Do you run
swifter in a race than an everyday training run? If you do, you’re not alone.
Most of us cover the ground considerably faster in an actual event than during
a training run.
Why are we speedier in running races?
There may be
dozens of reasons we tend to dash speedier when we participate in specified
5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, marathons, triathlons, or other popular events. Here
are several possible explanations. Maybe you can think of more.
1) A little extra sleep goes a long way.
OK, some of us
don’t sleep all that well the night before running a race. But most of us try
to live gently and rest up, if possible, in the days leading up to such an
event. That’s a big plus, once we cross the start line.
2) Runners eat carefully before races.
Let’s just say we
try to consume familiar foods that are not likely to erupt or ignite issues
along the way. You get the picture.
3) Training
kicks in on race day.
“Trust your
training,” say scores of running professionals. Despite race-day nerves, which
often crop up when it’s time to line up in race corrals (or at start lines), those
who have put in the time and miles ahead of time will feel the difference.
4) Pre-race tapering prepares runners for swifter
scampering.
If we follow our
training plans (or listen to our fitness trainers, if we have them), we
probably arrive at a race with fresh energy. Hopefully, that means we’re not
showing up with overuse injuries too.
5) A
running race is a planned trip with a well-defined distance.
Sure, some race
courses are not exactly measured out accurately. We all have stories of races
that ran longer or shorter than they claimed to be. But generally, runners can
predict the distance and the duration of a given event. We do all sorts of
crazy, complicated mathematical calculations in our heads along the way.
(Example: “In half a mile, I’ll have a 5K left to go.”) Those ideas are great
motivators.
6) Runners draw bursts of power from enthusiastic
race spectators.
Never mind the
“You’re almost there” signs at mile 20 of a marathon. Most of the placards and
encouraging cheers really do help runners to pour on the power when it’s most
needed. Crowd appeal is worth plenty, even when it comes from total strangers.
A random high-five, especially near the dreaded “wall,” can be just the ticket
for a slowing runner. Let’s just say that doesn’t happen (and definitely
shouldn’t happen) when a runner is alone on a secluded trail or jogging along a
busy thoroughfare.
7) Closed roads open the door for faster running.
Traffic is
tedious for runners in training. Even when we stay on the shoulder of a road,
we have to pay attention (and maybe leap out of the way) for drivers who may
not spot us. In closed-course races, we don’t have to beware of texting (or
otherwise distracted) drivers.
8) Stoplights don’t count in races.
A red light at a
traffic stop can take 60 to 90 seconds. Encountering multiple traffic lights
(or just having to cross busy intersections) can add real time to a run.
9) Groomed routes make way for swifter running.
Unless we’re
darting through the woods, climbing over obstacles, or scaling rocky
outcroppings in technical races, official race routes tend to offer smoother pathways
for running. Of course, there’s always the occasional pothole, loose curb, or
street debris to avoid.
10) Support stations make a world of difference.
Long-distance
runners usually carry water and nutrition along for the trip. Energy gels,
bars, or favorite crunchies keep us from crashing from caloric drops. But we
still appreciate the enthusiasm and provisions offered at water/hydration and
snack stops. (Let’s hear it for race volunteers!)
11) The fellowship of runners gets us going.
Running is
competitive. We’re all trying to run farther and faster than we have before.
Some want to win or place, beating others to the finish line. But mostly, we’re
out there because we love fitness and the fun of running with others sharing
the same passions. We salute those who finish well. We encourage those who are
running through extra challenges of all sorts. We high-five total strangers.
And it makes us keep going, even when we think we can’t.
12) Peer pressure prods us to persist.
How does a runner
pick up the pace? Plenty of seasoned runners will advise beginners to try
running with swifter folks. Inspiration and peer pressure challenge us to move
our feet faster.
13) Adrenaline is amazing.
This is a real
thing. We can’t help but be caught up in the momentum of a crowd of runners
making their way together through a race route. Sure, there’s often amazing
scenery to see, but the power of the pack grabs our focus and adds to our
energy.
14) A PR is a powerful goal.
Chasing and
conquering a personal record is something akin to slaying a dragon. Yes, that
new individual record time becomes the new goal to beat, but it’s worth it to
ring that (proverbial or real) PR bell at the end of the race.
15) It’s OK to go for broke on race day.
During the
training process, runners pour on the power, but we also feel the need to save
ourselves for the big day. We dread injuries that might sideline us. But on
race day, we pull out all the stops. We give it all we’ve got. We shoot the
wad. We spend the bank. We spout every “Finish well” cliché we’ve got.
And we get it
done, even if we have to crumble at the end. That often means we run faster in
the race than we have in the everyday training runs we’ve done to prepare for
it.
Besides, who gets a medal for running a bunch of
miles in training?
Images:
Adapted from public domain photo
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