Weekly Chat: Races and No finishline running

Saturday, October 29, 2011 · Mike Davis

The final weekend in October and training for the Seacoast Half Marathon is winding down and the unofficial end of the 2011 racing season is winding down with it. As far as the race season, I ran fewer races than I have in previous years and yet this has been one of my best running seasons.

My bucket list continues to dwindle as I have completed some great challenges such as Mount Washington and Reach the Beach, but what has made this my best running season has little to do with those races. Being in a pair of running shoes without thoughts of a race is a great feeling. I enjoy the freedom of just running without a need to run a certain distance or a particular pace. Don’t get me wrong, I like challenging myself with distance, miles and sometimes speed, but not necessarily because I have to. Whether I’m running with someone or by myself, the pure beauty of running is; I’m running!

Races have value and for me, are an important part of my running. “FOR ME”, races are a chance to challenge myself to train harder, set goals, meet people and enjoy the atmosphere that races present. I am very much a competitive person and races allow for me to compete, even if it’s not for first place. When I run a race, I do want to finish ahead of as many people as possible, but the final 100 yards is not about passing someone, but about enjoying the moment and accomplishment. My finish line is not there, but some infinite place in time. No finish line running is exactly that, enjoy the feeling of crossing a line after giving it your all, but knowing you are a runner for life!

The racing season may be over, but the running season is not. If you haven’t been running, you don’t need a race to get back out there; all you need is an attitude. Become a member of nofinishlinerunning.com and take advantage of the support and tools. Find a friend whose running, go down to the local running store and ask about running group, whatever it takes, just make it happen. Running will make a difference in your life, but you have to put those shoes on.

Yes, yes I know there are some races left, so go run a turkey trot! No matter what it is, have fun and remember the feeling you have when you finish a run. That feeling is far better than not running!

Hope to see you on the road…