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.
I even ran 6.2 miles of hills this past weekend and felt great.
Now that my mind is made up, I’m starting to brainstorm what I want to do during my 2+ hour jaunt. I’ve never really run a race just for fun, so I’m trying to have a repertoire of all the things I’d like to do:
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 I’m sure I’ll find some more along the way. It’ll be a great opportunity to catch up with some people I haven’t talked with in a while.
2. Take your phone (and use it)
I don’t think I’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. I’ll probably wear my Flipbelt (affiliate link) so I don’t have to actually hold it the whole time, but I’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!
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 😉
I’d love to know…any other tips for running a race just for fun?
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Having to be told/reminded how to race for fun kinda makes me laugh. How quickly we forget. Shared the run love of course.
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!!
Take off your GPS! Treat it like a recovery run.
Have fun! That is an order!
Thanks!! I think I will leave the gps, and I know I’ll have fun!
I think finding a friend and pausing to take a few photos definitely can make a non-goal race seem that much more fun!
Yes, I’m excited!
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.
First I was totally stressing over this race, but know I’m getting excited for some fun!
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.
Definitely thank the volunteers! I do that normally, it just doesn’t look as pretty!
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 Runners
Thanks! Can’t wait to report back on it 🙂
Ooooh, this sounds like fun…because it’s so hard to run a race just for fun! 🙂 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! 🙂
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!
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!
Thanks! Looking forward to it!
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 🙂
Thanks! It’s going to be so refreshing!
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 10K
I’m looking forward to it!! Thanks!
I’m not a runner but I think having zero goals would be key to just having fun with a race.
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It definitely helps! The mental aspect is so difficult when you’re used to being a competitor!