I vividly remember the day I quit cross country running.
I was just 11 years old, standing on the course of my interschool cross country race. As I raced along the final 400 meters, it seemed like every child in the race was passing me. I had started the race too fast, like so many adults do on any given weekend. And then it happened - I ran out of energy.
At that moment, I couldn't help but wonder,
"What's the point in putting myself through so much pain, only to finish in a place I'm ashamed of?"
I didn't know any better. I didn't understand pacing. I didn't even find out where I placed among my friends or the 200 other children who ran in the event. I just felt like it wasn't the sport for me.
But I've often wondered, why do adults put themselves through this process?
They face the same challenges I did, yet they come back to race again and again. Many accept the hardships of racing without realising that there's a better way.
The Common Challenges
The challenges runners face during race preparation and on race day are remarkably similar, whether you're an 11-year-old running your first race or an experienced adult runner.
Here are some of the common problems:
1. Pacing: One of the most significant challenges is pacing. People often start too fast, leading to exhaustion later in the race.
2. Clothing Choice: On race day, wearing too much clothing can be a problem. As the sun rises and the body warms up through running, overheating becomes a risk.
3. Energy Depletion: Running out of energy during a race can be demoralizing. Some runners pace well but haven't run far enough in training to store sufficient energy for the finish.
4. Injury Risks: Injuries are a real threat to runners. Every year, at least 50% of regular runners get injured. Races push us harder and we're less likely to stop the run due to pain.
5. Non-Competitive Mindset: Some people don't race because they don't consider themselves competitive and fail to realize the benefits of participating.
Building a Community of Support
Imagine a world where these race day challenges become a thing of the past. Picture a community where runners of all levels come together to share their experiences, knowledge, and support.
Today, we're on the cusp of creating just that—a new community designed to provide solutions for runners like you. We believe that, collectively, we can overcome the challenges that have plagued us on race day. We envision a space where everyone has a role to play in shaping the future of running, regardless of your current level or experience.
Register Your Interest
We invite you to be a part of this journey. By registering your interest, you're taking the first step toward building this supportive community from the ground up. Your input, your experiences, and your unique perspective are invaluable in creating something truly special.
Together, we'll redefine what it means to be a runner. Together, we'll transform the running experience into something more enjoyable, more rewarding, and less painful.
Register your interest now, and let's embark on this exciting adventure to build a new running community together!
Register your interest
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Registering your interest will mean we can email you an invite to join the community when it is ready.