Fan of Training

Some people hate to train and love to race; whereas, some people love to train and hate to race. I would have to say that I am the latter half. I love to train and am somewhat disappointed once race season arrives. As I have mentioned, prior to this last weekend, my previous race was mid June. That made nearly 3 months straight of training and no races and as hard as some of the workouts were I certainly enjoyed it. At the same time I know that races are important in order to guage where my fitness is at.

Why do I hate to race? I guess hate is a strong word to use, but the nerves sometimes get the better of me. I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself so I never really fully get to enjoy racing. Last January through May, I completed 11 races in 16 weeks I believe. Twice in that race season, I did 3 back to back to back races. Once near the beginning and the last time right at the very end. Half way through those races I started to burn out and wasn't seeing the results I should have been seeing. Due to the burn out, I was just waiting for my final race (Eugene Half Marathon) to arrive so that I could relax and just train. Maybe that has some added effect as to why I truly enjoyed my summer of training and was sad to see it end.

So I ask you.... are you someone who loves to train and hates to race or are you a person that hates to train and loves to race and why?


Here is a photo from the start of the race on Sunday.