Choosing Races

If you can’t decide which races to run, this post is for you.

I’m going to give you three simple questions to guide you.

But first…relax.

You already know best. Sit (or run) with the questions, undistracted, and let yourself answer honestly.

If it helps, remember you don’t have to sign up for the races that show up in these answers. You’re just answering these three questions.

First question: what do you want?

Yes, it’s that simple, but before you skim ahead, I invite you to answer it - in detail and in writing.

Harder than you think.

For many women, it’s especially hard to find the answer in ourselves because we’re so deeply conditioned to put everyone and everything else first.

Our minds instantly skip past what we want to, ‘What would be ok (with everyone) to do?’ or ‘What’s not selfish?’

To be fair, I know men who weigh the effect of their running schedules on others.

So to help everyone answer this question, list all the race-related criteria that matter to you, like:

• Distance

• Cutoff

• Time of year

• Paved/trail

• Elevation/flat

• How much time you have to train between now and then

• The format - loops, point to point, fixed time, etc.

• Time of year

• Likely weather

• Location

• Qualifier for something

• Size (# runners)

• Cost

• Vibe

• Who’s running it or not

• Your excitement level

Now, which are important to you and how important are they?

For example, my favorite distance is 100 miles and I’d rather spend my race weekends doing what I love, so distance is important.

Race size is important too, but not as much. I like Javelina 100, a large party race, and also Daytona 100, a small, cozy one. Two completely different size races, same fun ‘let’s all do this together’ vibe.

Now, the second question: what don’t you want?

Most runners would win Jeopardy if this was the only category - lightning fast answers at the ready. We give this one far more thought.

You can use the same criteria as above - “I don’t want a winter race,” “I don’t want tight cutoffs”…

There’s not much in that list above I won’t try, at least once.

So be sure you know - instead of think you know - what you don’t want.

Now the third, wild card question: what do you want to do differently?

Is it time to stretch yourself or venture out of your comfort zone - new distance, new location?

For example, over the past several years, I’ve ventured into urban 100s, flat 100s, and more fixed time races. I found plenty to love about all three and opened up new possibilities for myself.

What would you like to try once…just to see?

Finally, combine all your answers you’ll have a clear idea of the races you’re looking for.

This process may seem simple, but finding your own answers usually takes focused practice.

I help my clients master this, because they need to know they can find their own answers, make their own decisions, and solve their own problems in a race.

If you want this to be the year you know you can depend on yourself, use this link to sign up for a free consult call with me.

You have better things to do than spin in indecision.r