Finding the Perfect Balance

Hey, fellow runners!

We all know that running is much more than ‘just’ a sport—it’s a personal journey, it’s a lifestyle!

And especially for us amateur runners, balancing between racing for personal records and enjoying the event experience is key to a fulfilling running life.

This is not only what I am saying, but also what the Specialization Course in Sport Psychology I am taking at UESCA says.

Below is a summary of the most important things to keep in mind regarding this subject.

Enjoy the reading!

Two Approaches to Running

When it comes to running, there are generally two ways to approach race events:

🥇 Racing for Personal Records : This is all about pushing your limits, aiming to beat your previous times, and setting new personal bests. It’s driven by the desire to measure your progress and improve.

🎉 Running for the Event : Here, you focus on the atmosphere, camaraderie, and overall experience of the event. It’s about soaking in the energy of the crowd, enjoying the journey, and being part of the running community.

The Pitfalls of Imbalance

While both approaches have their benefits, focusing too much on one can have its downsides. Constantly chasing PRs can make you overly self-critical, leading to burnout and stress. The pressure to improve can overshadow the joy of running, making every run feel like a test. On the other hand, focusing solely on the event experience can make you lose motivation for serious training. Without the drive to improve or a structured training plan, your fitness may plateau, and the excitement of events could diminish over time.

Finding the Right Balance

So, how can amateur runners find the right balance between racing and eventing?

🎯 Set Diverse Goals: Mix performance goals with fun, experience-based goals. Aim for a personal record in one race and participate in another just for the fun of it.

🗓️ Plan Wisely : Space out your races to avoid burnout. Include a mix of competitive races and relaxed, fun runs. This way, you’re not always under pressure to perform, and you have events to look forward to that are more laid-back.

🧘‍♂️ Listen to Your Body and Mind: Pay attention to how you feel both physically and mentally. If you notice signs of burnout or lack of motivation, it’s time to adjust your focus. Take breaks, enjoy easy runs, and remember why you love running.

👯 Enjoy the Social Aspect: Running doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Join running clubs, participate in group runs, and enjoy the social aspects of events. Sharing the experience with others can boost your motivation and make training more enjoyable.

🎊 Celebrate Small Wins: Not every success is about breaking records. Celebrate the small victories, whether it’s completing a long run, tackling a tough route, or simply feeling good during a run. These moments are just as important as the big achievements.

Conclusion

Balancing racing and eventing is essential for a sustainable running journey. Whether you’re chasing PRs or enjoying the event, finding the right mix will enhance your experience and keep you motivated. So, lace up your shoes, hit the road, and find your perfect balance!

What about you? Do you run for personal records or for the event?

See you in the next post & feel your run!

Ely