#67 - Run With Your Heart/ Top 10 Reasons You Should Sign Up For That Race

In this week's blog/podcast we will explore the top ten reasons why you should sign up for that race! Which race are we talking about? Well, my friend, that is up to you! It could be your first 5k. Maybe you have been a little afraid to step it up to a half or full marathon. Been running a long time and need something a little more challenging? Triathlon, anyone? No matter what we decide, we need to run with our hearts. So let’s dive into those top ten reasons.

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Number 10:

Being Part Of Something Larger Than You

When signing up for that race event you may notice that the proceeds help a great cause. You participating in that event could continue the research of cancer or raise awareness for MS. One of my favorite events to run is the Shirley Mae Breast Cancer 5k. To see all the survivor's march is amazing! Seeing runners run in honor of someone else always makes me feel good as well. 

Number 9:

Just For The Fun Of The Event

There are so many fun events out there when the country recovers from this pandemic. One fun event that our Run To The Best You crew participated in was the 2019 Terrain Race in Millville, NJ. The 5k was filled with obstacles and we were able to push ourselves beyond our comfort zones.

Another fun event that I enjoy is the Atlantic City Marathon, due to the beautiful scenery. Running along the beach on the boardwalk, through a tunnel, around a resort, and past a lighthouse just to name a few of the great sights of this race makes it a lot of fun. 

Sign up today for a upcoming virtual events: acraceseries.com

Number 8: 

Bling, I Love Those Medals

Jamie & Jen Burke @ Keep Calm And Run To The Best You

Virtual 5k on September 5th, 2020

Speaking of medals, it seems as though I am getting a nice collection of them from the AC Marathon Series alone. My count is over 10 medals. You feel really good coming home with your new piece of jewelry. My first Disney Half Marathon, I used the medal as a lanyard that held an assortment of Disney pins that I would collect while at the park. 

We have a member who claims that she will not run any more races if it doesn’t come with a medal. That’s just how much she loves them. They represent her hard work. With so many virtual races popping up, what separates one from another is that bling. 

Number 7: 

Sense Of Accomplishment

Angelina Hawk Completing Her First 5k

Whether your race comes with a medal or not, no one can ever take away the sense of accomplishment that you receive by crossing that finish line. Sometimes it is a major accomplishment just to make it to the starting line. I at times reflect on what I had gone through the months leading up to the event. I feel grateful to have been able to make it. Perhaps you and I may have to deal with some challenges in life that could have knocked us out of the box. So appreciate every moment. From the start to finish. 

Number 6:

Swag Bag: T-Shirts, Gels, and Other Cool Junk

Medals may get all the attention, not to be overlooked is the swag bags! There is nothing like a soft comfortable t-shirt that comes with your race event. Bigger races have those awesome bags that may come with energy bars, gels, and other cool junk. Junk that if you have no interest in, best believe your children would want to play with it. 

Number 5:

To Inspire and Get Inspired By Other Runners

When signing up for that race, it is just you and the computer. When you step out on that course, it is you and a ton of people that you can draw inspiration from. As you look around and see an older couple running together, your heart melts that they are doing it together. You may see that person at the start of their health journey trying to make it to the end…….. your words of encouragement may inspire them to never give up. Remember you are someone's inspiration as well. 

Number 4:

To Feel What It Is Like To Be Part Of A Great Race Event

We run all sorts of races, from small community races, Disney Marathon Series, and everything in between. Every single one of them has their own great experience and generates some awesome memories good and bad at times. If you have been running for some time and want to spice things up, pick a destination race. I would like to feel what it is like to run a 5k in Puerto Rico! How about you?

Number 3:

Endorphins, Endorphins, Endorphins

Lisa Keating Flying High On Endorphins After Her First 10k

Yes! You leave the event on such a high! You come home telling your family that didn’t come all about it. They just look at you like; “That’s nice.” You can tell they really don’t understand because they have to experience it for themselves. The endorphins that you experience during and after the race can be turned into a great rest of your day.  

Number 2: 

Seeing The Results Of Your Hard Training

One thing I appreciate about running over say a home workout program is that you get to test out what you have been working on. Perhaps you have been training 12 weeks for a 5k or 16 weeks for your first half marathon. You did not run all those miles for nothing, so get out there and kill it. 

Number 1:

Because You Can

The number one reason for signing up for that race is because you can! There are so many in the world that can not right now due to being sick or disabled. Some that will read this post are experienced runners already. There will be those that read this that never ran a race in their lives. You may be hesitant, thinking that you are too old, or not in shape yet, or that your arthritis won’t let you. Please don’t let any of those things stop you. What if I told you that you too can participate in that race and feel the endorphins and have that sense of accomplishment no matter your age, your weight, or perceived limitations? You may say: “How do you know?”

I know because, I've seen a 52 year old grandmother with rheumatoid arthritis run 3 5k’s in 5 months time all while losing 40lbs along the way in 2020.

Leave your thoughts below:

Why do you sign up for races?

I would like to end this blog post with our mantra:

I wake up, I lace up, no matter my pace, I run for head space, I run to the best me to inspire you to Keep Calm And Run To The Best You!

We are just ONE run away…….

- Coach Tadris

We Invite You To Join The Crew!

Join Us At The Level That Feels Right For You:

8-Week 5k Transformation Program (RunA5K)

Online Accountability Group (Experienced Runners)

Keeping It Real 7 Day Health Challenge (Nutritional Support/FREE)