Why I Run, Why I Race

Whew. What a week. I've been recovering from my latest race, the Long Beach International City Bank Half Marathon. I know that's a long title, but it's what's on my medal, so I figured I should include it all on here. In running that race, I completed the third leg of the Beach Cities Challenge, the first two legs of which were the Surf City Half Marathon (in February) and the OC Half Marathon ( in May). So you can imagine that lately I've been thinking about this whole running thing a lot. Yes, I've written several times about it before, so hopefully I'm not repeating myself. But I've got two shiny new medals and I'm all giddy, so here's pictures of the bumper stickers I put on my car, and another post about running.

words to live by

you know you want one...

   

I've been running for almost a year now. I started nearly two years ago with taking walks, which gradually became jogging and running. Now, if you had told me at the beginning of this whole thing that I would end up a runner, I would have told you you were nuts. All through school I hated running in PE class, and never gave it a second thought when I entered adulthood and wasn't obligated to put on ugly shorts and go stumble through the woods behind all the skinny kids.  I liked other sports and activities, but running was way, way, way low on my list. And yet, in June of this year, I found myself in a shoe store, running on a treadmill while skinny people watched, so they could tell me to buy expensive shoes that would help me improve my performance as a long distance runner. That's right. Long. Distance. Runner.  How did this happen? Well, the obvious answer is that running has been a huge catalyst in helping me lose a whole lot of weight. More than 100 lbs and counting, to be exact. It's brought me a long way and as long as I keep doing it, I can reach my weight loss goal and maintain it once I'm there. So, even after everything it's done for me, why would I think of not doing it any more?

The answer is: my own dumb self. My previous post was about the motivations that I use to keep me going in my running, because when it comes down to it, I really have to convince myself to keep at it. Every time I plan to run, I have serious arguments with myself, because "just this once", I'd like to sleep in, or lay in bed and watch TV, or read a book, or whatever.  The worst part of every run I do is when I make myself put on my running clothes and shoes, and go out the door. The second worst part is the first mile or so, during which I whine to myself about how it's only the first mile and I still have a really long way to go. So how am I able to keep doing it? It's a funny thing, really. Despite this minor difficulty that I have getting going, every time I run, after I get through the annoying first part, I stop thinking about how far I have to go, and just enjoy what is around me. I focus on my pace and my surroundings and don't really notice the passage of time and distance. When I finish, I have a sense of accomplishment that I did what I set out to do. And then I reap the rewards. The few hours a week I spend running translate into calories burned, higher metabolism, increased endurance, and so on. The enjoyment is not just the actual time I spend running, it's the way it makes me feel all the time. I like to think of it as training for everyday life. During my regular runs, I keep a basic pace, just enough to get a good workout without making myself overly tired. Keeping that basic routine of running a few times a week helps me feel good all day, every day, and that makes it worth the time, money and energy I spend doing it.

So I've established that running is a great way to become fit and help maintain a healthy lifestyle. So what's the deal with racing? I've done some races here and there, but I've never won a single one, and I never will. I would be happy to come in the top 50% of runners in a race, to be honest. So what's the point? You pay a hefty registration fee to enter, but all you get is a shirt, a number to wear on your shirt, a chip to wear on your shoe that will tell you how fast you went, and the admission to a place to run. So logically, it doesn't make sense. You already have shirts, you probably already have a watch to time yourself with (I use an app on my phone), and you can find places to run for free. So why race if you can't win? I mean, in addition to the financial commitment, a race itself can take a lot out of you. If it's anything more than a 5k, you shouldn't just sign up and do it. You need to prepare and train to be sure you are up for the challenge of the distance you have committed to, and even if you are already a casual runner, it might be a bit more than you are normally comfortable with. So why do it?

It's all in the experience. It's the challenge and the atmosphere. It starts when you pay for your registration, and begin to train for the race. You feel a little excited, but maybe a little nervous, too. And that feeling grows as you get closer to the day of the race. Then, when you arrive the day before the race to pick up your packet, there's already a festive feeling in the air. Everyone is excited, and you get start to get more excited too. They hand you your bib and your new shirt and even if it's ugly and you would never wear it in public, you still get excited to have it.

shoe timer thingy

not too ugly. Queen Mary could be smaller...

OC Half Marathon bib, timing chip & shirt.

 

Long Beach bib with Beach Cities logo!

 Then the day of the race arrives. You have to get there early to make sure you have enough time to jockey for parking spaces with other would-be racers, then queue up for the great Wall Of Port O'Potties before heading to the starting line. But once you get there, even though you know it's going to be a while before you see the finish line, you feel a sense of anticipation and excitement because you know you are about to share the experience with hundreds or even thousands of people who are just as crazy as you.

Long Beach Marathon & Half Marathon sunrise

Surf City runners! Huntington Beach, CA

And then the race starts. Remember what I said earlier about maintaining a steady pace and not making yourself tired? The race is the exception to that rule. This is when you test yourself to see what you are capable of. From start to finish, you push yourself as hard as you can, and when you are done, you should feel like you've got nothing left to give. Call the spouse and kids to bring a forklift and a stretcher, because they are carrying you home. But the race isn't just about the finish. Don't forget to enjoy the route. It's new and interesting and different from your usual route. Most races close streets for much of the routes, and while it sucks for the neighbors, you get to run in places that normally you wouldn't be able to. When the location is somewhere you frequently drive, you might catch things you normally miss because you are running by it instead of whizzing by in your car.

Long Beach starting line. Outta my way.

Long Beach first mile. Not tired yet...

Long Beach Mile Two. Smells like fish.

Long Beach Mile Three. Or Five. I forget. Fire boat looks cool!

Surf City Mile Four. Still Not Tired.

Long Beach Mile 7. Ok, maybe a little tired now.

Surf City Mile 12. Definitely Tired. But almost there.

Surf City Finish Line. Preparing my medal speech.

But of course, the best part is the finish line. No matter how tired you are, you are guaranteed to get that last bit of energy when you see it coming up, enough to put you across with a spring in your step, and a smile on your face. And the best part? The medals! Not every race gets you a medal, but if you get one, you put it on and wear it proudly, grinning like an idiot, surrounded by a crowd of other grinning idiots wearing the same medal. It's awesome. The strap is sweaty and gross after a minute or so, and you'll never wear it again, but like the ugly shirt they gave you, you will always treasure it like the most expensive piece of jewelry you ever owned, because it doesn't just represent that day's race, but all the work you put into training and completing that goal that you set for yourself.

Surf City

Long Beach

OC

OC Medal & Finisher Cert.

Long Beach Medal. Finisher Cert is in the mail...

Surf City Medal and Finisher Cert.

Beach Cities Medal. It's HUGE. Like running 3 half Marathons is HUGE.

Finally, after a race, you get to celebrate. Go out with friends and loved ones, and eat like a crazy person for one day because you really earned it. When you get home, find a conspicuous location and hang your medal on it (or your race bib, if no medal is given). If you liked the race, think about doing another one. But even if you never do, just enjoy your accomplishment, and get back out and keep your regular running routine.

Running and racing have absolutely changed my life. I have gotten as far as I have because of it. I love doing both, and I know I would still enjoy the running if I didn't race, but racing is like the icing on the cake for me. I have run 9 races including the 3 half marathons, with more races coming up soon on my fitness "to do" list. Now that I've lost a lot of weight, I am physically able to do a lot of activities that I love and couldn't do before because of my physical limitations. I really enjoy doing so many different things now, but I will continue to dedicate myself mostly to running and training for races, because of all it has done for me and continues to do.

So what about everyone else? I would like to encourage my readers here to find something that does for them what running did for me. If you want to try running, that's great! Start out slow and build yourself up to whatever level you feel comfortable maintaining (like I did). See how many of your friends are runners and ask their advice. You can even join a running club! But if you hate the idea of running, there are plenty of other things you can do that will get the old body moving. Try lots of different activities, and when one of them clicks for you, look into friendly competition, whether it's a race or game or something similar. Share the experience that you love with like minded people, and enjoy the rewards of being active and healthy. I am incredibly glad I did, and guarantee you will be too. Find your activity, whatever it may be,  and get out there and have fun!

That's all for now, my friends. As usual, thank you for reading, and see you next time!