Race and Repeat

on June 23, 2011
in All Posts

I went out on a school night!  It was fun but I stayed up way too late.

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Diana, Sarah, and Katy grabbed Yoforia with me.   There’s a big courtyard in front of the fro-yo place that is always packed with people and their dogs, so I brought James along, too.    Good times.

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I always skip the fruit and head straight to the candy. 

 

Breakfast was simple and fast.  Still low on groceries!

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Sunflower buttah toast and melon.  Hit the spot.  I refuse to turn on the oven; it’s just too hot outside right now!

 

Repeat Races?

 

I was just about to sign up for the Run for Your Cause 4-Miler when I realized my sprint triathlon is the next day.  Boo!  I don’t think my body can handle doing two hard races back-to-back right now (hopefully, I’ll be back in optimal training shape soon, though!).  I was really looking forward to Run for Your Cause because I SMOKED this race last year and wanted to run the fun, friendly course again.

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Personally, I LOVE to repeat races. It makes me feel like a true local to come back year after year and do the same race.

 

I raced Miracle Miles 15K three times – 2007, 2008, and 2009.

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(Side note: I miss doing all my races with Meghann and Megan.  I wish I had an enthusiastic racing buddy here in Charlotte.)

 

I raced the Florida Hospital 10K twice – 2008 and 2009.

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And I raced Crooms’ 15.4 mile trail run (my favorite race ever) twice – 2009 and 2010.

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Do you repeat races?  Or do you think doing the same race twice is a waste of money?

{ 98 comments }

 

  • Marin June 23, 2011, 9:32 am

    I love running the same races! The Peachtree Road race is coming up in Atlanta and is always a staple for my Fourth of July.

    I know you were hurt so you couldn’t run the obstacle course race but I would really recommend a fun race like Warrior Dash or Spartan Race! Nothing competitive, just a good muddy workout – with beer at the end 🙂

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans June 23, 2011, 9:33 am

    I love doing the same race over because it lets me test my progress on the same course year over year. Also, if its for a good cause I want to continue to support it every chance I get!!

  • LindseyAnn June 23, 2011, 9:36 am

    I’ve done the National Cherry Festival of Races 5K in my hometown more times than I can count! I think it’s fun to compare them year to year. This year, I’m doing the 15K–time to shake it up a bit.
    Living in a new area, I’m doing a lot more newer races, but I think it’s fun to go back and repeat ones you like. 🙂

  • Amy June 23, 2011, 9:37 am

    I love repeating races! In Charlottesville (VA) we have a women’s four mile race that benefits our local hospital’s breast care center. I’ve run it probably seven years in a row now. It’s one of my favorite days of the year!

  • Samantha June 23, 2011, 9:40 am

    I think it depends on the race, honestly. Some of the really pricey ones I’ll probably only do once, or ones that I travel to, but local ones are great repeats! And if you are in love with the course, why not?!

  • Sara @ OurDogBuffy June 23, 2011, 9:40 am

    I think eating candy or cookies in froyo is a great way to get that in without having to keep it in your house!

  • Winnie June 23, 2011, 9:47 am

    I love repeat races! I’ve run the Atlanta Half Marathon 5 years in a row and even got a special “streaker” t-shirt and bib last year for my effort. I live in Charlotte and would happy to serve as an enthusiastic race buddy. I try to run at least 1-2 road/trail races per month (last year I managed to pull off 12 half marathons and some other shorter distance races in between). I don’t “race” everything I sign up for, but I love the energy and comraderie.

  • Baking 'n' Books June 23, 2011, 9:50 am

    I just have to say – PB CUPS! 🙂

  • Ashley O. @ The Vegetable Life June 23, 2011, 9:53 am

    I wish I could race more I would love to repeat some of my past races but I can’t get over the cost of some of them. I have a hard time paying more than $25 for a race thats not too long of a distance…

  • Tami June 23, 2011, 9:53 am

    Other than a recent Warrior Dash I’ve only raced one 10K (Lost Dutchman Arizona) but I’ve done it twice. The first time I did it I walked the whole thing with my Ironman hubby being that I was 215 pounds. The next year I walked/ran the race all by myself at 175 pounds, and beat my time by 30 minutes. The pictures are amazing from last year to this year. I can’t wait to do it again next year even lighter!

  • Khushboo June 23, 2011, 9:54 am

    Meh fruits overrated, all about the chocolate in fro Yo 🙂

  • Lizzy @ runbakerace June 23, 2011, 10:04 am

    I do the same races all the time…LOVE IT! If you like the course and the atmosphere why not then?

  • Freya June 23, 2011, 10:08 am

    I would definitely repeat a race! I’d do anything to do Marine Corps marathon again 🙁
    You know Caitlin, if you let me marry your brother in law, I would gladly be your crazy racing buddy!
    OH, and I’m so relieved you skipped the fruit – whenever I see fro-yo on blogs, I always think ‘I’d top mine with chocolate and PB, not fruit…fruit is not dessert!’. I’m glad you agree 🙂

  • Jen June 23, 2011, 10:08 am

    Is the bread you ate for breakfast gluten-free? It looks pretty good. I’m always on the lookout for yummy GF breads. Especially seedy varieties.

    • Caitlin June 24, 2011, 10:04 am

      Yes! Glutino. I like it.

  • Lisa Fine June 23, 2011, 10:08 am

    I just ran the same race last weekend, and it was especially fun because last year it was the first 5k I had ever run.

    I love the idea of getting into doing the same races and recognizing people and forming more of a community.

  • Megan @ On the Road Again June 23, 2011, 10:10 am

    I love repeating races. If you like the course and the entry fee’s not too bad, why not? I do the Flint Crim 10-miler every year and absolutely adore it. Sure it’s in Flint (crime capital of Michigan), but you’d never know that while you’re out running.

    • Sonia (the Mexigarian) June 23, 2011, 11:54 am

      hehe. sorry, while i was reading your comment i misread and thought “what wouldn’t she have to out run in a crime capital?” and then “ooooooh. got it.” 😀 Where abouts is Flint in Mich?

      • Caitlin June 24, 2011, 10:03 am

        hahah I also read it as ‘crime’

  • Kierstan @ Life {and running} in Iowa June 23, 2011, 10:11 am

    I love doing the same races more than once. It is fun to compare how you do from year to year.

  • Leanne (Bride to Mrs,) June 23, 2011, 10:11 am

    I want to repeat my same 10km race I did last year… I’d like to beat my time on the same course (not a course that is full of hills or completely flat). I think if you like a course, why not!?

  • Susan June 23, 2011, 10:12 am

    Since I’m so new to racing I deliberately want to avoid repeating races. There are so many races out there – I want to try them all!

  • Kelly @foodiefresh June 23, 2011, 10:13 am

    I’ll be your racing buddy! (as long as I’m in town) 🙂

    • Caitlin June 24, 2011, 10:00 am

      Wanna do that sprint tri with me?

      • Kelly @foodiefresh June 28, 2011, 1:50 pm

        I should have said running racing buddy. 😉 I’m far from ever being able to compete in anything involving swimming. But let me know if you want to sign up for any road races.

  • Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table June 23, 2011, 10:13 am

    I am in the same boat – but staying out a little too late with good friends is worth it every time. 🙂

    I’ve never considered NOT running a race because I’ve done it before. If I liked the course, I look forward to running it again!

  • Ashley @ the fit academic June 23, 2011, 10:16 am

    I’ve never repeated a race, but I wouldn’t necessarily be opposed to it! I just started racing 2 years ago and have only been in 5 races, so I think I’ve wanted to sample a variety. Maybe eventually I’ll repeat some races.

  • Lauren June 23, 2011, 10:18 am

    I love to repeat races! I can learn from my previous experiences and feel much more confident going into race day.

  • Yolie @ Practising Wellness June 23, 2011, 10:22 am

    Hmmm…I’ve never actually run a race before, but I think I would run repeat reaces if the opportunity was there. I’m sure your experience of each race would be very different each time you ran it. Like each time you practice yoga is different, even though you are doing pretty much the same postures, in the same place, on the same mat 🙂 Your breakfast looks delicious – simple but sweet-as! xyx

  • Jayme @ Runner-n-Spice June 23, 2011, 10:27 am

    I definitely don’t think its a waste! I’ve done a few races more than once! Especially if its for a good cause.

  • Paula @ Eat: Watch: Run June 23, 2011, 10:28 am

    I do not like to repeat races. If I’ve done it before, then I know the route and what I’m looking at. I LOVE to see new routes and new places so I’d much rather do a race I’ve never done before.

    With that said, I loved the Gasparilla Half Marathon (in Tampa) and the Sarasota Half so much, that I will do those again.

  • Alicia at Poise in Parma June 23, 2011, 10:28 am

    I’m excited to do my first 5K again this August in celebration of my first year as a runner. I don’t know if I’d do every race over again, but the good ones definitely!

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun June 23, 2011, 10:30 am

    I always go for the candy too. Fruit is for snack…candy is for fro-yo! 😉

    And I just got into racing this year, but I think I will probably repeat some of my favorite local races next year. If it’s a good race, why not?!

  • Vicki June 23, 2011, 10:30 am

    The Bolder Boulder 10K is my favorite race, and so I try to make an effort to do it every year. There are a few other races I love to repeat; it’s great to run on a familiar course that you don’t always get to run. You know what you’re getting into and you’re more prepared for it. 🙂

  • Kayla June 23, 2011, 10:36 am

    I think repeat races are cool. I’ve only repeated one race (The YWCA Pancake Run — 5K — in Janesville, Wis.). It’s cool because if you PR, then it’s kind of a true PR because the race and course are the same. It’s also cool because if the course/race is well run and well organized, it’s worth it to keep patronizing it so it stays that kind of a race. But I think running a slew of different races is cool, too, because you get to explore new places, new courses, etc.

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen June 23, 2011, 10:39 am

    I can’t believe that 4 miler was a year ago already, I remember reading all your recaps and it felt like yesterday! I’ve repeated a 5 mile race in NJ (HOHA Classic) and loved it. It’s nice to know a course and what to expect, especially when your times get better each year 🙂

  • Marissa June 23, 2011, 10:41 am

    I always skip the fruit, too–hey, that’s what’s breakfast yogurt bowls are for, right?! Froyo is dessert and I want CHOCOLATE. Haha. Every year since I’ve gotten into running, I’ve done the Reindeer Trot 5K at the local park. Its always the night before Thanksgiving. The staff does an AMAZING job of setting up Christmas lights and decorations up throughout the whole park, and the Reindeer Trot is the first time they turn them all on! Its fun to run in the dark and look at all the pretty Christmas lights, and they always hand out jingle bell bracelets to the runners, so everybody’s jingle-jangling just like reindeer bells! I love it; its the best race EVER.

    • Sonia (the Mexigarian) June 23, 2011, 12:19 pm

      the Reindeer Trot sounds like fun! where is it held?

      • Marissa June 23, 2011, 3:55 pm

        Its held at Saluda Shoals Park in Irmo, South Carolina!

  • Beth (Well I'll Be) June 23, 2011, 10:44 am

    I don’t think it’s a waste of money if you liked the race! I really like being familiar with the course so I like it. Plus it’s a good way to compare your times since it’s the same course!

  • Michelle@Crazy*Running*Legs June 23, 2011, 10:47 am

    There are a few races I did last year that I won’t do again for various reasons – but I am open to repeats!

    I am doing the Miracle Miles 15k for the first time this September – I can’t wait 🙂 I actually love all of the local races here in Orlando (Track Shack is awesome!). I’m bummed I can’t do the OUC half again this – but not TOO bummed as I will be in Vegas!

    • Caitlin June 24, 2011, 9:59 am

      You will love Miracle Miles 🙂 Great course.

  • Lindsey June 23, 2011, 10:51 am

    I like to run the same local races every year, especially ones for charities that I like to support! I think if I were to travel far for a race, unless I really loved it I would try out different races each year though!

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) June 23, 2011, 10:51 am

    I don’t see what’s wrong with repeating races. I mean, I do pool races and swim the 400 IM/400 free/etc over and over and over. Helps you see if you are improving.

  • Lizz (leadingthegoodlife) June 23, 2011, 10:55 am

    Repeat! I love recognizing landmarks and remembering how I felt during the race the previous year.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat June 23, 2011, 11:00 am

    I think running repeat races is fine! I’m considering running one that I ran last year (as a marathon) this year, but as a half this time – just because I like how my body recovers a bit faster after the half distance. Good choice on forgoing the 2-in-a-row though.. that might be a bit much on your body!

  • Erin @ Naturally Addicted June 23, 2011, 11:13 am

    Yum! Yoforia is calling my name. I have been a serious FroYo kick recently. I am just starting to run and my first 5k is in October! I can’t wait. I’m running in Race for the Cure here in Charlotte and I think I’ll do it again. I’m on the committee so I think I’m pretty bias!

  • Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet June 23, 2011, 11:17 am

    Lol yup, fruit is just added unnecessary weight! I would love to do repeat races if I could ever get my lazy butt to sign up for a race! I think it’d be fun to reminisce on the past year, and how you’ve changed in that year.

  • Melissa June 23, 2011, 11:18 am

    If it’s a good race, I don’t mind repeating! I love to support an event that has a good course and good organization; even better yet if it’s local!

    At the same time, I don’t feel bad about not repeating the race if it’s not working for me. For example, I am very close to the cause of a certain local race but I think the course STINKS so this year I chose to volunteer instead! Made me still involved with the cause but I didn’t have to endure that ugly and difficult course again!

    • Caitlin June 24, 2011, 9:59 am

      Aw what a good idea. 🙂 I <3 volunteers

  • Monika June 23, 2011, 11:22 am

    I always head for the candy too– reese’s pb cups 🙂

  • Jenny June 23, 2011, 11:23 am

    I’m running the Rock n Roll half in VA Beach again this year and I’m so excited! It’s the only race I’ll be repeating but I’m looking forward to repeating a few local races including a 5k and 10 miler.

    I think repeating local races is great motivation – it allows me to “train” but doesn’t involve the financial and travel commitment of heading out of town for a “big” race.

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul June 23, 2011, 11:25 am

    Well, I haven’t raced YET but I can see why it would be fun also, so that I can break my time record and look back at how much I’ve improved 🙂

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat June 23, 2011, 11:32 am

    I do like to repeat some races, there are some that I have done 4 times now! But I also like trying out new ones which I think I am going to try to do more of next year. 🙂

  • Tracy June 23, 2011, 11:36 am

    I actually think it’s more of a waste of money to travel for races, so of course I repeat! I’ve been racing since 1988, so it’s not so much repeat or threepeat for me, it’s more like fifteenpeat (yeah, ’cause that’s a word /eyeroll at self). I don’t have any unbroken streaks though, as I’ve missed races due to pregnancy, injury, and other regular life events…. but I’ve done the Pittsburgh Great Race 10K and a local 4th of July 5k about 15-16 times. There are several others that I’ve done 9-10 times. I have traveled for some races (mostly full marathons, but also a few halfs and 5Ks) but they are generally 3-4 hour drives, rather than airplane trips.

  • Laura @ Backstage Pass to Health & Happiness June 23, 2011, 11:41 am

    I think it’s fun to repeat local races! Kind of like a tradition for me.

  • Sarah for Real June 23, 2011, 11:42 am

    I’m hoping that I can repeat my one and only race so far, a 5k fundraiser for the food bank in September. I’ve signed up “in my mind” like you suggested and I hope my knee will be ready to go by then! I promise myself not to compare times though. Unless I happen to do better than last year, in which case I will SO compare the times.

    • Caitlin June 24, 2011, 9:58 am

      <3 You will do great :) It's all relative remember!

  • Sonia (the Mexigarian) June 23, 2011, 11:56 am

    I am definitely signing up for the Big Sur Race again next year. Hopefully run/walk the 9 miler this time. I also will sign up for the Santa Cruz 10k, because I never got to run it due to being ill back in April. I will run it!!

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) June 23, 2011, 11:57 am

    I love repeating races! I’ve done the Morton Libby’s Pumpkin Classic two years, as well as the Illinois Half Marathon two years in a row. This is my third year of racing, so I hope to make the pumpkin classic 3 this year (10k) 🙂

  • MegaNerd June 23, 2011, 12:00 pm

    I miss you enthusiastic racing buddy!! 🙁

  • Amber K June 23, 2011, 12:04 pm

    Fro-yo definitely deserves candy 🙂

  • Shannon June 23, 2011, 12:06 pm

    There is a Thanksgiving 5K in my hometown that I run every year and I absolutely love it! Even a turkey runs the race!

  • Katherine June 23, 2011, 12:07 pm

    Nomnomnom to that breakfast 🙂

  • Meghann June 23, 2011, 12:11 pm

    I miss you too! Also, I realized all those repeated races were with me. Well.. most of them.

  • Claire @ Live and Love to Eat June 23, 2011, 12:12 pm

    Favorite races are meant to be repeated!

  • Kristy@RunTheLongRoad June 23, 2011, 12:26 pm

    I’m a total repeat racer! Philly has some great races – Broad Street, Rock n Roll Half, the Philly Marathon/Half – and I do them each year!

  • Kelley June 23, 2011, 12:42 pm

    I love repeating races. This will be my 7th year running the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in San Francisco! whoop! Can’t believe I’ve been running for that long!

  • The Teenage Taste June 23, 2011, 1:02 pm

    I ALWAYS repeat races. Only the ones that I really enjoyed though. I mean if you enjoyed it the first time why not enjoy it a second or third time too! 🙂

  • sirenjess June 23, 2011, 1:04 pm

    I love repeating races. I’ve repeated Rock N’ Roll San Antonio, Austin half marathon, and this year will be two for Nike Women’s marathon. I love San Francisco so any chance I get to go there I take it!

    • Caitlin June 24, 2011, 9:58 am

      I would be scurred of all those hills!

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) June 23, 2011, 1:06 pm

    I repeated the OC Half Marathon this year and I really liked doing it again! It was a different course, but since it was my first half marathon last year, it felt really cool to repeat it. PRing was definitely a good feeling 🙂

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) June 23, 2011, 1:16 pm

    There are only a few races I’d do again, and I decide that based on how good the course was and if I felt like I got value for my money. Timing is another thing… certain times of the year, there are so many competing races in those time slots that repeating is tough.

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife June 23, 2011, 1:18 pm

    I don’t repeat races unless they are AMAZING.

  • Kori June 23, 2011, 1:21 pm

    I love running some races over and over again. My mom and I run the Tufts 10K for Women here in Boston EVERY YEAR, and we’ve been doing it since I was in college. It’s always a great experience for us and I love having such a fun tradition with my mom.

  • Courtney June 23, 2011, 1:39 pm

    I like to repeat races! The only peoblem is thatyou feel bad if you don’t do as well the second time 😛

  • Ali G. June 23, 2011, 1:43 pm

    I’ve also done Croom Fools for the past couple of years. My favorite race!

    • Caitlin June 24, 2011, 9:56 am

      Yay isn’t it fun!? I was so sad I missed it last year.

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey June 23, 2011, 1:47 pm

    I like repeat races! You get to know the course and what to expect!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin June 23, 2011, 2:47 pm

    I think I would like to repeat races, especially if they have a nice route!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss June 23, 2011, 2:57 pm

    It’s best to head straight to the candy anyway! If you’re going to indulge, indulge! 😉

    I think repeating races would be fun but I haven’t been able to yet. That way you’d know the course and what not!

  • Rebecca June 23, 2011, 3:03 pm

    My dad does the same races over and over and seems to love it. Sometimes the route changes a little bit between races, but he enjoys it just the same.

  • Hillary June 23, 2011, 3:29 pm

    The only race I’ve done more than once is the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure in DC—and I mainly repeated because I’m so into supporting the cause. I thought about running the Baltimore Half again this year, but have decided to find a new race for a new experience!

  • Mac June 23, 2011, 3:39 pm

    I have never repeat a race, but I’m a pretty novice racer and have only done 2 races… I would totally and probably will do them both again. I would love to travel all over the states and do different races, but I can’t quite afford to do that… some day though 🙂

  • Mary June 23, 2011, 4:14 pm

    I’ve done quite a few 5k’s several times over because I always want to try to beat my time, win my AG again (which was accomplished:) ) etc.

  • Lauren @ Team Giles June 23, 2011, 5:26 pm

    I LOVE repeating races. I’ve never repeated a Half-Marathon (yet), but definitely 5k’s and 10k’s. I like to see how I complete the race each year

  • Alaina June 23, 2011, 5:59 pm

    There’s two races in Providence that I run every year: the CVS Downtown 5k and the St. Pat’s 5k. Such fun races!

  • Cat June 23, 2011, 7:14 pm

    Caitlin, I love doing race in Charlotte! Let me know whenever you want to hit up a race 🙂

    • Caitlin June 24, 2011, 9:54 am

      🙂 Wanna do my sprint tri with me?!

      • Cat June 24, 2011, 6:09 pm

        Bwahaha … I should probably clarify! Any races on foot 🙂 I haven’t been on a bike in a long time, & I would definitely need to take swimming lessons.

  • Macrae June 23, 2011, 9:06 pm

    If it’s a well run race I say do it! This July 4th will be my 17th Peachtree Road Race in a row!

    • Caitlin June 24, 2011, 9:52 am

      WOW That is awesoem! 17 times in a row!

  • Mary June 23, 2011, 9:57 pm

    I like to try out new races for the different challenges, but repeating certain races each year really gives you an accurate comparison for time improvements on the same terrain. All races are fun in some way (even when you run soaking wet like the 5k I ran tonight after a major downpour!).

  • ashley @ ashley's adventures in alaska June 24, 2011, 5:06 pm

    I hope to repeat some races. Right now I’m still so new to it, that I haven’t quite made it back around to the first ones I did. But watch out next summer. I’ll be repeating races and setting PRs like it’s my job. 🙂

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) June 26, 2011, 8:09 pm

    I don’t race … but my hubby repeats races all the time. It is the best way to see improvement, because he is on the same course.

  • Cristina @ Girl Meets Pink June 27, 2011, 6:53 pm

    I’ve been running for a year and a half. Believe it or not, I didn’t even start racing until the end of last year. I don’t think I’d want to repeat a race. I like the idea of leaving whatever time I did in the past and focus on bigger/better things. I think it might be fun to do the same race twice, but I like mixing it up.

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