While I do have a fairly extensive bucket list, I also have a list of races I never want to run. Some sound incredibly intimidating, while others make me feel not worthy. There are races that lack the amenities or razzle-dazzle that excite me. And there are also races that are just overwhelming in their scope or expectations.
So here we go: the races I never want to run.
The Boston Marathon
I know, I know. This is the unicorn. The dream. But I don’t think I ever want to be there. For one thing, short of being accepted to do some epic fundraising, I really don’t know that I belong. I’m never going to be fast enough to earn my spot at the start line, and with that in mind, I don’t know if I would want to be there. The pressure and anxiety would absolutely get the best of me, and I just don’t think its would be worth it. That being said, I was super excited to run the B.A.A. 10K, and earn some unicorn bling. Those memories will keep me for quite some time.
The Barkley Marathon
If you know, you know. Ultra races aren’t my thing, to begin with, but Race Director Lazarus Lake has created a bit of a demon with this 120(ISH) mile demon. I want to be the kind of person who wants to run something like The Barkley, but that’s just a monster. From the course you have to plot yourself to the flexible starting time to the absolutely treacherous conditions, there is just no way I could work myself into the mindset to take this on.
Badwater 135
I think the name says it all: bad, water, and 135. Starting from Death Valley (at least it’s very clear how this race is going to go) and traversing 135 miles to Mt. Whitney, this ultra is the ultimate test of fitness and endurance. While the experience sounds amazing, if you like that sort of thing, I would be much more willing to crew and spectate than to throw myself into this kind of endurance event.
Ameris Bank Jacksonville Marathon
I hate to be negative about a local race, but the Jacksonville Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K, are not on my list of must-dos. Is it a great, flat, and fast race? Yes, indeed it is. It’s the last Boston Qualifier of the season, and a lot of dreams come true on this course, but the trade off is that the race is pretty much an out and back on a fairly uninteresting main road. It does end with a loop on the track of a well-known private school, which is super cool, but 13.1 or 26.2 miles of San Jose Blvd? That’s a lot of time for me to get into my own head and create all kinds of issues. I’m probably going to continue to sit this one out.
Crystal Mine Marathon
Run in Sondershausen, Germany, the Kristallmarathon takes place in the tunnels of an old salt mine, 500 meters under the ground. No. Hard pass. It is dark, and enclosed, and apparently, the ground shifts beneath the runners. I’m having a panic attack just thinking about it. Would it be one of the coolest things ever? Absolutely! With a strictly limited field, and a time cutoff, this is a race on which I would very happily pass.
What are some of the races you would never want to run.
I am linking up with Kookyrunner and Zenaida this Tuesday for Tuesday Topics!
Looks like we have the same views on Boston and Barkleys, lol. I totally forgot about Badwater but I would add that to my list as well.
It just sounds terrifying!
Yup that’s a NO for me too on Boston and Barkley. Also any Disney race, color run, mud run, spartan and RAGNAR!!!
No problem since there are plenty to choose from in the NE and Florida – my travel destinations.
Ooh, I have a soft spot for Ragnar! And color runs are fun! But yeah, you can keep the mud runs. Nope.
Goodness- I had not heard about that race in Germany. No way! Yikes. I would also panic the whole time. Way too claustrophobic for that!
It’s good to be honest about local races. I forgot to note on my post that I would never do any Team Ortho races, as they have got into a lot of trouble for claiming to be a charity, but not actually being one.
Great list, thanks for sharing!
Right??? I couldn’t breathe just reading about it.
The local one is a GREAT RACE. It’s a purist race, if that makes sense: flat and fast and no-frills. I need frills. I need things to look at and entertainment and crowd support, especially for that distance. I would absolutely volunteer again for it and recommend it. I just don’t want to be on that course.
I’m with you on all of these! I will say though, I’ve run the 5K the day before Boston, and THAT is a fun race. Huge crowds, the amazing expo, the same finish line… but a nice distance with a bunch of average runners.
I have zero interest in ever running a full marathon, so my list would be super long. Lol!
I’ve never heard of the Crystal Mine Marathon. Nope, that doesn’t entice me either!
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That mine marathon sounds interesting…but not for 26.2 miles. I’d wonder about the air quality with a bunch of runners and their heavy breathing in such a confined space. I’m not claustrophobic, but hard pass on that one LOL
I wouldn’t want to run the Crystal Mine Marathon. The ground shifts beneath the runner? No thanks. That just freaked me out.
Thank you for linking up with us!
Oh wow, I just googled the Kristallmarathon and found some interesting race reports…The only advantage is that the runners have a consistent temperature.
Still, I’d rather run above ground!