Ready to Race - Spring 2017 Race Calendar

What I'm looking forward to this spring

It's time! Time I stopped procrastinating and actually signed up for my spring races, so that's exactly what I did this past week. My spring 2017 races are officially on the books: Rock'n'Roll Raleigh half marathon on April 2 and, for some inexplicable reason why I'm running this for a third time (ughhhhh!), the Tar Heel 10 Miler on April 22.

This is my fifth half marathon and my third 10 miler and yes, it does seem crazy to run this much, but I'm excited about these races! Here are the top things I'm looking forward to:

1) The famed Rock'n'Roll race experience

The Rock'n'Roll race series is a huge marathon series that sponsors races around the world famed for high energy, great crowds, and tons of live bands along the course. As an introvert I can be pretty ambivalent about crowds and mob hype and what-not, but I figure I should check out the hype at least once. Who knows? I might even like it!

2) That bling

I'll admit: I once hated the idea of race medals - "omg stop with the participation awards already!!" - but now that I've got a handful of race bling it's kinda nice. It's less a matter of self-satisfied conceit and more a matter that I can see all the medals and remember each race and how much I've grown in the sport of running with each different course. I'm anxious and excited to see how these next races go!

3) Running with friends

Yes yes yes running with friends is the best part! I'm super excited that I'll be with my Fleet Feet family on race day since R'n'R Raleigh is a target race for the spring training program, and I'm always glad to be with my fellow Tar Heels at the Tar Heel 10 Miler, no matter how much pain we're all in on Laurel Hill! The best part? The Tar Heel 10 Miler is the last race before Kristen's wedding! Does this count as a bachelorette party?? 🎉🎉🎉

4) Chasing Personal Goals

I would love love love to PR in the half marathon again, though I feel like I'm asking a bit much to PR every race! At Richmond in the fall I finished in 2:10:04 and come on, I can shave off 5 seconds to finish sub-2:10 right?? I mean, what's 5 seconds?! (I'm going to regret saying this publicly later, aren't I?!)

5) Running close to home

Yeah, destination races are a TON of fun, but it's also really nice to race local sometimes. First, you don't have to worry about navigating traffic and getting to the start line at some horrible time in the morning in an unknown city. Second, it's really exciting to race along a course and recognize where you are (two things related to this: first, you know the area and can easily pace yourself, and second, it's pretty exciting to see favorite landmarks along a race course!). I always like racing local, and I know this will be no exception.

Hooray races! I'm excited to be signed up and ready for these races soon.

Are you racing at all this spring? Let me know which races you're doing in the comments!