Part of my journey as a new runner has been figuring out my running goals, and finding my identity as a runner. Do I like pushing hard for shorter distances, or slowing down enough to settle into an easy pace and run long? How long IS long? If you’re getting into running and wondering what race distance might best match your running personality, take my quiz to help you decide! These guidelines will help get you thinking. Also, any race can become harder and more challenging by trying to do it faster. This guide is based on just finishing any of the given races. All of you runners who like to feel your lungs burn while I’m paused on the side of the road smelling the flowers know that you can run 50 miles a week to train for a 5k. (Doesn’t that sound SO FUN?!)
The Quiz:
How much time do you want to spend running per week?
a) I could spare 30-40 minutes, three or four times a week
b) I like running 4-5 days a week and it usually adds up to 10-15 miles
c) I’ve got to get out there and run AT LEAST four days a week, sometimes for miles. I bet I run 5-8 hours a week.
d) Could I just always be running? Maybe we should talk about how much time I have to spend doing OTHER things.
What’s your biggest running accomplishment?
a) just running regularly!
b) going a bit further once in a while, I still remember that first 5 mile run!
c) the day I went for a run and just kept going, I must have run for two hours, it was awesome
d) this one time, out in the rain, at mile 18 of a long run, I kept going even though two blisters on my toes were bleeding, and it was forty five degrees, and I think it hailed at some point, and it was just the best feeling ever because motorists were pulling over and asking if I wanted a ride and I was like “No way man, this is awesome”
Favorite part of the run?
a) huh? Probably the last mile, because I’m almost home!
b) Mile 3-4, after I’ve settled in but before I get tired!
c) When I’ve gone for 7 or 8 miles and I have about a 5k left before home, and I can just relax and watch the scenery go by because I can totally make it another three miles
d) The miles that disappear from the middle of the run because your legs are numb and you’ve been running for hours and then suddenly you look up and you realize you don’t remember getting to where you are but you’re suddenly four miles closer to home. Totally means you’re in the zone.
What kind of races do you most enjoy?
a) I love small, local races with a few hundred participants, maybe a good cause involved, picnic afterwards. Community events are the best! Something challenging enough to be fun, not so challenging you can’t pressure family members into joining you.
b) I’d like it to be something that not EVERYONE can do, but I’m not interested in traveling too far and I don’t want it to be a huge event… something reasonable, but kind of impressive, too.
c) I want it to be a slightly crazier than normal accomplishment. Ideally, I’d like a medal at the end of it. I want to work for it, earn it, and have it feel like a real event. Bigger races are fine, I might even travel for it. After all, I’ve trained hard!
d) It should be epic. EPIC. I want spectators. I want my non-running mortal neighbors to look at me and then step cautiously backwards out of respect for my insanity. Forget free yogurt, I’d like a medal, a bumper sticker, and a free massage after this sucker.
What are you willing to sacrifice to make this happen?
a) sacrifice? Shouldn’t this be healthy and fun? What exactly do you mean by “sacrifice”?
b) I’d be willing to get up early once in a while to run for over an hour, and possibly invest in some Gu packets and a hydration belt
c) I will wake up early and run for two hours, I will give up my favorite t.v. show to get an extra run in, I will drop one of our monthly meals out and use the money for a babysitter so I can run, or to fund my growing stash of athletic gear. I want this.
d) My toenails, all empty calories, every other form of entertainment and sleep. If it was easy, everyone would do it.
The results!
Mostly As: The 5k is your friend! For anyone who runs at least 2-3 miles, 3-4 times a week, the 5k is a great way to push harder once in a while, keep you motivated to run, and often to raise some money for a good cause and connect with other runners. It’s usually easy to find one near you, and since there are so many, they’re likely to be smaller community events with a more casual feel.
Mostly Bs: Congratulations, sounds like you’re ready for a 10k! Twice the distance of the 5k, the 6.2 is fun because it pushes you out of beginner status without requiring a huge time commitment per week. They’re a little bigger than the 5k, and not just anyone is signing up for them.
Mostly Cs: Half-marathon time. If you’re running a couple hours at a time, losing yourself in your runs, and heading out regularly because you enjoy it, then you might be ready for the challenge of the 13.1. It’s just crazy enough.
Mostly Ds: Congratulations, you’re insane! Go ahead. Sign up for a marathon. If you haven’t already. Are you normal? No. Are you awesome? Yes. Have fun, and remember to balance the rest of your life with your running!
Other posts you may enjoy:
Have you caught the wrong running bug?
Training for my first half marathon – when did this become normal?
