Why you should sign up for a race…
If you’re having trouble motivating to run, something you can do right now, that won’t even require you to go running today is… Sign up for a race. It doesn’t matter if you think you will be slower than the last time you ran that race, or even if you think you might come in dead last. None of that matters. When my kids were little, I remember coming home from a 5k and they asked if I won. Umm, no. I most certainly did not. Then why would you bother, they asked? Well… there are many reasons to race, even if you are a beginner or not looking to “compete” with others. More than anything, having a race on your calendar gives you the structure and motivation to work towards a goal. Other great reasons to race:
👏Sense of accomplishment: No matter the distance, coming across a finish line and knowing that you put yourself out there, you challenged and pushed yourself is really an amazing feeling.
❤️Camaraderie: You’ll feel a connection to your friends, community members, and even strangers.
🥳Atmosphere: Music. Cheering. Races are like one big party.
💪Your body hurts in a GOOD way. Pushing yourself can really feel good.
👚🧢You get some cool swag!
🥞Post-race brunch!
🤗Supporting a cause: Many races benefit charities and worthwhile causes. Running for something that’s bigger than you is a great way to make your running feel even more meaningful.
😍You learn something about yourself: Maybe you are faster or stronger than you think, or you learn how to face your fears, or push beyond your comfort zone. No matter how many races you do in your life, you’ll learn something new about yourself each time.
At Run Club, we usually have groups training for:
PPTC 5 mile Turkey Trot in the fall
NYCRuns Cocoa Classic 5k in the winter
NYRR Brooklyn Half Marathon in the spring
Try out a Run Club run or walk/run with us and train in Prospect Park for one of these or a different race!
