I was out today on a wonderful run with my pavement warrior sister. I picked her up early (6:30 am) and we were hitting the trails by 7:00 am on the dot. I run ahead and hit mile marker 4 and on my way back I pass her, show her the 4 sign and stop and wait for her about .75 miles back to mile marker 3. A woman drives up in a truck, gets out and sparks up a conversation. I tell her I am out there doing a 7-mile run and then the famous question “What are you training for”?
I get this question a lot. I think it is because folks may assume if you are out here running distances greater than 2 or 3 miles – it must be for a race. The fact is, the first and last race I entered until this year was 2005 and was a Susan G. Komen 5K race. I find races fascinating and I admire anyone who has the discipline and focus to train for MONTHS in preparation of those longer distance races such as a 10K, 10-miler, 13.1 half or 26.2 full.
The truth is, I don’t know if that is anything I ever really aspire to do. I enjoy running and that is why I get out there. I challenge myself all the time to run faster sprints and stronger distances when there is an opportunity. This year is the first time since 2005 I even paid to run. I mean, I actually paid an entry fee to get out there and run the Prostate Cancer 10K a few weeks ago.
Here’s my latest walk/run schedule for 2013.
As you can see I did bite the bait and decided to enter a few. With all of these I am participating with a team which I find much more enjoyable because it isn’t ever a real “race” per se where we are competing with others. We get out there, raise money for good causes or just want to have fun with the after party.
Have you been asked lately why you do something you enjoy doing? How do you typically respond? What races do you have planned for the remainder of the year?
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14 Replies to "What Are You Training For?"
Melly October 19, 2013 (7:03 pm)
I find that training for an event motivates me, although I do just love to get out there and run for the sake of the run. 🙂
DSTPRL October 19, 2013 (7:07 pm)
I am getting that advice more and more – just sign up for a half and then you will have purpose behind your runs but I think I can have purpose even without a planned event. I actually just enjoy the run to see how far I can actually go. Thanks for visiting Melly.
Maryann Candito, Synergy Weight Release Coach October 19, 2013 (8:49 pm)
Wow, you are an inspiration. The farthest I have run was 5 miles, but after a couple of years where I stopped running, I find it’s really hard to get back up to that distance. I am okay with my 13 minute mile, I run slower than some people walk. But I am also okay with that and I do find humor in it. I have gotten as far as 2.25 in one stretch. I am happy with that for now. My goal is to stay active in some form or fashion well into my 90’s – I have a ways to go, but I am creating the habit now, to walk, run, Zumba, do yoga, or (ugh) go to the gym on a daily basis. Habit creates the lifestyle change, where eventually it will be the lifestyle norm.
Great post, thanks for sharing!
DSTPRL October 19, 2013 (10:29 pm)
Maryann you may find you are one day ready to do more. Listen to your body. Thanks for stopping by.
Amy C. ( October 25, 2013 (9:53 am)
I like to run just to run, but I also like the feeling of shooting for a goal when I’m training for something.
jillconyers
Twitter: jillconyers
October 25, 2013 (5:27 pm)
I love running for the sake of running but I also love challenging myself for a race goal. I like the best of both worlds.
Thanks for linking up with Fitness Friday!
DSTPRL October 25, 2013 (6:03 pm)
Thanks for having me for Fitness Friday.
Jessie October 25, 2013 (6:54 pm)
Great post! I’m the type of person that needs the motivation of an upcoming race/event to keep me working hard. I’m training for my 1st half marathon coming up Nov. 17th 🙂
DSTPRL October 25, 2013 (6:56 pm)
Congrats on that first half!!!! Please share what training regimen you are using. I’m looking for one for my first half in April. 🙂
Katie Arnold ( October 27, 2013 (8:08 pm)
I LOVED the Color Run – enjoy it!
Meghan October 28, 2013 (5:10 pm)
I pretty much have to have a “goal” or I don’t run. I do enjoy the fun runs though – the color run was fun, and I”m running a 1 k with my 2 year old soon 🙂
DSTPRL October 28, 2013 (5:18 pm)
Awww on the 1K fun run with your child. Adorable!
Chris October 30, 2013 (8:43 pm)
I think it is really great that you are able to consistently run without a race on your schedule.
I admire this in a way. I find that very hard. I don’t put a lot of races on my schedule.. in fact pretty few.. and I like to train for them and get stronger in my runs but getting up early, training hard, eating for recovery etc. is just too hard without some goal in mind.
It really is awesome that you run simply for the love of it.
Chris
http://www.mavrocatstrength.com
DSTPRL October 30, 2013 (8:49 pm)
Thank you. Honestly it is “easy” for me. I do it for good health and strong lungs.