the elite crowd and are vying for a top finish, the rest of the crowd is there to do their best and to have fun. The excitement in the air is tangible. People are laughing and having fun. It’s a great way to meet other runners, to feel connected, and to feel supported by a like minded community. Don’t believe it, try it for yourself.

#5 Running races can help you learn more about yourself, your strengths and your limitations.

Running a race is unlike any other experience you will have and each race is different. Chances are if you’ve signed up for a race you’ve done so in part to give yourself a bit of a challenge. You’ll want to do your best which means running faster and perhaps farther than you have before. This will test you both mentally and physically.

You may, in your mind, fail the test. You may not finish or you may not finish like you want to but guaranteed, you’ll learn something about yourself and your abilities. Use this information and this lesson to get better – that’s what competing is all about.

There are so many benefits to running a race that the only way to truly understand them is to go ahead and dive right in. One suggestion though, make sure you have enough time to properly train for it. This will prevent injury and ensure your race is an enjoyable one.