You probably know, we are in the final preparations for the DMCB. In the last few weeks, I've come to wonder why so many people pay fees (ranging from minimal to excessive to reasonable) to be able to go and hurt themselves with other runners. Some would say that it is because of the logistics, to commit to a goal or even for the pride of having done so.
I think we want to participate in such events for 2 reasons:
1. So as not to ask questions
Indeed, when you go running alone during a workout, you must ask yourself a series of questions of varying lengths to answer:
- Where am I going to run?
- How long or how many km?
- What do I eat when I come back?
- At what time?
- What route?
- Is there going to be traffic?
- Do I go there even if it's windy?
- Do I ask someone to come with me?
- Who will look after my son?
- Do I bring my water bottle?
- Where do I park?
And these questions are precisely all the questions that the organizer of a race asks himself. Part of the value of the race is that you don't have to question yourself because you trust the organizer. When this bond of trust is broken, however, it is difficult to renew it.
2. Being together
Together is a very strong word. Running is a competition with oneself and also with others. On the other hand, in running, the others are both adversaries and partners. They may come before you, but they are also the ones who make you arrive faster. There is something tribal about these events. Tight sardine start. Heat. Sweat. Competition. Outside. Landscape.
It is a bit of a return to the source, an opportunity for all, to celebrate health, surpassing oneself, accomplishment. Good luck to all the runners this weekend!
Always interesting your thoughts! It will be a pleasure to do the DMCB this weekend.
I would also add that we participate in events to concretize our efforts in training and formalize a result .... And of course, it is a good way to measure yourself against others and to self-assess ...