Even though we have back to in-person racing for a few months in Florida, there are still so many things I miss about racing. It’s just different now, and while I am grateful for the opportunity to do so, it’s just not the same.
I miss loading my calendar
In the old days, I took advantage of all the early bird specials and early registration discounts. Things were so much more certain, so I didn’t worry about the potential outlook. Now, I wait til a lot closer to the last minute, in case of outright cancellation, a switch to virtual, or the possibility of illness. It’s a level of spontaneity that doesn’t come naturally to me, and I’m stoked for the day when I can gaze at a full race calendar again.
I miss an easy-breezy start line
Do you remember the days of bustling start lines, packed with people? Those were the days, right? Now, the number of runners is capped. Masks are required at the start and finish, and runners must line up with six feet of space between them. I totally understand and respect those requirements, but it’s altered the thrill of the start line, just a bit.
I miss the after parties
Back in the day, when you crossed the finish line, the party started! First, you collected your medal and bottle of water or electrolytes, and then it was on to the music, the massage tent, and all the food and booze. We had photo opps and time too chill with friends, and it was just so wonderful. Now, after we pass the finish line, we don our masks, collect our bling and head right back to our cars to head home. In time this will change, but ah, memories.
I miss racecations
I mean, I miss traveling in general, but oh, how I miss racecations. Going off with Mr PugRunner or my friends, to some incredible destination to take in all the sights AND run a race? That’s my idea of heaven. It has been so long since I’ve been anywhere outside a 60 mile radius, and even longer since I’ve combined that with running. I really want that feeling back, and am starting to feel comfortable eyeing a few locations for the honor.
What do you miss about racing?
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I miss racing in general, and I’m sure being at races now feels so much different. Every once in awhile I will start looking up races but everything here is virtual this spring, and no details are available for the end of the summer/fall. It seems like so many other places have started holding races but we are just not there yet, and I’m not comfortable planning to travel for a race yet. I can’t believe that is been about a year and a half now since I’ve run a race!
I so miss racing.
Unlike some runners I have done a few pandemic races
I miss hanging out after. With food and drink. And water stops. And seeing faces. High fives. Age Group awards.
Even having a training plan.
HIGH FIVES!!!! I miss those so much. And hugs. And all that.
Yes, I do miss racing in general. The planning, the training, the ray day excitement and the post race fun with friends. It will be a while here for us still so just trying to find other ways to make running fun at the moment
I mean, we can pivot and make anything amazing, but there’s also that need and desire for the good old days.
I miss all you’ve said!! And that first one about loading your calendar – even before the actual racing, this was a huge part of my life – searching for races far and wide, plotting and planning how I’d be able to do them all, wishing I even had more to squeeze into my already full calendar… I miss racing so much.
I miss this. Now I make no plans whatsoever. It’s just not worth the stress or disappointment.
Yes, all of that! We don’t even have any in-person racing yet (at least as far as I know) and I don’t know when we will. I also miss the feeling of competition when you’re running with others. Yes, I’m slow these days but there is something about just racing that makes it exciting.
it’s really just so fulfilling. I hope you get some races back soon.
Yes! Everything you mentioned. I’m glad the races are slowly re-emerging, though. The Leprechaun Chase has all the race day feels, even though they were under COVID protocols. The hubs & I are heading to Florida this afternoon….and it’s my first trip there (in many years) without a race on the roster 🙁 At least there will be plenty of sun & sand 🙂
You will have a good time here. We do have a lot of races going on, but it’s not quite back to normal yet.
I hope you have a wonderful time.
I have my first in-person race coming up in 10 days and I already know I will miss the after-race party! It was so nice to sit together and go over all the details together with the other runners.
Hopefully, one day we will soon be back to that.
It’s so exciting though! We will get back to it. I know we will!
Reading your post makes me miss it all!!! I haven’t done any races since Covid but my husband did a half marathon a few weeks ago. He was happy to do a live race but unhappy with certain parts of it (the masks at the starting line- it was a hot day.) But… never fear! Races will be back. Maybe not right away, but we’ll eventually have all the fun stuff again.
Yeah, there are definitely things that are hard to get used to, like masks at the start line. And what if you lose your mask while running. Etc. Etc. It willl get better.
All the restrictions are part of why I’m not really wanting to race now. I understand & appreciate the need for it, but I’ll just pass for now.
Can’t begin to say how muchI miss travel!
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That’s totally fair. Times are strange.
OCR has brought back a lot of those things, but I agree it feels different with the masks and social distancing. We still had an “after party” after Savage but it was definitely different than pre-covid. At Spartan they ushered us out right after the race and didn’t have anything afterwards. I mean, I’m always grateful to race again but I do miss the old days and hope we can get back to that soon!
I think it’s one normal to miss the old days. Fingers crossed that we can get back to it.
I miss racing! I miss the large groups of runners and the beer tents at the end. I miss spectators and finish lines. Now I can’t even imagine getting onto a shuttle with strangers or lining up at a crowded start line!
Right? It’s such a bizarre thought now!