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3 Crucial Keys to Planning a Realistic Race Schedule

July 5, 2016 Michelle Homan 16 Comments

I have to admit that I thought that running and racing were synonymous. Why would one run if it wasn’t to race? I am fortunate enough to live in an area where races are so plentiful, we actually have to choose between multiple races on the same day.

#firstworldrunnerproblems

3 Keys to Planning a Realistic Running Race Schedule

Anyway, being immersed in the blogging world has opened my eyes to the fact that some people may in fact not actually race, and recently, I have not been racing that much either. I ran a race the other day–it was more the spontaneous type of race where we signed up the night before on a car ride home. It was not my best by far, but it was motivational to be back out there and gave me a spark to set some goals. It also got me reflecting on the days where we would race every weekend–sometimes both days. And then to the days where we actually planned out a race schedule.

Whether you run to race, or race to run, planning a realistic schedule is key to having a positive experience.

3 Crucial Keys to Planning a Realistic Race Schedule #sweatpink #runchat

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Goals

Runners have seemingly infinite number of reasons to run, and therefore infinite goals in terms of what they expect from races. Goals for a race may be 1) to compete, 2) to have fun, or 3) to train. Of course there could be more, but these are the general areas from my personal experience. Identifying the reason, or goal for running the race, will give you peace of mind with the outcome.

Distance

Choosing that sexy marathon may seem so tempting, but be sure to thoroughly think things over before registering.  Ask yourself the tough questions like, do I have the time to train, or do I even want to run this distance? Try not to get caught up in the hype and pick a distance that fits your lifestyle.

Location

Running races usually start around 8 or 9 in the morning, so the actual location of the race does play an important part in race scheduling. Choosing races that are closer to home, and an easy commute, can make race morning much more enjoyable.

Sometimes races can serve as a goal–something to train for and a way to motivate yourself to go a little further–so make sure you plan a realistic race schedule to get the most out of race day. Identifying your goals, picking a realistic distance, and choosing a convenient location will all play a part in shaping your race experience.


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Comments

  1. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    July 6, 2016 at 7:17 am

    It’s so easy to fall into the comparison trap with all that people post on social media! You’ve got some simple, great tips here to keep runners on track with a realistic goal!
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…This or That….Juxtaposition in RunningMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      July 7, 2016 at 6:27 am

      Totally! Everyone has to focus on their own needs if they want to reap the benefits of running!

      Reply
  2. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says

    July 6, 2016 at 9:06 am

    Races around here seem to start at 7! Location is certainly key if you don’t want to be up at 4 am. 🙂 Thanks for the linkup
    Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Finding My EdgeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      July 7, 2016 at 6:28 am

      Eeek! 7 is a bit too early for my kids schedules…that’s why time is important!

      Reply
  3. Annmarie says

    July 6, 2016 at 9:10 am

    I was guilty for a long time of just signing up for races for the fun of it. Now I try to make them fit my goals and it has worked out a lot better! 🙂
    Annmarie recently posted…Hill Sprints & Ultimate Sandbag Strength WorkoutMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      July 7, 2016 at 6:29 am

      Me too…it left me burnt out and unfocused on any goals. I’m much wiser now!

      Reply
  4. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    July 6, 2016 at 10:12 am

    All great tips. I have access to a number of races living in NYC, but I love traveling for races and turning it into a vacation 🙂
    Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…The Perfect 10 WorkoutMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      July 7, 2016 at 6:30 am

      NYC is so great! I can’t wait to do some destination races when the kiddies are older!

      Reply
  5. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    July 6, 2016 at 11:00 am

    When it comes to training, it is SO important to be realistic. There have been so many tempting races that I have had to pass on because there wasn’t enough time to fully dedicate to training or they were simply too far away. The best way to set yourself up for success is to plan accordingly!
    Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…How to Track Goals With the Believe Training JournalMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      July 7, 2016 at 6:30 am

      You are so right! Thanks Janelle!

      Reply
  6. Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says

    July 6, 2016 at 2:07 pm

    I really think about each of these when I sign up for a race. I usually am swayed by location the most since I love the destination race.
    Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Five Lessons I’ve Learned in 5 Years of RunningMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      July 7, 2016 at 6:31 am

      Can’t wait to do some destination races! Until then, I’m lucky to have plenty to choose from here!

      Reply
  7. Rachel says

    July 7, 2016 at 6:24 am

    What’s funny about this is that up until last year, I rarely raced. Maybe once or twice a year. Last year I felt like I was racing every weekend. This year I’ve dialed it back a ton. #longtermgoals
    Rachel recently posted…Rockin’ in the Free World: Rock Hall Half MarathonMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      July 7, 2016 at 6:32 am

      It’s fun to get it out of your system, but yeah, if you have a goal, you need a plan!

      Reply
  8. vicki says

    July 8, 2016 at 4:06 pm

    Great tips! I like races for the extra motivation to keep training.
    vicki recently posted…Quick Black Beans and RiceMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      July 8, 2016 at 4:10 pm

      Thanks!! I feel the same!

      Reply

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