Do you hate running in the winter? Do you need motivation to get out the door and keep your mileage up? Maybe a destination race is what you need
A destination race is a major race event that you plan. It is a race that you travel to and need to make plans to do. Up until this year, I always have run a marathon or half-marathon in Florida during January or February. I live in Virginia and these are really cold months here. And the older I get the more I hate the colder weather.
So, I started planning a winter destination race in Florida during this time. There are a couple of reasons for this. The first one is pretty clear - I just want to get out of the cold weather for a week or so. I love Florida and I love being there in the winter!
Second of all, having a marathon or half-marathon to do the beginning of the year keeps me running longer distances through November and December. Now, I'll run everyday anyway - but without a schedule or a plan - I'll just run a few and be happy. With a race on the plan, I know I have distances to cover for training and won't slack off and be a wimp!
I've had some issues that kept me from doing my winter escape this year. My Dad has been really sick and I need to travel back to my home town every week to take care of things for them. So, there was no way that I could take the time off from taking care of my parents - let alone be 15 hours away.
But, I decided that next year, I'll be back on track. So, I decided to find my race of choice. I know that I wanted it to be in Florida - and during late January or February.
Also, entering into my decision was that it should probably not be a full marathon. With what's going on with Daddy, I'm not sure if I'll have the time to train for more than a half-marathon. Also, my husband need a 3rd and 4th knee replacement this year (and he is not a runner), so I know that I'll be taking care of him, too.
January and February is also a good time for us to take a little extra time off. My husband and I also have a Dairy Queen, and that is a slower time for us. So, it works out perfect!
So, to the race calendars I went. I decided that I wanted to do something different. I've run the Disney Marathon 3 time and love it - and the A1A Marathon twice. There's a half-marathon that I want to do sometime in Clearwater, but then, I saw it. The Key West Half-Marathon!
I haven't been to Key West in a few years - and it will be the perfect destination race! So, next January - road trip! And, my wonderful husband (driver and stuff-holder) has already agreed!
I wanted to share this with you to show you some of the thought processes that you need to go through in planning your races. It's great to "want" to do something, but you need to make sure it's feasible. You need to consider all the angles. Time you have to put into training, work schedule, spousal/family support.
I hope that you plan a winter destination race - or a destination race anytime! It helps with the motivation!
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