Loving to run and loving to race are not the same thing
Try looking up “Why do people love to run races?” Many of the results will blur together why people enjoy running and racing in one answer.
Sure, racing is running, so it makes sense that many of the physical and psychological reasons people enjoy racing are the same as why they enjoy running.
Yet here’s the thing: running is a sport, but racing is a competition. They’re different and deserve different reasons to love doing them. If you are conscious of this distinction, I think it’s easier to truly love to run for the sake of running and to race for the sake of competing.
Loving to run
In my opinion, loving to run means you enjoy the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other at a pace faster than walking. You might have preferences on social or solo runs, workouts or easy miles, but you look forward to (almost) every run, even on tough days. You live for that feeling of freedom that only miles on the road, track, and trail can bring. On the treadmill though? I’m skeptical.
Loving to race
Unlike loving to run, loving to race is where your competitive side can thrive. This competition can be external or internal. Maybe it lights a fire in you trying to beat that guy who always outkicks you in the local 5K or working alongside a teammate in a cross country race. On the flip side, you might love striving for new personal records in specific distances or race courses. Either way, you love challenging yourself and aiming for some sort of goal.
Why this distinction matters
Separating your love to run and love to race can help you appreciate each fully and see how they complement each other. To achieve your race goals, you need to train (AKA run consistently). If you truly love to run, getting out the door to train for your race becomes so much easier.
On those days where your love to run isn’t enough to get out for the miles, you can fall back on your love to race. You know you have to train to reach your race goal; go crush it.
Keeping your love to run and love to race distinct can also help with mental clarity after a race. The post-race blues are real (and something I’ll break down more another day), but knowing you still get to run after some recovery can help you process those post-race emotions, regardless of how your race went.
Be wary of loving to race but hating to run; this can lead to overloaded racing calendars, burnout, injury, or an unhealthy mindset towards the sport. However, you can absolutely despise racing, but still love to run. Less pressure, more miles.
The best option, in my opinion, is having the balance and love for both. Enjoy your runs, shine in races, and know you get to do it all again.