Dilemma: Which Race to Run?
By Pigglies
@Pigglies (9329)
United States
July 31, 2009 10:39pm CST
I've been looking at online calendars for upcoming 5K events. I found one nearby in September and I've been thinking about doing that one for quite awhile now. However, I just got an email from the running group I'm with saying that the group wants to do another 5K that is also nearby, on the same day, but it hasn't been advertised.
There are a few factors to consider here, but I still can't seem to decide. So I'll post the facts (and some info that isn't exactly just the facts) and hopefully someone can help me with the decision process! They start at the same time so running both isn't an option. To distinguish the events, one is a charity event (I'll just call it the "charity 5K") and the other is a city event (which I'll call the "city 5K" here to clarify).
1. The running group I'm in is doing the City 5K as a group. So since I'm part of the group I feel like running it would be a good idea.
2. The Charity 5K will donate the money to a worthy cause. At this point, I don't know the cost of the City 5K, but the Charity 5K may cost more.
3. Last year's 3rd place winner in my age group got a time of 27 minutes at the Charity 5K. At the City 5K, 3rd place in my age group was 22 minutes. My last 5K was 32 minutes, but I may have a chance at the 27 minute mark. Although, different people will be entering most likely.
So far I know that the Charity 5K is not chip timed, but I'm not sure on the City 5K. I don't know the fees for the City 5K yet. And I also don't know if one course is flatter than the other. I could post about the after events too, but those don't make a huge difference for me. If the charity was one I volunteered for I would definitely go for that event, but before I started running I had never even heard of them. Both runs are about an equal distance away from my house. Help me decide!
1 person likes this
3 responses
@syndibee (799)
• United States
7 Aug 09
I would definitely do the city run. You stated their money is also going for a good cause, a hospital which benefits your own community most likely since it's city. You are also affiliated with a group that is participating thus you have that tie to that run where you don't feel anything specific for that. There are ALWAYS charity runs and you will get your chance to participate in one in the future. You can't participate in them all and unfortunately you can't fund all causes.
Of course you have a chance at placing in the charity run but for your second run that really doesn't need to be important yet. Beating your personal best is still important as you incorporate running in your routine.
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
8 Aug 09
Yeah, I'm starting to realize that I was just playing up the charity run in my mind... it's not really a charity I would normally donate to, it isn't something meaningful to me. I guess I was just trying to convince myself to run faster for a cause. But when I think about it, running with the group should be more motivational.
I'm definitely trying to beat my personal best. I want to get my time under 30 minutes. I don't think I could realistically get all the way down to 27 minutes yet anyway. But under 30 would be nice.
@macdingolinger (10386)
• United States
1 Aug 09
That's a difficult choice. I think I would go with the group too and like the other comment, you can send money to the charity. It's a tough decesion I know! I would like to do some for charity also, but have only done two 5Ks so far!
1 person likes this
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
2 Aug 09
Yes, I keep wanting to do one for charity just because they all seem to cost the same price and I'd like the money to go somewhere good. But it turns out the city 5K will actually be donating the money to a hospital. So that's good. I haven't seen any runs yet for charities I feel very strongly about though.
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
1 Aug 09
Since you do not have strong ties to the charity, and you do have some ties to your running group, I would probably do the city 5K with them. If you feel bad about the charity, you could make an actual donation. I think it is cool that you have a group to run with.
1 person likes this
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
2 Aug 09
That's a good point. Although on first reading what the charity does, I felt strongly about going, I later realized that I don't even really know where they are donating the money to and even if most of it will get to where it needs to be. But I think I only felt strongly about going at first because I just really want to run another 5K and that one is near here.
If the city 5K is still at the same price at last year, at least that one is only $15 and while before I thought it would be very motivational to be running for a charity, I think running with the group will be pretty fun and hopefully inspire me to run fast enough to set a new personal record.
