One of my running coaches, astonished by my almost weekly races in 2016 and 2017, asked me- Do you train to race? or Do you race to train?

If you look at my medal cabinet, then you know the answer to this…

The context of “race” is joining a public running event that is set on a specific venue and date, and of course- a fee.

In my early days of running in 2016, I used races to train. For example, I joined a 10km race to train for a 16k; I joined a 21km race, then a 30km, then a 35 km race to train for my first marathon.

There are several advantages to joining races, to “train”…

1. The adrenaline rush of being part of a bigger crowd of similar minded runners allows you to run faster and longer than when you do it on your own. My estimate is that this gives you an extra 3 to 10km power than being on your own.
2. The date and distance is fixed, way ahead. Unlike an LSD (long slow distance) runs, it is easy to procrastinate or shorten the distance.
3. With hydration stations and medical personnel and ambulances spread across the race course, it is definitely safer than training on your own.
4. The medal and the race photos are added incentives. The positive comments and kudos you receive make the effort worth it.
5. The race route during public races are a good change from your regular running routes like the UP academic oval or your neihborhood streets.

There are disadvantages too: It can be costly, you have to wake up early (sometimes losing sleep). But for me, this is part of the running experience.

Where to look for race events. Here is a list…

1. Pinoy Fitness– has a good calendar from different running groups. Also has a good virtual run app that awards medals based on achieving distances within a certain quarter.
2. Run Rio– with the most experience in running large events. Typically the most expensive in terms of fees.

On Facebook, follow or like the following:

1. Starting Line ph running community
2. RSRJ Event Management
3. Run Rio
4. Smoke 10 Events Management
5. Run Mania
6. Endurance Challenge Philippines

Run Mania and ECP are for the hard core, street races over longer distances.

You can also like my page, Freedom Runs

Or read this blog for some running tips and stories from crazy runners like me.