A Good Race

by Clara Grandt on June 25, 2012

A good race is really so relative.  I’m looking forward to have a good race at the USA Half Marathon Championships in Duluth, MN this weekend, June 16th.  However, when I say, I am looking forward to a good race, who knows what that means for me?  The point is, a good race can mean so many things to different people, even at different times.

Many times I have gone into a race with very objective thoughts of what a good race would be.  I have a time goal, a place goal, and being competitive, I don’t think I’ll ever not have those objective goals floating around somewhere in my head.  This time, though, I have a few other thoughts of what would make this a good race. 

Now, maybe it is the time away from racing the past few months that is making me think like this, but I’m really just looking forward to embracing the whole atmosphere.  I’m so thankful to be able to compete among dedicated athletes, thankful to run in beautiful places like along Lake Superior, thankful to God that I have this ability, and thankful to all those who have supported me.  I can’t wait to feel that tension among the competitors in the air on the start line, hear the gun go off, and just race for those reasons! 

I don’t know what the outcome of this race or any race to come will be, but if I race with all the appreciation, determination, and positivity I have (combined with good health and fitness, course) I believe it will have the right ingredients for a good race, perhaps even a great race.  With that, I know that good and great races are on the horizon.