It all begins with an idea, a suggestion from a friend, or surfing the internet at odd hours of the night. Our goals and racing plans sometimes come together when we least expect it. But the hardest part, for many of us, is clicking “submit” and registering for that next big adventure.
I have a habit, and I know I’m not alone, of signing up for races in complete secrecy. I may have a goal in mind but lots of doubts and fears to go along with it. After a couple days of contemplating and obsessing, I’ll finally pull the trigger and sign up (biting my nails all the while), but I don’t tell a soul. Then, I’ll start training, telling friends and family that I’m just keeping up with my running routine. And finally, when I’ve gotten to the peak weeks of my training plan, I’ll explain what I’ve been up to all this time. (Note: I went through this exact pattern this fall when signing up for my first ultra.)
On Tuesday, I did something I thought I’d never do. I signed up for a 50 Mile race. I’d done my research and as I saw the capacity start to get closer to 100%, I registered just before it closed. When I got my confirmation email, I was jittery with nerves and excitement. Dealing with it the only way I know how, I headed out the door for a run. I started to think about why I’ve continued my pattern of keeping my races and goals a secret.
We’ve all met those people who say “your knees will give out?”, “we’re not meant to run that far”, “is that healthy?”, “why so far?”, “are you sure you can do it?”, “will you get hurt”, the list is endless. I’ve never given a real answer to those questions because truthfully, I have those same questions. These thoughts cross my mind every time I run, but so far, I’ve been lucky and healthy enough to accomplish lots of things I never thought I would.
I’ve learned a lot in 2011 about the mental aspects of running, self-doubt and goal setting. All it takes is a leap of faith and determination; the rest will fall into place. So this time around, no more secrets. I’ll be at the Finish Line of the Lake Sonoma 50 Miler on April 14th even if it takes me all day to get there.
Have any of you registered for a race or set a goal secretly? Who do you talk to about your running? When do you finally get the courage to register for a race you’re scared of?
I’ve never secretly registered for a race, but that’s because I like to run races in cities that my support crew (mom and sis come to all of my races) will enjoy as much as I will. As far as races I’m scared of….the 56-mile Comrades Marathon in South Africa has been on my radar for a while now, 2012 will be the third year in a row that I didn’t manage to muster the courage to take it on…maybe in 2013.
Hi Joanna,
I can’t say that I’ve ever registered for anything in complete secrecy. I belong to a really supportive running group and while most of them shake their heads at me since I’ve now veered off into ultra land they haven’t called the funny farm to come get me yet. Someone usually has an inkling of what I’m up to.
When I signed up for my first 50 miler, the American River 50 this past April, that was a scary step. Talk about feeling like I’d just stepped off into the abyss. But I had a friend who wanted to do it as well so that helped a lot. We were on the phone with each other in front of the registration screen and hit the submit button together. Actually, now that I think about it, when I signed up for DisneyWorld’s Goofy Challenge I had my brother-in-law on the phone with me before I hit the big red button. So I suppose that’s my strategy if something really scares me; have someone there to push me over the edge. lol
Congratulations on your first ultra at North Face 50K. I ran the 50K as well. Wasn’t it awesome? And I also wanted to wish you good luck on your 50 miler. Train sensibly. Half the battle is showing up at the start line in one piece.
I will be doing my first 100K in May, the Miwok 100K Trail Race. I’m not as scared as I was when I signed up for the AR50 even though the course is a billion times tougher. I just have a better clue now how to prepare mentally and physically for tackling such distances. Still, when you have to print out 3 park service maps just to see the entire course, “gee, what have I gotten myself into” crosses your mind a few times.
All the time.
Hey Laura! Thanks for your comments, I appreciate your tips and support.
Sounds like you’ve got a great support system- good luck at Miwok, that looks like an incredible event too. One for the wish list, for sure.
Yes – I register secretly for races — like the Western States 100 miler — didn’t tell anyone until about a week before the lottery — it was a little scary — but in my mind I was ready — but not ready to shout it from the rooftops.
I do like to share broadly when I sign up for a marathon — to get people out on the course to cheer me on, maybe join my DetermiNation team and raise money to fight cancer… and just because when people know they can motivate you too. I just don’t need the pressure all the time, so secret can definitely be good. 
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