It seems like over the last few weeks or so, I’ve noticed several places where either bloggers, magazines or other running related outlets, have been asking runners which racing distance is their favorite.
What Racing Distance Is Your Favorite:
5K? 10K? Half-Marathon? Marathon ? Ultras—50K, 50-mile or even 100-milers??
For a lot of people who run, it is an interesting question to ponder. After reading though the other people’s responses, I noticed (unscientifically, of course) that a lot of people prefer the half-marathon distance. One person said something like: “A half-marathon just long enough that you feel like you did something, but not too long to be overwhelming.” Hmm, I don’t fall in step with these people.
After having now raced in 5 half-marathons, a marathon, and some sprinkled-in 5Ks, I still love running the 10K distance more than all others. Maybe it’s because this is the distance I chose to race when I started racing back in July 2009? First love, perhaps? It’s true that I fell in love with the10K and never looked back. I’ve heard that those who are born in the Aquarius sign are likely to fall in love quickly, and are very loyal. Maybe astrology is telling me something about running AND life? Ha! Since that time, I’ve run more than 25 10Ks and counting.
But, why? Why do I love this 6.2 mile race more than any other distance? What makes this distance special or different than any other?
The10K is important in its own way because you have to combine speed and endurance over the 6.2 miles. Half-marathons and marathons are so much about endurance, mental planning and patience. My temperament doesn’t wait very well; I like to get things done, now, like right now!! And, the 5K is just a glorified sprint. From the moment you start a 5K you are running hard and nearly…almost, gasping for breath with your legs burning the whole way. Yikes.
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| Hagg Lake 10K 2012 |
The 10K brings the two ideas together in a complete union. Run fast, run steady, and keep running your body neither too fast nor too slow. Honestly, that’s the recipe for a Perfect 10K. You are literally right on the edge of your anaerobic threshold---not quite out of breath, but not really able to speak more than a few words. Your legs are tired, but not too tired. Your mind is thinking about running the part of the race you’re running right now, and nothing else. There are no concerns about how much is left to go or how you ran the previous few miles.
Running this way makes me feel like I’m doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing. When it all comes together, it is the best feeling in the world because it’s utterly quiet. It’s just me out there---cruising along, moving forward, staying smooth and running the perfect race.
The 10K is my favorite distance, too. I think it's because the race is short enough to feel like you can really run, but long enough that it feels like you accomplished something. Now that I've done so many 10Ks, the 5K seems, well, too short. For a real race, I just feel cheated if I've traveled and paid a (hefty) race fee to run for 22 minutes (even fewer for you!).
ReplyDeleteI still do count the miles left to go, though. ;)