It’s Tuesday so I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:
Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for
Today’s Topic is: How Do You Choose Your Races
This topic came to mind because I may be deciding between two races on the same day, October 28:
A
Poland Spring Marathon Kick-off (5M) in Central Park
or
B
Haunted 5K on Roosevelt Island
So how do I choose?
- Distance
Run the shorter distance because it takes less time and less training? B
Run the longer distance because it is more of a challenge? A
- Course
Run the flatter course so you have a better chance of a PR? B
Run the more scenic course? A and B
Run the more challenging course (the one with hills)? A
- Logistics
Run the race that is easier to get to? A
Run the race that has day of race bib pick up? B
- Size
Run the smaller race and have a better chance of an age group award? B
Run the more popular, exciting and larger race? A
- Cost
Save $$ and run the cheaper race? A
- Friends
Run the race where you may know another runner or two? A
- Bling
- Charity
Decisions…decisions.
I may not run either. It depends if I have enough points for a free hotel room the night before. I am going to see a Broadway show with 11 friends that same day so I figured why not run a race first……
I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup
Happy Running! How do you choose which race to run if there are more than one on the same day? If you were me, which one would you choose?
My First 5K and More... 
I would think, knowing you, you’d opt for the race where you knew people. The distances aren’t *really* that different (even though they are).
I’d probably go with smaller more scenic, but who knows? Good luck deciding.
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Interesting that the RI one is cheaper, NYCRuns ones almost never are. Maybe because I’m NYRR member though
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Nope. Ri is more expensive.
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Oops, I misread it
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Nope. I mistyped it LOL
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Two of the biggest deciding factors for me are distance from my house and the type of course. I try to avoid courses that are super hilly.
I’ve never run either race – both look great! I think I’d probably pick the Poland Spring race in Central park since it’s the kick off to NYC marathon week.
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I waver Back and forth. I think Poland Spring. But rI is flat.
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Honestly my first thing is which one is cheaper haha! Then it’s which one is closer or has a course that gives me a better chance at PRing.
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It can be hard to choose between races. Since I am not super speedy, I would probably pick the 5 miler. More miles for your race fee too
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I may do that.
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I tend to go for the more challenging race courses. I figure all the “hot shots” will be at the easy ones, hoping for a PR or AG win LOL
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Sometimes the hot shots are at the longer more challenging race LOL
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I guess I had not given this much thought! I choose ones that fit myself schedule or if it is a destination race, somewhere I want to go 🙂
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Makes sense. It’s more difficult if they are on the same day and in the same place.
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