I’ve determined that as a runner, we will do some of the most insane things just to “race”.  Last year I ran a half marathon in the rain…all 2 hours and 20 minutes in the rain.  At least it was a warm rain, it was a lovely 70 something degrees, while what I did this past weekend was just ridiculous!  Thankfully it wasn’t raining or snowing like they had said it was going to, but the gale force winds (30mph with gusts) and 34 degrees made it one of the toughest (in regards to climate and course) races that I’ve ever run. 

So, what is it that causes us to be crazy people and run in these conditions?  I’m not 100% sure that its die-hard dedication because if it had been a normal training day I wouldn’t have been out there.  I would have been inside on a treadmill for those 5 miles (and I HATE treadmills).  Maybe its the money we pay that forces us to get there and do it.  But, really….registration fees of $20 or $35 isn’t going to break us if we don’t race.  Perhaps it could be the loot that we race for.  The t-shirts, coupons, other trinkets that we get at races are great motivators, but…..

All of these are great possibilities, but I really think it is the atmosphere that surrounds a race that makes us do what we do.  If you’ve never raced or spent a lot of time around the “racing community” you don’t understand.  There is a special camaraderie that surrounds the racing community, there is an energy that our fans and supporters evoke and channel towards us to run our hearts out.  (On a side note, I have to say I have some of the greatest fans…my Mom and Step-Dad…they have stood in the cold & wind, rain, and gotten up at 2:30AM all to watch me run….and its not like I’m that good, I just love it).  Maybe it’s that push to get a medal whether its because you placed in your age category (I can’t wait to be rid of the college students and move up with the “older” ones) or going to finish a race for that finisher medal at a half or marathon, but getting the bling is a big part of it too!

It’s the satisfaction of knowing we pushed our bodies to accomplish something great and that others aren’t….knowing we are in good shape and physically fit.

I’m not 100% sure of what pushes us to do the crazy things we do (and it may be a combination of all of them), but it is WHAT WE RUNNER’S DO!