9 Reasons to Make Races Part of Your Own Over 50 Year Old Exercise Routine

It’s true.  You can just exercise without paying for races.  And let’s face it – who ever heard of a water aerobics show down or yoga contest?  Besides that, the chance of me, a 52 year old woman, challenging for the top standings is remote to ludicrous.  So, why enter running races and triathlons (2012 Emmett Triathlon report) at my age?

1. Motivation is the most obvious reason.  It helps me to be consistent about exercising and stay with the schedule as best I can.
2. Having a goal or deadline stimulates efficiency of training.  Efficient training is more rewarding.
3. Camaraderie.  When training with others beforehand, there is a higher level of interaction when there are races goals involved. At the race events, there is a unique connection with complete strangers.
4. There is excitement in finding out what I am capable of.  With the right balance of effort, rest, and perspective, I have discovered I am not as old and worn as I might be if I “just acted my age.” (My husband encouraged me to see how fast I could run the 2012 Main Street Mile)
5. Being in a race typically helps me discover new depths of reserve  and strength.  It is hard to get the same thing from a non-race workout.  Finding this out opens up new possibilities in mental and physical efforts for other aspects of my life, too. (The Shamrock Shuffle in March 2013 had unique challenges)
6. Races add a little zing to the routine.  Much like going out to dance is another kind of fun than dancing in the kitchen, there is something about the festive atmosphere of a race.
7. The ebb and flow of races helps me to avoid over training because of the tapering before a race and the resting afterward.  This is more effective resting than what happens when I am just sporadic or less efficient with my training.
8. Preparing for races makes me think more about and get better at how to handle my hydration and energy needs while exercising.  Whereas I might muddle through if it was just an unspecified series of workouts, the desire to maximize my race experience results in overall better decisions about these things. (I surprised myself … and the man behind me … when I ran the 2012 High Desert Trail Run)
9. Last, but not least, I often have a more flexible schedule at this time of my life.  I’m having fun being able to do things now that were not a priority when I was enjoying raising our children.

Some people begrudge the cost of entering a race.  They might pay for a fancy coffee regularly, to get their nails done, or go to the movies, but somehow a fee for a race is scoffed at.  It is all just choices in having fun.  Even if races are avoided, it is likely that money is being spent to help make running/biking/swimming comfortable and enjoyable.  Pretending that running (in particular) or any exercise is somehow outside the sphere of economics is, well, pretending.

So, I wear my race shirts proudly.  Each represents a personal accomplishment and fond memories.  I may need to alter some of them to be more fashionable or to blend with outfits, but wear them I will. They are both my trophies and my reminders of what I have to look forward to with my next race!