Buzz
You did it! Whether you’ve completed a 5K, half marathon, or even the legendary full marathon, congratulations! Now... what’s next?
As a runner, it often feels like the only option is to keep pushing for longer distances. But there are countless other ways to progress. Different types of races demand specific training techniques, like here’s our comparison (read: battle) between 5K and marathon races. Also, there’s no unwritten rule that progress can only be measured by tacking on more miles until you're running the Boston Marathon.
As someone who’s run a marathon, I can provide several reasons not to sign up for one. It’s an immense time commitment. There’s a higher chance of injury (my self-diagnosed plantar fasciitis is now part of my story). Plus, you’ll drive your friends and family crazy by constantly talking about your marathon, how time-consuming it is, and your (self-diagnosed) plantar fasciitis.
If you know a marathon isn't for you, here are other races and goals to break out of a runner’s rut and keep giving your miles real purpose.
Beat Your Personal Best Mile
A mile race is still considered a test of endurance, but it’s a great chance to focus on adding speedwork to become both stronger and quicker. Imagine telling your younger self that you not only enjoy running the mile but that you’ll actually pay to do it!
For this and other races, try using race-finder platforms like this one to locate one close to you.
Master the 5K (3.1 miles)
From your New Year’s resolution to get off the couch, to your local Turkey Trot nine months later, the 5K is one of the most popular distances for runners of all abilities. Like the mile race, scaling back your distance goals and focusing on speed can offer great benefits. If you’re used to longer runs, the 5K may give you the space to focus on speedwork, which could lead to faster times when you return to longer distances.
Master the 10K (6.2 miles)
In every way except my personality, I’m a perfectly average runner. The 10K is the ideal race for me to settle into being comfortably mediocre. For me, 6.2 miles is the perfect balance of going somewhat far, somewhat fast.
Of course, you can push yourself to approach this race like the mile or 5K, but if you're like me, it's a chance to rely on your mental strength from longer races without the pressure to sprint the entire way. I’d categorize the ten-miler in the same mental space (just with a few more miles of achievement, naturally).
Seek out a unique distance race
Ever heard of an 8K, 15K, or 25K? The best part of choosing a less common race distance is that if it’s your first time, you’re guaranteed a personal best. Signing up for a more unusual race might also place you alongside fellow runners who, like you, are seeking something fresh and understand that marathons aren't the ultimate goal.
Complete an obstacle or themed race
Running not challenging enough for you? Are you looking for something extraordinary, something intense, something...epic? Good news—Runner’s World just updated its list of obstacle course races. If you haven't heard of legendary events like the Spartan Race or Tough Mudder, obstacle races are exactly what they sound like—courses with monkey bars, mud pits, and inventive hurdles to conquer along the way. Beyond the new strength and mental challenges these races offer, they also present a great opportunity to gather a group of friends, whether you all plan to compete seriously or just do your best to finish.
Join a running club
Discover the right running goal for you
Don’t feel the pressure to follow a linear path, where the expectation is to just get faster and push yourself further until you’re a record-breaking ultra-marathoner. You don’t need to run races to call yourself a runner. Right now, my personal challenge is to run without music, which has turned out to be a test of mental strength harder than any distance I’ve run so far.
There are no limits to how you can make your miles meaningful to you. You’re a runner because you enjoy running—that’s all there is to it.
