Weekend Rantings: Why Races Rock

Greetings RAW Warriors,

I took in one of my favorite local races last night in Page, ND.  They have a 5K every summer for the past 10 years, I believe I have done the last 4 years, maybe 5 years, in a row.  Its one of my favorites because of our school's co-op with the Hope-Page school for sports, it is a chance for me to race with & against some of the kids I coach and have coached.  Another reason is there is a lot of parents and fans who come to our games & meets who are also there.

2 years ago, I came down with my friend Brad, last year I brought a kid I coach to the race, and this year I brought down my friend and former co-worker Jeff, who just got into running competitively lately. He did the 5K and half-marathon races at the Fargo Marathon, had a great time and place in the Finley 5K last week (got 7th behind 6 past & former track kids of mine), and wanted to give the Page 5K a try.

We were both happy with our results (Jeff was 8th and 2nd in age group, I was 4th and 1st in age group), I took home a bag as a door prize, and on our way home we had a very good talk about races.  I really like doing a race, especially an evening one, because you can:

1. Have fun with your friends before the race starts
2. Compete against others and the clock during the race
3. You high-five your friends on the return loop of the course
4. See how you do in the end with your performance
5. Only spend about $20-30 on a 5K race
6. Usually get a sweet t-shirt to go with it all.

Now, if you spend a night with your friends out whooping it up, you might not feel so great in the morning, you might be out easily more than $20-30, and you may need a new t-shirt if something bad happens and it gets too wild. :)

On one hand, you have some sore calves the next day, the other, a sore head and stomach.

People ask me why I do so many races, and I say, "Why not?" 

Its fun, it is inexpensive, I get a new shirt in the end of it, I may earn some ribbons or a medal if I place in age group or near the top.... that's why I love races!

Also, many races support great charities or organizations who are always in need of funds to make things operational for them.  Last week we raised over $1000 for the Ambulance crew that services our area, and last night's 5K was for the American Cancer Society. 

Support your local races! 

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Lift. Dominate. Repeat.
Rats Alley Barbell Club
Coach Rick Karboviak