How to Make Hard Race Decisions Easy

At the start.

I often see runners having a hard time making a race decision.

Fighting an internal battle about whether to run Race A or B.

Whether they’re ready for a 100 mile race.

Whether the next race too soon after the last.

Or whether to even run a planned race at all.

Whatever it is, there’s one sure way to handle it.

Make the decision…then make it the right decision.

Like I did this year for my birthday. 

My big plans fell through but my birthday landed on a Saturday and I wanted to take advantage of that. 

After looking at the alternatives, I decided to do a race - 100 miles, if possible. 

There were only two 100s in the country that weekend - one in Las Vegas, one in Louisiana.

Neither was a “hell yes.”

Las Vegas wasn’t my favorite kind of course - a flat, fast, 2.17-mile loop.

And Louisiana…was pretty much the last place I wanted to spend my birthday. Having been born, raised, and lived in the South most of my life was enough. There was a big world out there to explore.

But it was one of those races or none.

So I decided…and entered the one in Louisiana - Red Dirt 100. 

Done.

Now it was up to me to make it the right decision.

I let go of my preconceptions and brainstormed all the reasons it could be fantastic:

The weather would be warmer.

I’ve never run it, so I had a new course to explore, which I love.

I was sure to meet new people, and maybe even run with friends I didn't usually get to see.

I’d get to meet a new race director and volunteers.

It might be prettier than I expected. 

And who knows - it could even turn out to become a favorite race!

When I finished the list, I was more excited than I’ve been about any race in a long time. I could feel the possibility and adventure.

Then I went a step further and looked for ways to make the whole trip better.

New Orleans was right down and the road and I’d never been there either. I could spend the day after the race walking the French Quarter - perfect recovery! 

I could even throw in a beach day on the way home if I had time.

Then I took one more step. 

On race morning, I didn't passively wait to see if it met my high expectations or let me down. I went all-in to make it exciting.

I found ways to make it the right choice.

I spent a fun and delightful first 20ish miles with my friend Rene Villalobos, got to say “hi” to Mike Smith who’s finished more 100s than me, talked with the fun volunteers, enjoyed the vegan food, had my first king cake (oops - prob not vegan!), actively found more things to love and appreciate about the course each lap, and even happened by chance to meet a 50k runner who was also celebrating her birthday the same day.

I had SO. MUCH. FUN!

That’s how to do it.

If you’re struggling to make the “right” race decision, don’t wait for something or someone else to tell you what to do.

Make your own choice…and then make it the right one…whether you finish or not.

No more wondering if you’ll enjoy it - now you’ll know.

I can help you get good at this. If you’re interested in this and other mindset work, email me and we’ll see if it’s a good fit.