As we reach the end of the year, I am struggling with the question of should I race to fit in one more event. My goal is always at least one race a month, and I have absolutely averaged more than 12 events this year. But December is just slipping way, and there is one more chance to add a 5K to my roster. Should I race or should I skip?
The Race In Question Is A 5k
Even if I’m not feeling 110% back from Covid and Christmas, I can bang out a 5K, without much problem. Of course I don’t usually run on Saturdays, but 3.1 miles isn’t an intimidating distance. An easy 5K might be just what I need.
But It Will Be An Early Morning
After the last month of illness and chaos, do I really want to get up super early, to drive 30-40 minutes for a race? Would it not serve me better to get some extra rest and score my miles closer to home? Hmmm. Things to ponder.
I Don’t Know If I’ll Be Able To Run In January
Due to travel and previous commitments, a January race is looking pretty rough. For some reason, I feel like if I have something on the books in December, it will make skipping January not as awful. That available date is a five mile beach run, and it truly sounds terrible. Part of me wants the experience, while the other part says “nope.”
But It’s Ok To Be Flexible
I definitely have a race scheduled for February, and certainly one in March. It won’t be hard to catch back up, but I also don’t love letting too long pass between races. For some reason, I am far more willing to be flexible than I used to be, so I’m not super worried about achieving long term goals.
The Weather Will Be Glorious
The last few races I casually considered all ended up in the midst of terrible weather. In fact, several of them were even cancelled or postponed! Races are so rarely canceled, so I’m glad that I didn’t register. That being said, Saturday will be cold and clear, and it seems almost silly to pass that up. Gosh, I’m a sucker for great running weather.
What would you do in my position? How do you decide when to race and when to skip a race?
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I think if doing the race will bring you happiness and joy this week, go for it. If it will stress you out getting up early to get there, then maybe skip it!
That is the question…
I never skip a race unless I am injured.
And you never know what the future will bring so I say do it.
Excellent points and great advice!
I would say do it for sure if it were just a little closer to home (then it would be a no-brainer.). The fact that it’s 30-40 minutes away makes it a little tricky. Yes, would you be better off getting more rest and running closer to home? It’s a tough call. I guess the question is, how much will you regret it if you don’t do it?
Speaking of cold weather, I’m SO PSYCHED for the upcoming week- the weather is going to be insanely great and I am here for it.
It’s going to be so nice!
I’m skipping. I want to go but we have so much to do before our trip that I can’t justify it.
You’re asking a person who did skip her last race because it was too long a drive and I didn’t feel like I was in the best shape. Still, it’s really up to you. If you feel better, I say go for it if you feel well. If you don’t then skip it. So, I’m not much help. 🙂
I am not one to race much at all so if I was registered and had made arrangements I would do it, otherwise no. I think that’s why I sign up for races so late- I know I might end up questioning if I really want to do it as it gets closer.