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3 Ways to Run a Race Just for Fun

October 26, 2016 Michelle Homan 23 Comments

So last week I weighed it all out and decided I am absolutely going to run the Suffolk County Half Marathon this Sunday just for fun.

Can you run a race just for fun? Check out these 3 ways to make it happen! #runchat #sweatpink

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I even ran 6.2 miles of hills this past weekend and felt great.

 

Testing myself before 13.1 next weekend and totally reaffirming the decision from my ‘Run or Don’t Run’ post last week ๐Ÿƒ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป 10k on the hills with @coachmkfit made the miles fly by ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿป๐Ÿ‘Š๐Ÿป

A photo posted by Michelle @ Fruition Fitness (@fruitionfitness) on Oct 23, 2016 at 8:13am PDT

Now that my mind is made up, Iโ€™m starting to brainstorm what I want to do during my 2+ hour jaunt. Iโ€™ve never really run a race just for fun, so Iโ€™m trying to have a repertoire of all the things Iโ€™d like to do:

run-a-race-just-for-fun

1. Find a buddy

I think my adjusted goal is to run around 2 hours, so when I was at my run Sunday I asked around. I now have an idea of some buddies I can pace with, and Iโ€™m sure Iโ€™ll find some more along the way. Itโ€™ll be a great opportunity to catch up with some people I havenโ€™t talked with in a while.

2. Take your phone (and use it)

I donโ€™t think Iโ€™ve ever raced with my phone before, but this could be a great opportunity to document my 13.1 mile journey like I never have before. Iโ€™ll probably wear my Flipbelt (affiliate link) so I donโ€™t have to actually hold it the whole time, but Iโ€™m looking forward to some fun selfies along the way.

3. Have zero goals

I kind of already did this, but as you can see, I keep mentioning this 2 hour thing. I even need to let that go ASAP. For my training (or lack there of), 2 hours may not even be realistic. I need to just have fun, feel good, and go with it. As of publishing this, I’m still deciding if I should wear my Garmin or forgo it altogether! 

i-dont-always-run-for-fun

As a bonus, I’m sure I’ll have some down time to let my mind wander and craft up some new ideas, mentally plan my meals for the week, and even plan my next actual race ๐Ÿ˜‰

Iโ€™d love to knowโ€ฆany other tips for running a race just for fun?

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Comments

  1. jill conyers says

    October 26, 2016 at 3:58 am

    Having to be told/reminded how to race for fun kinda makes me laugh. How quickly we forget. Shared the run love of course.

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      October 26, 2016 at 5:30 am

      I know! For me competition is fun, so taking that out of the equation leaves me a little lost! Looking forward to having no worries!!

      Reply
  2. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    October 26, 2016 at 6:18 am

    Take off your GPS! Treat it like a recovery run.
    Have fun! That is an order!

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      October 26, 2016 at 12:14 pm

      Thanks!! I think I will leave the gps, and I know I’ll have fun!

      Reply
  3. Annmarie says

    October 26, 2016 at 6:40 am

    I think finding a friend and pausing to take a few photos definitely can make a non-goal race seem that much more fun!

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      October 26, 2016 at 12:14 pm

      Yes, I’m excited!

      Reply
  4. Julie @ Running in a Skirt says

    October 26, 2016 at 8:48 am

    Yes! Friends and a camera! I’ve done some shorter races for fun, but never a half. I think it’s best to just sink it all in even more than normal too.

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      October 26, 2016 at 12:15 pm

      First I was totally stressing over this race, but know I’m getting excited for some fun!

      Reply
  5. Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says

    October 26, 2016 at 9:10 am

    I’ve ran quite a few races just for fun. It’s a great experience. It really also gives you a chance to thank the volunteers, give out the high fives to the crowd and stop and take a picture when you want it. I think you’ll really enjoy it.

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      October 26, 2016 at 12:16 pm

      Definitely thank the volunteers! I do that normally, it just doesn’t look as pretty!

      Reply
  6. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    October 26, 2016 at 10:42 am

    I hope you enjoy your first race that you’ve run for fun. I definitely agree that taking photos and running with friends is a huge help! It’s hard to eliminate those goals in the back of your mind, but the other two methods help a lot!
    Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…12 Quick and Effective Core Workouts for RunnersMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      October 26, 2016 at 12:17 pm

      Thanks! Can’t wait to report back on it ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  7. Teresa says

    October 26, 2016 at 1:00 pm

    Ooooh, this sounds like fun…because it’s so hard to run a race just for fun! ๐Ÿ™‚ Once the gun goes off, it’s hard to ignore that competitive nature, slow down and just enjoy the journey. I have a friend that loves to wear costumed running attire when doing some of her half marathons…I would think this would add to the “fun” feel as well. Good luck and ….well, have fun! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      October 26, 2016 at 1:08 pm

      Thanks so much! I am highly competitive (with myself!) and have run some pretty nice PRs, so it’s definitely hard to shut it off! Writing it all out has really helped me come to terms with it!

      Reply
  8. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    October 26, 2016 at 1:48 pm

    I’ve done a few races just for fun, and to be honest, they’ve been my favorite races!! Running with a buddy and taking pics makes it so much more memorable, too. Have a blast!

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      October 26, 2016 at 2:31 pm

      Thanks! Looking forward to it!

      Reply
  9. Esther says

    October 26, 2016 at 3:57 pm

    Running for fun is so what we need sometimes!
    Maybe look at the course and find some fun spots for pics along the way!
    Enjoy yourself and leave the garmin at home ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      October 26, 2016 at 5:48 pm

      Thanks! It’s going to be so refreshing!

      Reply
  10. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says

    October 26, 2016 at 8:42 pm

    Sometimes the best runs are the runs with no goals and lots of friends. Thanks for the link up
    Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…6.2 Reasons To Love A 10KMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      October 27, 2016 at 6:20 am

      I’m looking forward to it!! Thanks!

      Reply
  11. Chrissy says

    October 29, 2016 at 3:16 pm

    I’m not a runner but I think having zero goals would be key to just having fun with a race.
    Chrissy recently posted…BEST FOOD FOR HEALTHY TEETHMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      November 2, 2016 at 8:12 am

      It definitely helps! The mental aspect is so difficult when you’re used to being a competitor!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 2016 Perfect 10 Miler Race Recap | Run With No Regrets says:
    October 27, 2016 at 12:37 pm

    […] of discussion about this topic lately, particularly Michelle from Fruition Fitness’s post on How to Run for Fun. ย It’s funny how this is a lot harder than you would think! ย Even if you’re not the […]

    Reply

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