For many of us runners, getting out a few days a week to pound out a few miles is good enough, but if you’ve never run a race, then you may be missing out! Some people like to jump into a full marathon (26.2 miles) or half marathon (13.1 miles) on their first attempt, but you don’t have to do that, there are lots of short 5k races being held every weekend that you could train for. Here are some great reasons to run a race.

Why you should run a race

Setting a goal to run a race is a big motivating factor which will help you stick to a plan and get out the door even on those days when the couch seems like a much better option. The training process will have you feeling stronger and faster , you’ll soon be brimming with confidence as you stick to your training plan and start to feel improvements with each run. The exhilarating feeling you’ll get at the starting line . The race doesn’t have to be a huge marathon either, in fact, finding a local 5k race can be just as exciting and you won’t have to battle the crowds. Pushing yourself harder than you ever thought possible . You’ll be amazed at how much faster you can run when you get swept up in the energy of the pack as the whistle goes off at the starting line, but at the same time, you want to finish the race, so you have to try and bottle up some of that energy and disperse it throughout the race. Passing another runner . Ok, this doesn’t always happen, but more likely than not, at some point during the race you will pass another runner, if you are even a little bit competitive, that will be an exciting feeling. Don’t forget to say a word of encouragement or two to the runner you’re passing, they may be going through a rough spot and your words will certainly help them out.

Need more reasons to run a race? Keep reading!

Seeing the finish line looming in the distance. This is where you realize that you are doing it, you are about to finish what may be your first race ever. At this point, you’re hurting and you can’t wait to be done, but you are also feeling a great sense of accomplishment as you know you set a goal for yourself, you executed the training to get there and finally, here you are on race day about to actually finish! Actually crossing the finish line . Finally its over, you can congratulate yourself and the other runners in the finishing chute. Don’t forget to stop your watch! If you’re a data-geek, you’ll want to go home and download your race data and analyze each split I’m sure. Enjoying a well earned breakfast . Whether you ran a 5k, half marathon or full marathon, you did just run a race! Go out and treat yourself to a nice breakfast at home or in a restaurant, now is the time to reward yourself with that side order of bacon or the waffles piled high with whip cream. Sharing your experience with others. Go ahead and tell your friends, family and co-workers about your accomplishment, who knows, you may just inspire another runner!

Are you ready to run a race now?

Run a race – 5k distance

Run a race – Go big with a half marathon

Half Marathon Training for Beginners