When I say long distance runs are better than 5Ks, I assure you, I am speaking with my whole chest. The very idea of a 5K (or shorter) induces way more anxiety for me than a half or full marathon every would. Funny how that works. Let’s talk about it.
5Ks Are All About The Sprint
I have said it once and I will say it again: I am NOT a sprinter. And while every race is probably supposed to be run as fast as you can, long distance runs are way more comfortable to pace and endure. I’ll take 13.1 or 26.2 miles any day over 3.1 miles.
I Need Time To Get Comfortable On The Course
My first three miles are always my worst three miles. In a 5K situation, I’m crossing the finish line just as I start to feel good. When I have a 10K or longer in front of me, I spend more time feeling great, which makes my race experience so much more rewarding.
Longer Races Have Bigger Medals
Where are my swag junkies? Your girl will do a lot of things for a medal, but 5K medals are typically way smaller than distance medals. And in some cases, 5Ks don’t come with a medal at all! Quelle horreur! If I’m running, I want a big, heavy reminder of my accomplishment. That’s just how I roll.
Longer Distance Races Have Better After Parties
Not always, of course, but 5Ks are more likely to hand you a banana and a cup of water and send you on your way. I like the hype of bigger, longer races, with all the accoutrements! Give me mimosas and cocktails, all the food, complimentary massages, and live music, please and thank you. I want to celebrate.
Runners Burn Way More Calories During Longer Runs
There is something so satisfying about a serious calorie burn. Sure, a fast 5K can do the trick, but there’s nothing quite as gratifying as a long distance race. This makes the post run celebration (and nap), so much easier to justify.
Longer Distance Races Are More Of An Event
You all know I’m an exprerience runner, and the experience of a 5K is just too quick. Sure, I’ll run them, because they are available and manageable, but I love getting time out on the course for all the fun photo ops and shenanigans. I want to get the most out of every course, and I need miles and miles for that to happen.
Do you prefer longer or shorter races?
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I feel the same about 5Ks… I get very nervous at the starting line, much more than at a marathon. I guess it’s because the pressure is high to run fast – there’s no chance for a breather and slowing down for a few minutes.
This reminds me that I haven’t done a 5K in a while!
Haha! Now you have your next race idea: a 5K!
But yes. I like to take my time and look around and not feel all that pressure. I’m a mess of a runner.
I also prefer longer races. 5ks are so hard! But I do think they are a good challenge and at least they are easier to recover from. I used to do them more because they were so much cheaper than longer races. But now even 5ks are getting expensive!
They are and you are right. You can recover more easily.
Most of our 5Ks are pretty cheap ($30 and under). Obviously, the earlier you register, the cheaper they are.
I’ve never liked a 5K race for many of the reasons you mentioned. It takes me a few miles to warm up and I am not a sprinter either. I still get nervous before any race though 🙂
I used to say that 5ks where so much harder than running a marathon. You have to run so fast! Of course these days, everything is slower but still. Pushing hard for 3 miles is still a challenge.