I've been asking myself this question a lot lately, especially with the Tinker Bell 10k and half coming up. Prior to the Disneyland half a couple months ago, my answer would have been a resounding "why not both?"
Let's rewind a bit... I've been running since 2010, but until Disneyland this past September, I'd only participated in 2 races. So to me, I was running for both time and fun. In 2011, I finished my first half in 2:48. In 2012, I PR'd and finished in 2:23. Two weeks before 2013's half, I ran a 2:12 training run. So naturally, I was all about running for another PR!
(I took the 10k nice and easy, it was purely for having fun in our costumes. I loved it!)
But for the half, I had different plans. I was going to run like heck and get my PR. Bad plan. The hot and humid weather kicked my butt. I should have listened to what my body was telling me- it was too hot, I should take it slow and just enjoy the race.
In my true stubborn fashion, I didn't listen. And it was miserable. I wasn't having fun, I was grumpy and just exhausted. It wasn't until the last couple miles that I came to grips with the fact that my PR was long gone and I would probably not even beat last year's time. My lack of pictures from the half was what really made me realize just how much I wasn't into the race (I am usually a picture taking maniac). :/ At the last minute, I was able to focus on just having fun and my hubby and I crossed the finish line hand in hand, something we haven't done before.
I was happy it was over and that I finished.
Please don't feel sorry that I didn't have the amazing race experience I wanted. If you're new to racing, especially runDisney events, let my experience be a lesson for you- don't be afraid to let your PR plans go and just enjoy the race! PRs can come and go, but you'll always have those memories of the race. Make the most of it and just have fun. :)
I'm still not sure what will happen on race day for the Tink 10k or half. But I do know I'm not going to let my PR desires or pre-conceived ideas get the best of me. I still have yet to stop for any character stops- I think that needs to change in 2014!
After all, during the race, you're not slow, you're just getting your money's worth! :)
Do you run for time or fun? How do you decide?
I've been having this discussion with Rey a lot lately, mostly b/c I know I need a LOT of self-talk to make sure I ENJOY my first half marathon (PHM 2014) instead of push to hard to PR. It will be a PR anyway b/c it will be my first, but I still have a little voice in my head whispering that I can have fun AND get under 3 hours...or have fun and REALLY do well and get in under 2:45. I'm concerned this will lead to me not stopping much b/c of lines and then regretting it. I have a hard time during races, I get in the "just push a little more" "just get it done!" attitude and since I've never really done a fun run like the PHM, I don't know how I'm going to let go of the race mentality and just enjoy it. Lots of convincing myself that it will mean more to enjoy and take it slow, I can run another (more boring) half and PR at the next race! LOL
ReplyDeleteI've definitely decided that Disney races are for fun and you can always get that PR at a more boring local race. I know for Princess you're going to do amazing- I'm betting under 2:45 WITH lots of photo stops. I tend to get caught up with all the adrenaline, but I think with so much stuff to see and enjoy, you'll naturally start to take it slower to take it all in. :)
DeleteI always have visions of setting PRs at races, and then when the time comes, I'm gawking at the scenery or taking pictures or talking to people. My friend who I run Tinkerbell with insists on stopping for every single photo op, so that definitely decreases overall time, although I think we've both set PRs when we're sprinting to hit the first cut point with seconds to spare!
ReplyDeleteIf you really want to set PRs, find non-Disney races to do them and save Disney for fun runs. Smaller races with fewer distractions are really more conducive to concentrating on time.
Funny thing, I have never stopped at an actual photo op on any of my Disney races! Of course I plan to change that at Tink. With my last 10k, it was a non-Disney race, and was so much smaller. Maybe 150 people. We didn't even have timing chips, everyone just went off the gun time! I found it was so much easier to focus on my time.
DeleteIn the past I always ran for the PR since my races were so few and far between, but since I've added more to my schedule, and I've been missing the PR anyway I am leaning toward racing for fun!! If I'm not going to get the PR I might as well enjoy myself. ;)
ReplyDeleteAgreed! PRs can come and go, but race memories are forever. :)
DeleteDefinitely a great lesson to take away and give to others! I love Disney races, and the photos are part of what makes it so great (plus, you get your money's worth the more character spots you stop at lol). There are always lots of local races to do for PR's!
ReplyDeleteMore character stops during the races means more time on rides at the parks later, too! :) I'm hoping for a PR at my local race next year. I figure I'll have the home-field advantage, right?
DeleteI understand where you are coming from! I notice that I run a better race and usually PR when I don't put pressure on myself. The weather for Disneyland sucked...you're going to run so much better for Tink. The weather conditions make such a huge difference on performance, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karen. I think I focus so much on time that I have a hard time getting into the groove of running. Mental block? I'm praying for nice clear and cool weather for Tink! :)
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