The "Fun"damentals of the Race...

Well, as you can tell, I'm still off in my posting schedule, but we'll get there.  Today, I found a few minutes and would like to talk about a topic that's been on my mind for the last week or so...fun runs v.  races.

The other day on Facebook, a string of posts popped up about color runs, mud runs, etc. and what the general consensus was on them, etc.  My runner friend Amber, noted that they were often "overpriced" and "untimed;" therefore, they were not worth doing.  Now,  I do agree with the price element--some of these fun runs are outrageously priced.  If you're interested in having colored powder thrown at you, running through foam, or hoisting yourself over obstacles while being covered in mud, check Groupon for a discount first!  It's your best bet at saving yourself a buck or two--but is it still worth it if the run is not timed?

I say, yes.  Running is not always about the time or beating your PR.  And for

Renee & I, Community Colors 5k

some of us, it's never about the time--it's just about finishing!  This is why these "fun runs" have taken off in recent years--because there are a whole cohort of people out there, who only run for the "fun."  If you've gone to one of these runs you've probably noticed plenty of people who look like they haven't run a day in their lives (don't judge!) or groups of people dressed up in tutus, funny socks, or whimsical headgear.  Sometimes these are dedicated runners just out for a change of pace...and sometimes they are people who thought it sounded like fun--whether they run, walk, or crawl to the end.

Caitlyn and I, Eat Dirt 5k

Here's the thing--as someone who admitted HATED just about any and all forms of exercise until fairly recently, I applaud whoever it was that came up with these wacky fun runs, because it gets people off their couch and outside--getting exercise!  Anything that serves as such a motivator here in overweight, overstressed America deserves a second glance.  

However, fun runs are just that--fun.  Whether you're an all star athlete or a

Lisa & I, Grand Rapids Color Run

stay at home mom with a flair for the unusual, make sure you're having fun and not taking yourself too seriously in these "competitions."  They're not timed because the obstacles often take a while to complete or cause backups on the "course."  Additionally, because you have all types of runners/walkers participating, it's probably impossible to provide a viably timed course.  Do yourself, and everyone else in the run a favor and chill the f* out.  Sign up with a friend, get yourself some knee socks (I've been known to don a pair or tu[tu] myself), and have a good time--even if it means not running your fastest.


Now, what about "the race"?  Here, timing matters...in fact, it matters so much so that one may even debate the merits of the type of timing system used to time the race and the accuracy of the course distance.  It's an amazing feeling when you complete a race and you feel like you've given it your all...maybe even managed a new PR...or run your first 5k, 10k, half, etc.  For those who are more casual runners--don't be deterred by this perceived "intensity" of racing.  For many, the goal is still "to finish."  My goal, frankly, is always just "to finish"--and hopefully have a good time doing it!  Speed is nice...winning age categories is nice...but if I really wanted those things, I'd be out there doing speed work like it was my job--and dude, it's totally not my job, so it'll have to wait until next year (maybe).

Me at the Alma Highland Fest 10k

Plus, no one says you can't get out your superwoman outfit for that regular 5k race!  One thing I've noticed about runners--whether they know you or not, they will cheer you on.  It's really a bizarrely amazing community.  At just about every race I've competed in so far, there are people at the end--who don't know you--that are yelling "finish strong," "great job," "you're almost there," "keep going," etc. etc.  Who the heck are these people?  Fellow run junkies and run groupies--and probably a few random weirdos who just came out to see what the hullabaloo was all about.

So whether you're running for fun or running for speed, enjoy the run.