Reason for Running #7 --- Competition

One problem that many people face when they decide to begin running is the idea of racing...or any competition. Most believe that they are not capable of completing a 5k road race, much less placing well in one. Unfortunately with professional sports hypes like Bolt and Goucher, we more novice runners feel intimidated. I for one would never come close to beating either one of them in a race (No I am not afraid to admit that Kara Goucher, a female, can completely demolish my butt in a marathon and probable every other distance). But we need not be afraid of a little competition here and there when it comes to running. Believe it or not (See Goals or Motivation Blog) competition can really boost our self esteem (though sometimes hurt it) and keep us on a running to stay healthy plan.

Competition comes in a variety of forms and I would never be able to talk about all of them in just one blog. Who knows, maybe I will get more in depth into some of these in later blogs. First and foremost the competition should be internal. The only person that you have influence during a race is YOU! Tripping a fellow competitor aside of course... You can sign up for a local 5k easily within 30 days of starting to run. That 5k is a starting point for you and your competitive running career. You may not finish 1st overall, but you will be pleasantly surprised at the outcome. You are racing a clock, not the person next to you. Keep in mind, though that with each race you do and improve, you will not always have better times. The U.S. 10k is not my P.R. race for that distance, but in 2002 (I think, maybe 03), it was the absolute best race that I have ever completed. Competition with the clock, how you feel during a run, how well you recover...All are what should be looked at when it comes to competing.

Now with the clock and yourself aside, it is always fun to compete with others in running. It gives you a chance to prove to yourself that you can do something. My brother and I have had some pretty friendly running competitions with eachother over the years. When he started out running, I was at my best, and he was just not quite in the shape he use to be (though he could out sprint me any day of the week, as well as kick my butt at basketball, if we ever actually completed a game without a brotherly fight). So for quite some time he was several minutes behind me in races that we did together. However, over the years that margin got smaller and smaller until he finally beat me. He even had me beat at our Alaska marathon, which I felt I was more prepared for then he was, but I just could not let that happen, so I busted my butt to catch up to him (we ultimately finished that one together, though he is credited on the results page as being in front). Once he beat me, the chase was on in the other direction with me trying to run him back down (yes I was able to, but the margin of difference between the two of us really is not that large anymore). The competition has kept us going at it when I know for a fact I have wanted to quit lots of times, and I could only guess that he has. Plus we have the friendly trash talk and bragging rights till the next race of course, but all in fun.

Competition, though it can be stressful, is a very rewarding aspect of being a runner and I would recommend to anyone who wants to run, to get out there and compete, don't just "run."

Run On! Competition will drive you....