Why everyone should participate in a fun run

Last weekend, I participated in the Maritime Race Weekend, a pirate themed race that supports various non-profit groups, running groups and local businesses. I ran the 5K Sunset race on Friday evening and the 5K Sunrise race the next morning, which earned me triple the epic pirate swag. I'm not a runner. In fact, I despise running and most forms of cardio. I would rather listen to a Nickelback album on repeat for a day than do a half hour of cardio. I find it boring. So why the heck did I do this race, as well as the Run or Dye and the Sole Sisters run if I HATE running?

They're not really competitive.

This race is the first one I have participated in that allows you to track your time. They place a chip in the bib that registers when you leave the starting line and again when you cross it. Placing first, second or last doesn't matter though because the people who cross the finish line the first don't get money or huge trophies (although the first place winners got jam at this race). Everyone gets the same awesome medals and the chance to win great prizes. Even though the race is timed, you don't have to run to participate. There were sprinters, runners and joggers but you could walk the entire course if you chose to do so.

My goal was to run (without stopping to walk) for an entire 5K. I achieved that on Friday evening, which made me super happy! Saturday morning, I wound up walking a little bit (darn you sore legs and stitches in my side!) but it didn't throw my time off by much. I was only in competition with myself and I achieved what I set out to do. To get me through both races, I said encouraging phrases to myself. It has been proven that motivating yourself increases your performance. I kept saying phrases like "You can do it!", "Just a little bit further!" and "You're almost there, keep going!" in my head. I do that during tough workouts and I find it really helps!

I finished the sunset 5k at 29:53 (572 out of 1952 runners) and 31:16 the next morning (109 of 553). I kept up with the first quarter of runners. I am happy with that.

They are for a good cause.

A lot of these fun runs benefit charities, non-profits, schools and athletic clubs. Some runs require you to fundraise while others give part of the fees you pay to the organizations that they are supporting. Either way, participating makes your heart happy!

Do it for the swag.

Some of the swag you get for these fun runs are awesome! I've gotten food samples, coupons, bracelets, t-shirts and some epic medals. Yeah. I can't complain about the swag.

Did you know that the word SWAG stands for Stuff We All Get?

You feel part of something big.

When I arrived at the stage for the Sole Sisters 5K, I was looking down upon a giant sea of purple shirts. Everyone was happy and excited for the race. There were people who took their creative energy and made some elaborate costumes. Being surrounded by so many powerful women helped ease my anxiety about the race to come. The energy that participants give off at these races are contagious. You can't help but feel excited and motivated.

During road races, on-lookers will often gather on the streets and cheer you on as you run (or walk) by. On Saturday morning, I received hi-fives from onlookers and strangers were reading my name off of my bib and cheering me on. I felt like a superstar!

Look at all of that purple at the Sole Sisters Women's Race!

It's FUN!!!
At the Run or Dye race, I got colourful dye thrown all over me. At the Sole Sisters 5K, they had a "Hug Station" where you got to hug some hot firemen. Martime Race Weekend had me running down a road that wove along the ocean. The views were breath-taking! There is a race for everyone.

My boyfriend and I are participating in the Zombie Trail Run at the end of the month where we will be chased by zombies. I have to admit, I am a little afraid for this one!

They coloured me rainbow at the Run or Dye!

And finally...
You never know if you're going to like something until you go out and do it. I tried running and it's not for me. Maybe one day I'll change my mind and decide to train for a marathon or something, but right now, I'm content with lifting.

I didn't do any training for this race because it can interfere with my competition prep. I already know how to run so I wasn't too worried about injuring myself or pushing myself too far. If you're new to running, I highly recommend that you join a local Learn to Run clinic or do a program like Coach to 5K. I have to admit, it would have benefited me to train first. For instance, I realized this weekend that my belly cannot handle tomato sauce, even when eaten 2 hours before my first race. I felt so nauseous when I started and the tomato burps weren't helping. I had runner's cramps both days as well. Training would have given me the opportunity to experiment with my diet and water intake before the race so I could feel my best.

Overall, I had a lot of fun at the Maritime Race Weekend.

I'll see you at the races next year!

Banana phone.......