The Importance of Selecting the Right Races for Runners
Running is a powerful, personal journey. Whilst there is of course much joy and fulfilment for most in simply going running, for the vast majority of runners races is where the magic really happens.
Choosing races that align with your goals, and personal preferences is therefore essential to ensure you maintain motivation and reach your full potential. Here’s why race selection is crucial, and how you can choose races that are right for you.
Why Is Selecting the Right Races Important?
Racing isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Every runner has different motivations, fitness levels, and preferences. Selecting the wrong race can lead to frustration, burnout, or injury. On the other hand, the right race can push you to new heights, fill you with excitement, and give you a sense of accomplishment that fuels you to continue your journey
When you choose races that align with your goals and personal values, they can serve as powerful milestones in your running journey. A race can be more than just an event to attend—it becomes a target for improvement, a source of excitement, and even a celebration of the training you’ve put in. Conversely, the wrong race can make you question your abilities, dampen your enthusiasm, and lead to disappointment or disillusionment.
How Little Time Do You Spend Racing Versus How Much Focus It Gets?
Before delving into selecting the right race, I’m going to ask you do a simple calculation that should reveal just how significant this is. I’d like to you calculate how little of your overall running miles or KM you do is actually spent in races.
Despite what will likely be a tiny percentage, it is still where much of your focus will quite rightly go…
To calculate this percentage, simply divide the number of miles or kilometers you ran in races over the past year by your total running distance, and then multiply by 100.
For example:
- Total distance covered in races: ________ miles/km
- Total distance covered overall: ________ miles/km
Multiply by 100, and the percentage of my running miles spent racing in the past year is:
_______%
For me this number was less than 2% in 2023. It certainly helps put things in perspective.
How do you pick the right races then?
Questions to Ask When Selecting a Race
When deciding which races to enter, here are some of the questions I like to ask.
- Does it fit in as part of your overall goals? Every runner has their own set of goals, whether it’s improving their time, achieving a new distance, or just maintaining consistency. When selecting races, think about how the event fits into the bigger picture of your running journey. Will it serve as a stepping stone toward your goal? Does the timing allow for proper training and recovery?
- Will it be right for you at that time? Timing is everything. A race might seem appealing, but is it the right time for you? Will you have enough time to prepare? Ensure that the race falls within a period where you can commit to the required training and that it won’t interfere with other priorities.
- Is it your style of race or course? Every runner has preferences, from the type of course to the atmosphere of the event. Do you prefer big city events or quiet country roads and trails? Do you prefer road races or trails? What about the course layout, elevation, and even the weather conditions. Picking races that aligns with your strengths and preferences will make the experience far more enjoyable.
- Are you wanting to make a trip of it? For some runners, races offer an opportunity to explore new places and combine their love of running with travel. Others want to be home and able to crack on with life as soon as possible afterwards. What are you looking for?
- Does it suit your values? Many races are tied to charitable causes or community efforts. Consider what the race stands for and whether it aligns with your values. Participating in a race that resonates with your beliefs can provide extra motivation and make the experience more fulfilling.
- Are you EXCITED by the race? This is, by far, the most important question. If the thought of running the race doesn’t spark excitement, it’s not the right fit, regardless of all the above questions. Passion and enthusiasm are key to enjoying the process and performing at your best.
Creating Your Race Calendar
Once you’ve carefully selected races that align with your goals, it’s time to organize them. Lay out your race schedule visually, so you can see everything at a glance. Whether you prefer to use a calendar, a planner, or an app, map out the next six months of races.
Here’s a basic outline to get started:
| Race Name | Distance | Date |
| Target Race: | ||
| Race 1: | ||
| Race 2: | ||
| Race 3: | ||
| Race 4: | ||
| Race 5: |
Having your races laid out in this way makes it so much easier to plan around. It also ensures that you can share your race schedule with family members and loved ones, so they are aware of your commitments.
Conclusion
Choosing the right races is an essential part of a runner’s journey. It allows you to align your goals with events that excite and motivate you while considering timing, course preferences, and your personal values. Take the time to select races thoughtfully, and you’ll find that each one becomes a meaningful part of your running journey. By mapping out your race schedule, you can stay focused, committed, and energized as you work toward your peak performance.