Having just completed a 50K, I'm not concerned about whether I'll have the endurance to get through the Burlington Marathon. But at this point, I know I don't have the speed to keep up with my buddies. So, while they struggle through week after week of long runs, I need to work on getting faster.
What better way to push myself than to sign up for a race? It seems like every week, there are a dozen races in the DC area, so the only challenge is choosing between them. Here is how I rank the factors:
What better way to push myself than to sign up for a race? It seems like every week, there are a dozen races in the DC area, so the only challenge is choosing between them. Here is how I rank the factors:
- Date. Obviously, if I am out of town on a given days, I'm not going to run. Luckily, most days work. This factor isn't going to help me narrow things down too much.
- Location. If possible, I'd prefer to get to a race by public transportation. In any case, I'm willing to commute only about 30 minutes. Any further, and my time is better spent going to the local park.
- Course. I'd love a run along a river, or in the woods, or through a historic neighborhood. Back and forth along a new stretch of highway that is about to be opened up? Not so much.
- Entry Fee. Most races around here seem to start at around $30. For me, that's about $10 too much. Unless it's a very long race, or a must-do race, my budget is low.
- Cause. I'd prefer the proceeds go for a good cause. Which doesn't necessarily mean a big name. A great race might be a fundraiser for a small, but important, community institution. As long as the institution isn't the local rich kid's school, which doesn't really need my dollars.
- Reputation. I trust other runners! If there's good buzz about the race, I'll head in that direction.
- Size. All things being equal, I'd prefer to keep it to around 1,000 entrants or fewer. Big races seem like big hassles.
- Distance. All the way down here at #8? Yup. It's not too important to me if it's a 5K or a 10-miler. I'll be middle of the pack, regardless. As long as I'm having fun.
- Swag. For a short, local race, I really could not care less whether I bring home a medal, a t-shirt, or nothing at all.
Are there any considerations that I have missed? What is most important to you?
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