Sometimes in the running community there is pressure to run races all the time. Races are fun, and there are many benefits to racing! However, there are also important reasons not to run a race. Keep these in mind as you are planning out your racing schedule this year, or deciding if you should sign up for that last minute 5k next weekend.
8 Important Reasons Not To Run a Race
Now that races are back it seems like many runners are adding ALL the races to their schedule. There are others who have continued to only pick a couple goal races a year and focus on those. There is no right or wrong approach to racing, and you need to find what works for you. But keep these points in mind when you are deciding if you should run a race.
You’re body is giving you signs that you need to take it easy
Racing is hard on the body. Even when we don’t aim for a PR we usually end up running harder than we would on an easy run. If you are racing frequently and noticing some niggles or aches and pains, maybe it would help to not race as much. This would allow you to run whatever distance makes your body happy that day at a truly easy pace.
Running a race would interfere with your training schedule
Sometimes we have one big goal race we are training for, but we plan other races to run throughout our training. These other races can work well as part of a long run, or to test your fitness in shorter distances during training, or even to just get you used to being in the racing environment. But sometimes those races don’t work well in our schedule, and it makes more sense to follow your training plan as it’s been written. Most coaches will adjust your plan to incorporate races, but it’s best to limit these to a few throughout your training cycle.
Planning the logistics to run a race is stressing you out
Have you found that just planning the logistics to run a race is more work than a race itself? Figuring out how to pick up your bib, arranging childcare, finding where you can park, deciding what time to leave, etc. And maybe you are trying to arrange all of this within an already busy day! If you’re finding that running a race becomes more stress than it’s worth, maybe it’s better to skip the race.
The race fees are adding up
Races are not cheap! Especially when you do them all the time. While running is supposed to be an inexpensive sport things like races and gear can really add up. If you are keeping an eye on your budget skipping some races may be one way to cut costs. You can save those race fees and buy a new pair of running shoes instead.
You are missing family time on the weekends
Running a race can take a lot more time that just going out and running on your own. You need to leave early and often stay after the race finishes for snacks and socializing. This can really cut into family time on the weekends. Maybe sometimes your family can join you at your race, but this isn’t always feasible- especially during COVID and in the colder months. (And they may not want to watch you race every weekend!) Try to figure out a good balance of racing that allows you to get the most out of it while also spending time with friends and family on the weekends.
You know yourself- and you can’t race “just for fun”
Ok, be honest here. Have you ever planned to run a race and said “I’m not going to race this, I’m just going to run it for fun.”? And were you actually able to not race it? Many runners are so motivated by the race atmosphere that they can’t help but push themselves harder during a race. Running hard week after week can wear down your body and put you at risk of injury or burnout. Consider if you really can back off on some of those races if you are racing frequently.
You’re missing the benefits of running a race
Racing has many benefits, especially because it is an opportunity to push yourself in an optimal running setting. If you choose the right frequency of racing at ideal times in your training cycle, you will really be able to make the most of those training opportunities. If you race every weekend, they will no longer have as much value in that way. If your goal for racing is to challenge yourself and test your fitness, consider scheduling your races in a way that allows for you to push hard and then recover appropriately between races.
You may also like: How to Stay in Running Shape with No Race
You’re signing up to run a race for the wrong reasons
Think about why you are signing up to run a race, and make sure you are happy with those reasons. If you truly enjoy racing, great! But are you racing because you feel like you “need” to or because all your friends are racing and you don’t want to feel left out? Consider the priorities of your own running and training and figure out how racing can fit in. You want your races to be a positive experience that support your overall running and training.
You may also like:
What To Do The Week Before Your Race
How to Choose Your Ideal Comeback Race
Top 7 Racing Mistakes To Avoid As You Return to Running Races
How often do you like to run a race?
What are some reasons you will skip a race?
Can you race “just for fun”?
Now it’s time for the Runners’ Roundup! Link up your running and fitness posts below! Join myself, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Runs with Pugs , and Laura Norris Running to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas.
These are all great tips, Lisa! I do think a lot of runners really get caught up in FOMO — which can be good, but sometimes it can really be bad.
And the expense — yes! It certainly does add up.
Agreed! Running with others can be motivating, but at a certain point you need to focus on your own training and goals!
I actually like to race “for fun.” I usually don’t run those races at an easy pace, but I like to run strong and steady (based on how my body feels). Granted, I can run strong and steady for free, all on my own, but it’s more fun on a race course. I honestly don’t have that competitive drive that pushes me to “race” against all the other peeps (at least not all the time, LOL).
That sounds like a good balance of being able to enjoy a race and run a little faster without pushing yourself too hard!
I learned the hard way years ago about running a race when I was injured. It did not end well. I say go with your gut and if you are questioning whether its a good idea, it is probably not!
Exactly! Its one thing to feel nervous about a race, but its another to be seriously questioning if you should even be doing it.
These unfortunately never apply to me obviously. lol
I love to race and the positives always outweigh the negatives. The only time I would not race is if I am injured or sick.
I don’t think I know anyone else who races as much as you! It’s great that you can do them for fun and enjoy yourself.
When I lived in NYC (over twenty years ago) I went through a phase where I raced every other weekend and I LOVED it! All my PRs are from that time. Races also weren’t that expensive, and I didn’t have to travel. Now, things are a bit different. I definitely have trouble racing “for fun” and I know I’ll push myself- as a result I’ve hardly been racing at all. I think I need to find a happy medium! This is a great post- finding a good balance of racing the right amount can be tricky.
I think living somewhere like NYC (pre-covid) it would be tempting to race all the time! Things really are different now. Around here races aren’t super convenient and I’d rather just get out the door and do my run.
I personally don’t race often, so I choose my races carefully. I’ve had the talk with some runners about if they really want to run a race or just feel like they “should” – sometimes, the logistics or weather aren’t worth it when there’s an alternative plan.