Discussion "What do the race events mean to you"

[windwalker]

We all go to the races for different reasons. Please share why you go.

I'll go first:

There comes a point when races are no longer a "challange" but a thing that defines us. We do because we can and we love it. When you reach that point where you are sad when it's over you have arrived. A point is reached where it's not something we endure but something we crave, needed as much as food. We need it because it's like a talisman that protects us from the demons that life can throw at us. Our fitness is our armor against ageing and sickness.

We no longer just do it to look good in a swim suit but to look better in our own minds. We learn that what others think doesn't really matter as long as we are comfortable in our skin. We gather to share our love of life with each other and to drink and relax after our races are done and we have earned yet another memory.

I can see that in a lot of the other WISHers. Even if they don't realize it. I can no longer imagine not doing the races. I had to stop running and thought that part of my life was over, now I walk. If I were to have an accident and lose the use of my legs I'd be shopping for a racing wheel chair.

To me the races are an important part of life and a reward for staying healthy and resisting the fried food and the deserts. A reward for getting my steps in.

Ok how about the rest of you, even if you are going to be doing your first event, share your thoughts.

Curious Panda

 

[Duanerice]

Great topic Curious Panda. I was just thinking that the other day. Why do I race? I will never win. The best I'll ever be is middle of the pack, but I am OK with that. It is strange, in any other sport I couldn't be satisfied with middle of the pack.

So let's see, I get up at 5:00 am on Saturdays so I can train instead of sleep in. I spend sometimes hundreds of dollars so I can go run with some friends. Is that like having to pay for friends. Seems kind of lonely doesn't it I run as fast and as far as I possibly can until I am ready to drop at the finish. I swear I'll never do another race over 5k again (but within days sign up for another race). This is not rational behavior. I think all this running has shaken my brain up a bit.

OK, I give, why do I do this? I do it for the personal satisfaction. The pride in knowing that not only can I run these races but that I did run these races. This is one sport that you do it for yourself but can share with others. Heck, I can even run with Olympic athletes if I pick the right races. Oh yea, the bling and t-shirts are kind of cool too.

enjoy,
Duane

 

[postesf]

My first race (Disney's 5K Animal Safari this past January) was the motivation I needed to get moving. I've been saying for YEARS "I need to lose weight." I finally just decided to do it. I am 28 yrs old, 5 foot 1 and at the time I started training was about 80lbs over weight (now 60lbs over weight).

For me, I have found that I need those goals to keep me moving and losing. If I didn't have something to strive towards, there is no way I would get out there and push myself like I do. I am great and being a drill sergeant or cheering on others, but I just can't seem to do it for myself. I'm not a self motivator and sadly, just getting healthier isn't enough motivation for me at this time. (sad, I know...)

I am currenlty signed up for the Minnie 15K and would really like to try for the 1/2 in Disney/January 09. My hip still bothers me some and that is why I hesitate.

Funny thing...I found myself searching yesterday and today for smaller races in my area. 5Ks, even 10Ks. Not too much happening around here, but there are a few at the coast (Morehead, Beaufort, Bald Head Island) and I may try to get in one or two of those this year. After my first race, I now think of them as fun (hard, painful, but fun none the less). I want to run by the beach, smell the salt in the air w/ my new lime green shirt on!

So, to sum it up...I need to lose weight and racing, even as slow as I am, is what I need to keep me focused and moving. Oh yeah, and the sense of accomplishment is AMAZING! Knowing that I've never done this type of thing before, never wanted to, but now I AM and 1/2 way succeeding is uncomparable!

Stacie

 

[shell78]

I "race" (because I'm not going to win either!) because I had always been involved in team sports my whole life, but never really any sort of individual sport. Growing up, I always watched the NYC Marathon on tv and said "Someday when I have my mid-life crisis, I'm going to run that". HA. Well, I'm more at my one-third life crisis right now (turned 30 in Jan.) and in May of last year there was lots of drama with the gym (there was a pipe burst underneath the floor and therefore there was a lot of work to be done rendering it closed periodically) and so I started running outside. A natural evolution was to start doing races which I enjoy. And I figure if I can see the 80 year old people running their 35th NYC Marathon on tv, I should certainly be able to do some 5k's.

I was going to run my first 1/2M in May but I've been on the sidelines for 3 weeks now with knee troubles and so I don't know. I'm out at least another week so I worry what the month off will have done to me!

However I will be at the Disney 1/2M next January "no matter what" (within reason of course I guess).

 

[twoWDWfools]

I accidentally stumbled into this whole thing in the fall. I've had arthritis since I was 11 yrs old so running for any distance is painful plus I never really got it. Always thought "Why do people do that?"

In November we did our first 5K on the new tollway extension before it opened to traffic. Despite a recently torn ACL, crappy weather and a DH that casually walks at 4mph (I let him go ahead) I found I actually enjoyed it. Time with others and time alone.

We signed up for the AK 5K in Jan and even w/o much training managed to take 2 minutes off my time. I felt good afterward, even energized. Seeing friends walking together and cheering each other on all weekend (plus the bling ) got me thinking....I'll bet I can do the 1/2 next January....walk not run but I can do that.

Plus like Stacie, I need to set goals. Have been trying to lose weight and be more active but always seem to stop after a couple weeks. This goal of the WDW 1/2, along with a couple local shorter ones and the 13K ToT keep me on track. That and the support of all you!

I've found I actually miss the activity if for some reason I have to go a couple days without being able to get out and do something. Been working on power walking and can feel the difference in my movement and speed. That spurs me on to keep at it.

Plus I look forward to getting to know my new WISH friends here and then meeting with everyone at the events.

Knowing what I've done already and what I know now I can do is one fantastic feeling and a great motivator!

 

[Steffwalks]

Thoughtful Panda: We all go to the races for different reasons. Please share why you go.

I need goals. I need to stretch my body and my mind. I need to know that at 51, I can. I need to live and love and make new friends, visit with old frineds and enjoy life! I walk, but not particularly fast (although it's improving). But EVERYONE has a story, and I like finding out what those stories are, I can do that at the back of the pack! Afterall, winning is a matter of definition, isn't it?

 

[escape]

Lots of reasons why I race...

5) To stay active. Without these carrots dangling over my head, I might not keep moving forward. In addition to losing weight and getting healthier, training helps to take my mind off of not so pleasant things going on in my life.

4) Because I can. After my dad's spinal cord injury, he would have given anything to be able to walk again....or to be able to use a wheelchair. So many people my age have illnesses or injuries preventing them from from doing things like this. I need to take advantage of what I still have - a healthy body (tired, sore and achy at times, but generally healthy).

3) Friendship/community. I've met so many wonderful people and have strengthened my friendship with others through these races. You just can't beat that.

2) Bling. I've never won anything in my life for an athletic event - big or small. When I got my Donald medal in Jan. '07, my first medal/award ever, I wore it with pride to the Magic Kingdom the Monday after the race. One of the employees asked if I won the race. I told him yes, I was a winner. I knew what he meant but really, I knew I was a winner when I got to the start line.

1) The sense of accomplishment and taking pride in myself once again. No further explanation needed.

 

[TnTsParty]

I enter races because I need something for motivation. Races for me keep me focased on training otherwise I would be lazy. Now that I have been in a few races I want more and more. One nice thing was the Bling - but then again that doesn't happen in all races - just the fun ones @ Disney!!

 

[Scott H]

Well for me it was and is a challenge. I have always enjoyed doing the things that others think is a little out there. I have been to the highest Mountain Tops, and depths of the Ocean. Many have said to me “You Aren’t Right Child”, and I have taken pride in that compliment.

I take great joy and pride in digging deep into my soul and mind to keep going when my body says stop. I think I had this instinct before some of my survival training, which tells you to never stop and never give up, because when you do you die. The reward at the end is very, very satisfying to me.

In the minutes before a race, yes a tear rolls down my cheek as I remove my hat and my heart swells at our National Anthem, the challenge is ahead and I will persevere and again taste the sweet nectar of accomplishment. It matters not that I am not first, it matters that I was in the arena and not a mere spectator. And yes I do shed another tear as I cross that finish line.

I also am so proud of Lynn and her great accomplishments, to see her after a race and know she did it is a great reward also.

 

[windwalker]

Well for me it was and is a challenge. I have always enjoyed doing the things that others think is a little out there. I have been to the highest Mountain Tops, and depths of the Ocean. Many have said to me “You Aren’t Right Child”, and I have taken pride in that compliment.

I take great joy and pride in digging deep into my soul and mind to keep going when my body says stop. I think I had this instinct before some of my survival training, which tells you to never stop and never give up, because when you do you die. The reward at the end is very, very satisfying to me.

In the minutes before a race, yes a tear rolls down my cheek as I remove my hat and my heart swells at our National Anthem, the challenge is ahead and I will persevere and again taste the sweet nectar of accomplishment. It matters not that I am not first, it matters that I was in the arena and not a mere spectator. And yes I do shed another tear as I cross that finish line.

I also am so proud of Lynn and her great accomplishments, to see her after a race and know she did it is a great reward also.

I to get chocked up when the National Anthem plays. Most combat vets do. I understand your feelings about taking it to the limit. I carry a lot of scars from a few to many limits but I'll never learn.

Extreme Panda

 

[SamSam]

What a great thread; once again this board is motivating me. I haven't been in my first race yet (doing the Minnie15k this year) but reading all of your thoughts on why you race makes me look forward to future events.

As for why I decided to take the plunge, it was a combination of things. I will turn 55 this year and am really beginning to realize that I need to start doing the things that for years I've been saying "someday, I'm going to.....".
Also, to prove to myself that I can do it. I can't wait till the end of the race when I can say to myself "You did it!".
Health reasons also play into it. My father died from a heart attack at age 42, which really impacted my life in many ways, one of them being to do what I could to take care of my health.

 

[mkymsehi]

I do it for the blisters, the lost toe nails, the chaffing, the leg cramps, the sunburn, the gels, the powerbars, the Gatorade, paying for entry fees, the running gear. LOL.

Actually it's for living healthy, making new friends, and traveling to far off places to run with thousands of other "running nuts" who understand me. Friends in my running group tell me "you're sick." I take it as a compliment.

 

[TEK224]

Sometimes I wonder why I do this, too. I've been a competitive athlete all my life, but one who HATED to run. I would do anything to get out of our 2 mile run after practice .

When my competitive team sports were over (I played until I was 40, but couldn't find the time anymore) I needed a new challenge. It was about that time that the 1st Goofy was announced. I decided it was now or never. So I started training for it. It was a challenge and one that people hadn't done before, so that was the allure. After I finished, swore I'd never do another race

I keep coming back because it's still a challenge. I need the races to motivate me to keep training. Training gives me time to clear my head and let go of the stress of everyday life (if only for the 1-2 hours I'm on the track/road).

And I love all the new friends I've meet through this board. People I never would have met otherwise.

And like Scott said, many of my friends and family tell me I'm nuts. But that's okay. I like the challenge, I like the people I've met and I like the bling. And there will always be a challenge because there are so many events out there to try.

I've been watching the Hawaii ironman on TV for the past 20 years. It's always an emotional show. I would love to do that race (just once), but realize it would take a great deal of time and commitment (of course my friends think I should BE committed when I talk about it). But I keep hoping that one day I'll get there. I have hope because I watch Sister Madonna Buder out there each year (she's in her 70's). I figure that gives me 25 more years to get ready

OK, I've rambled enough. I race because: I can, for the challenge, to meet new friends, to stay healthy and, of course, for the bling!


Terri

 

[Stitch_lover_Sith]

I go to "Races" to complete a challenge. Each race I have many mini goals for. this past year for the Donald Medal, I wanted to PR and I wanted to conquer Contemporary Hill. I made both of my goals. It is a little about the bling for me, I want a fab four set, but most of the races I do, do not give bling. So for me it is that great feeling I get when I conquer something for the first tie or again.
Erin

 

[windwalker]

Right now I'm going through a difficult time with a hurting achillies that is keeping me from training at all. The carrot on the stick for me is that racing season starts here on April 12th. I go everyday and do the stretching and calistetics and pool running the I ice when I get home. The up coming race season keeps me going. Without it I probably wouldn't be nearly as diligent.

The feeling you have when you are healthy and racing well is just awesome and I want that feeling again. It's my addiction of choice.

Wounded Panda

 

[fofinia]

Hi. I thought this was an interesting topic. And when I think about it my reasons for doing the races have changed so many times and I've only been doing it this past year.

I always watched the Boston marathon on tv. Along with the Ironman and events like that. I never thought I would ever do one. I was never a good athlete in school. Always more bookish than anything else. I remember a PE teacher in middle school being surprised that I had done better than some other kids on the physical fitness tests. Which was totally uncalled for because I wasn't heavy or anything- then!

Then two years ago my sister- Lexxiefern- said she wanted to do a Disney race. And I wanted to join her. But I was afraid because I was overweight and out of shape. So we did a local 5k race. And I finished. And I ran part of it. I've never ran before. I do not like to run!! The sense of accomplishment was amazing. I had run! I had finished a race!

My feelings after the TOT were different again. I ran the whole thing. And it felt easy. Wow could I really be a runner? The high was nothing I had ever experienced.

Then this year was my first 1/2. And halfway thru I wished I wasn't doing it. But when I was done, I was disappointed that it wasn't easy. But I was proud and happy. And I wasn't last!

Now I want to keep doing races because I don't want to get to the point where I'm out of shape and can't do them anymore. And inside is the little girl who's gym teacher didn't believe she could do it. And I want to prove him wrong and show him I am an athlete. And my little girls can feel the same way someday! Only maybe they will start earlier!

 

[funwalker]

Oh, Fofinia
What a testimony...it shows us how a negative comment or attitude can effects us our whole lives! You GO Girl!

I was not a athlete - never felt I could do it either. You know the type okay at most things excells at nothing...life happens. Then at 60 I did my first Marathon...now people just look at me like I am mentally challenged and ask why? My reason is because I can! I don't bother to tell them I have to really work at it

 

[fofinia]

Oh, Fofinia
What a testimony...it shows us how a negative comment or attitude can effects us our whole lives! You GO Girl!

I was not a athlete - never felt I could do it either. You know the type okay at most things excells at nothing...life happens. Then at 60 I did my first Marathon...now people just look at me like I am mentally challenged and ask why? My reason is because I can! I don't bother to tell them I have to really work at it

Thanks! I laughed at the part where people think you are mentally challenged! Because I kind of think that about myself sometimes!!

 

[GirTheGecko]

Until about this time last year, I wasn't a runner, period. I thought runner's were nuts, the last time I ran someone was chasing me, etc. Yep, I was one of them. I never understood the runner's mentality. There is a part of me that still doesn't. There's a little voice in my head going "13.1 miles? Are you CRAZY? For the third time?!" But, now a year later, I'm a size smaller, much healthier, and indeed, crazy.

It all started when the dbf found out about the WDW Marathon weekend. His family signed up, then I signed up. We start training, together. We hit assorted miles stones and bumps as a group. But we did it together. We were each other's cheerleaders. Honestly, it started as an excuse to go to Disney World, but it turned into a lifestyle change.

There was a bit of an emotional rough patch for me when I started training for the Half. So, I ran away from my problems. When I was either at the track, on the trail, or on the tredmill (Yes! Even the dreadmill), I was at peace. I had my iPod and my cell phone was usually nowhere near me and nothing else mattered. The world would keep turning without me for however long I was running.

When I was in high school, I was heavily involved in martial arts and competing. I've gone to nationals, won second place there, won state championships, and so on. I was proud of these accomplishments. But I never felt the same sense of accomplishment I did when I crossed the finish line at Disney World. I placed almost 10,700 place. I am not your prototypical runner. I knew I wasn't going to win. I just wanted to have some fun, enjoy the scenery, finish in the alloted time, and get that medal. That was all. Now, races have become something for me to strive for. There's now a date I want to be in great shape for. After the WDW Half, I had nothing to work for. No races in the future.

Now, we're a bit over a month later and we all looked at each other and after all the moaning, raiding the first aid kit, twinkies, and Jack Daniel's, we looked at each other and went "Let's do it again!"