The San Francisco Marathon is $200- are you kidding me?
Ever signed up for a race, only to bail last minute? Join the club. This past weekend, a bunch of friends and I had grand plans for the Napa Half Marathon. We'd shelled out over $100 each; some of us snagged nonrefundable hotel rooms and campsites, but none of us made it. Extreme winter weather and injuries made that non-race a pretty costly affair. And this wasn't a first – last year, a nasty bout of COVID forced me to miss the MDI Marathon. With these events burning holes in my pocket, the escalating race prices are starting to feel like robbery. Bay Area marathons are demanding close to $200 a pop for races managed by volunteers. It's madness.
New rules for me. No more early sign-ups. I'm only in for races that allow last-minute registrations or local races. Plus, no more jet-setting just for races – they've got to be part of a bigger trip. If I'm visiting folks in Maine or hanging out with a friend in Sausalito, sure, I'll race. But no more race-only escapades. The costs in flights, hotels, and fees just don't cut it for a medal and a t-shirt.
Now, instead of waiting for organized races, I've decided to set my own dates and locations.
That’s what three of us did this weekend. When the storm was over, we ran an impromptu half marathon in the Merced River Canyon. Water was gushing out and over the rocks. Flowers were starting to bloom. And the green, green grass- way prettier than Napa. It was incredible. And free.
This is my new plan:
DIY dashes.
Bi-monthly half marathons.
All kinds of trail run-ventures.
For the rest of 2024- I’m hosting my own runs. Early May will see me running another canyon race, and come August, I'll be racing in Michigan during our family visit. October, if we end up taking a trip for our 30th anniversary, maybe somewhere unexpected? Wrap up the year with a Jingle Jog.
No worries about weather or health or injury. I can easily reschedule with the race coordinator. (She is so understanding.) Friends of all abilities can join me on the starting line and join my race or run their own. Ultimate flexibility. And free.
I do need a carrot, though.
Races are enticing ways to stay on the early morning running routine, but not the only way to stay motivated. Here are some suggested rewards:
Write a Race Recap: Document your journey in a blog post or journal. Capture the highs, lows, and memorable moments (like I’m doing now!).
Treat Yourself: Splurge on a massage or spa day. Your hard-working muscles deserve some pampering.
Selfie Time: Take a sweaty selfie at the finish line (even if it’s just your driveway). Share it
Cook a Victory Meal: Whip up a delicious, nourishing meal. Or indulge in sugar and extra carbs.
Donate to Charity: Give back by donating to a cause you care about. Running for a purpose feels even more rewarding.
Artistic Expression: Paint or draw your race experience. Capture the emotions and scenery. Or make a reel.
Run a Personal Best: Challenge yourself to beat your own record on a familiar route.
Watch an Inspiring Running Documentary: Get motivated by watching stories of other runners’ triumphs.
Plan a Post-Race Adventure: Book a weekend getaway or day trip to celebrate your achievement.
Personal Finish Line: Ask your family to hold a finish line for you to cross - my husband and son did this once!
Learn a New Recipe: Celebrate with a homemade meal you’ve never tried before.
Create a Running Vision Board: Visualize your future running goals and dreams.
Reflect on Gratitude: Appreciate your body, health, and the joy of running. Gratitude fuels motivation.
Ultimately, races are celebrations of all the work that came before. So I’ll celebrate differently. I want to keep running, to keep pushing myself, and know that every step reflects my dedication to a healthier, stronger me.
Priceless.
