The post race break usually means a quadrupling of our food and alcohol intake (particularly in ‘fat week’), accompanied by plenty of reflections on the race that has gone, discussions about what we enjoyed, where you can improve, and questions about what race might be next. This down time and reflection period is really important. It allows for recovery both mentally and physically, but it usually isn’t long before the ‘What’s next?’ question rears its head… Cue animated predictions, planning sessions and discussions with friends for races that we want to sign up for.
With so many events on the running calendar these days and entry costs going through the roof, it is becoming tricky (and expensive) to decide which event is actually the right event for you. Choosing events can be a tricky task, particularly if you have just completed something bigger, longer or faster than you have ever done before. As a result, I see many runners sign up for events that they don’t really want to do and / or have little motivation to do well in.
I want you to use the power of goosebumps to avoid that!
Let me explain…. For a few years now, I have gone through roughly the same process to find my next events, after really struggling to find the right event to sign up for. You know, that one event that keeps you motivated and gets you out of bed in the morning, even when you really don’t feel like it.
Below is a little insight into my slightly quirky, random thought process, when I try to decide on my next challenge.
Warning - This thought process is actually pretty accurate!
Hmmmph...I’m not signed up to anything yet. I need something to aim for. Need a plan.
Google www.runningcalendar.com.au for the 15th time.
Nothing on this massive list is appealing to me. Too much choice. So expensive. Feeling slightly lost. Sulk.
Aaah….Melbourne Marathon was great. PB! Glad that monkey is off my back now.
I could just leave it until January, get fat over Christmas, then pick an event and run it off?
Really Chris, really??!
S&*t! Forgot I signed up for Two Bays Trail Run in January.
That will come round quick...
That’s really going to hurt…Why did i sign up for that again?
At least we get to carry lots of food at Two Bays. I bet Phil will have good snacks.
Could still get fat?
Nah...I actually DO want to train over summer. Lighter mornings, longer, warmer evenings and more choice of races.
Google www.runningcalendar.com.au again.
Aaaah!! Still way too much choice!
Google trail runs, races and triathlons around Melbourne.
These people are insane.
Wonder what the rest of the gang are signed up to?
Hello mates… What races are you doing next year? Fancy a weekend away?
Nah, I’m not sure that’s MY race that I’m looking for, but i’ll do it anyway. Sounds like a fun weekend away.
Well that’s now in the diary. I’m now committed. Hmm. Will deal with that later.
At least I have options, but still not feeling excited, scared or super motivated by anything in particular.
Come on Chris! What is going to be my big race? The one I train for and put time and effort into.
It needs to scare me enough to get me out of bed in the morning.
More googling needed.
Keep coming back to the same sites and events. Grrrr. Not noticing the pattern here yet.
Ooooh, now we’re talking… goosebumps!!
Message a few people. Looking for information, justification and affirmation. Any recommendations?
Check with coach. Plot out what might be possible, plot out training options. More goosebumps!!!…. or is it the coffee?
Another long black please.
Getting some love for that idea. It feels right.
F#$% it, i’ll sign up today.
Wow, thats a lot of money.
Better check the bank balance.
Think it will be ok.
Fill in details online. Rising excitement, goosebumps and panic.
Just push ‘CONFIRM.'
Hesitation………………………….
AAAAAAHHHH!! I’m signed up!!!
Time for hyperactive tigger-style bouncing all over the house. The dog joins in.
Post on social media. - Social commitment is important ;-)
F#$%, Kath is going to kill me….
F#$%, now I need accommodation.
F#$%, thats a lot of training.
F#$%, I also need flights.
BUT…..This is going to be awesome.....
Smile.
Better start a new training plan.
EEEEEK! Here we go!
So what can you take from this rather long insight into my decision making process, to help you pick the right event for you? Remember, I want you to avoid signing up for events that you don’t really want to do and / or have little motivation to do well in. So, in order to avoid that I want you to ask yourself these four questions when looking at your event options…
1. When do I train best? This is a timing and planning issue. If you organise an event at the end of the Melbourne winter, then your training will mostly be done in the dark and wet of winter. That’s fine if you like that kind of thing. However, for me winter = increased nights in and increased wine consumption. I’m definitely better in the summer. I find it easier to drag myself out of bed when it is warm and light. Just spend 5 minutes thinking this one through.
2. Will others come 'on board' for this event? If others are also signing up for the event, or will be there to support you in your training or on the day, this will help. Remember, not everyone has to approve of your goal, but if you can get some friends, colleagues or family on board, it will make things more enjoyable and easier to keep momentum. Check out this quote from one of the runners I coach:
“Friends have been the key to keeping me motivated – coaching provides me with the structure and accountability and friends the engagement and motivation to keep going.”
3. Who can I quiz, that knows about this event? Go ahead and quiz people. Mates, coaches or other runners who have done the event before or know about the event. Is it hilly? Oh its on trails? Err…. This will usually add a dose of reality to your decision making. If you are still convinced or even better, more convinced after getting that information, then it’s almost time to get the credit card out.
4. Finally, does this event give me goosebumps? If so, I think thats a great sign. It probably means you are stretching yourself, pushing the boundaries. Good on you! Trying these things is exciting and having those positive, exciting and sometimes scary thoughts in your mind throughout training will definitely help to keep you on track.
Got goosebumps? Sign up.