Entering Races to Stay Motivated
Back to the grind, the first full work week of the year. I was lucky to get away to a family birthday party last week to Florida. The weather was perfect and I enjoyed a few days away playing golf and leaving my running shoes in the closet. I had been feeling a little sore from my pace speed up for the upcoming Miami half so I decided to take the weekend off. I’ll be back at it today with renewed interest as last nights #RunChat inspired me to get focused and back on track.
Below is a list of races I have signed up for already and those I am targeting:
1/29/12 ING Miami Half Marathon- Miami, FL: I signed up for this race with my brother a few weeks after the NYC marathon; it was his first race of any type and he was focused on running another one. Well, I signed up with him and it looks now like other obligations will keep him from running it. So, I will venture to Miami to run my first race of 2012 and have the goal of enjoying a flat course.
2/4/12 NJ Trail Series 10k, Wayne NJ: I had been looking for a trail race early in the year and this one I found to be perfect. It is close to the city and I have been successful convincing my other brother to run with me. This other brother has never run a race so I am excited to help him through training and run this together.
3/4/12 Gasparilla Half Marathon- Tampa, FL: Last time I ran this half was back in 2009, it was a tough day as there was a headwind which was insane. In 2010 I signed up and trained but my flight was canceled due to a snow storm. Looking forward to visiting my parents and running this race. Maybe my sister, who also lives in the area, will run it with me.
3/18/12 New York City Half Marathon- New York, NY: Well, my first ever success with a lottery. I trashed how NYRR picks names and still am not a fan, but this time it worked out for me. I’ve been on the sidelines for this race and will be my first time running it since 2009. I am excited for the new course and looking forward to a strong day on the streets of NYC.
4/28/12 Rock n Roll Nashville Half Marathon- Nashville, TN: I’ve heard awesome things about RnR Nashville and am looking forward to having the chance to run it. I have not signed up yet but will be looking to do so soon. The wifey and I will join other family members down there to enjoy everything that Nashville has to offer.
5/26/12 Ogden Half Marathon Relay- Moundsville, WVA: Every Memorial Day weekend my family travels to West Virginia to see my grandparents, who are both 95+ years old. There happens to be a race the same weekend and I’ve run it the past few years. Last year I couldn’t because of my injury, so this year will look forward to being back. The plan is to run the relay with my wife; it is the most brutal and hilly course I have ever run so I want to split it up so I don’t kill myself and can enjoy an afternoon with the grandparents.
6/16/12 Jackson Hole Half Marathon- Jackson Hole, WY: This is a reach, but for my birthday I’d like to travel out west and run this race. I’ve been eying it now for a little and it looks fantastic. Gotta see how much it will cost to travel out there.
7/17/12 Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon, Napa Valley CA: Another new race that I had been considering and would like to run. If I get into the NYC Marathon this would be my last race of the year before I really start to train for NY. If I don’t run NYC then I possibly would add a few fall races.
9/29/12 Hamptons Half Marathon, Amagansett, NY: My brother and his family have a house out here so I am looking forward to making a weekend of it out in the Hamptons. I had signed up last year but was unable to make it due to a terrible storm in the city that flooded the roads getting out there.
11/4/12 ING New York City Marathon- New York, NY: Well, I said I wasn’t going to run another marathon this year, but I had to sign up. If the lottery Gods pick me, well then, I will be running it again this year. There was talk of possibly running Chicago or Marine Corps, but I kinda want my rematch with NYC. We shall see.
Do you create a schedule or races for the year to stay motivated? What races do you suggest I consider? Have you created a schedule yet for 2012? What strategy do you employ to stay motivated throughout the year?
- Scott
Hi Scott,
Thanks for posting your list of upcoming races. I’m starting to look further abroad than Ontario and your list gave me some definite starting points for further research.
Here’s my list of 2012 races. They’re mostly shorter than the ones you do, but I’ve only been running distances for about a year, so that’s OK! http://gilliansactivelife.ca/races-recaps-2/
Gillian
Wow, your list is great, good luck this year! I’d love to get to Canada for a race.
I find creating a list of potential races to be helpful for motivation. I running a marathon in May and have signed up for 2 10 km races and a half-marathon between now and then to help with my training for the marathon.
Fantastic, good luck with your marathon this year!
That looks like the makings of a great year for you!
I pretty much have my fullest racing year ever planned out. 12 races in 2012 & the majority will be 10 miles or greater and at least 2 are requiring major travel. I’ve decided I need to have a plan to keep me motivated.
I think a lot of people are like us, where they need the schedule posted on the refrigerator for motivation. Good luck to you!
Oh my goodness, that is quite the list of destination races! Sounds fun. I am very jealous of the Jackson Hole 1/2 on the list. Jackson, WY is one of my favorite towns and I would move back to Wyoming in a heart beat. If you do make it over there for that race take a run (or walk) along the Snake River…it is beautiful, and my last winter run there I ended up meeting up with a moose! Such a great experience!
This is one race that I am still unsure I will run, so difficult to get there. But if I do I will definitely check out the Snake River run!