I vaguely remember my first race. At a local park in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where I grew up (not far from Runner’s World HQ), I ran a lap of the pavement with a bunch of other tweens I didn’t know. I don’t remember the distance, but what I do remember? The positive feelings.

I loved the rush of nerves I got standing at the start, the self-esteem boost I felt from the cheers of my parents watching, and how empowering it felt to cross the finish line, even if I wasn’t anywhere near the leaders.

…enjoy being in the presence of other runners who put fitness and self-improvement through exercise on the list of life’s priorities.

I have participated in countless races since then, from many 5Ks to a few marathons. And while I find purpose in competing against my past self, setting goals, and checking off a training plan to snag a PB a few times a year, I also just enjoy being in the presence of other runners who put fitness and self-improvement through exercise on the list of life’s priorities.

I truly fell for the camaraderie and energy of races when I signed up to complete the New York Road Runners programme, which gets you guaranteed entry into the New York City Marathon. It requires you to run nine races and volunteer at one. I knew I wanted to conquer a marathon one day, and getting more mileage under my feet via races around my favourite city provided the perfect route to the starting line of the iconic marathon.

I ran most races in Central Park that year, where I also did all of my training. I learned every curve of the main path and exactly where the pavement ebbed and flowed, while still getting lost on the offshoots. It’s where I finished my first half marathon, crossing the line after conquering two sets of gnarly hills and with a newfound confidence not only in my physical fitness but also in my mental strength. (I distinctly remember playing the role of Positive Polly for my friend who needed a pick-me-up during the latter stages of a half marathon.)

But the programme took me around the boroughs, too, including Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island. The vibes of every course felt completely different, but at each one, I could still revel in the nervous excitement and anticipation at the start, the uplifting and supportive atmosphere among both runners and spectators along the course, and the sense of accomplishment that surrounded the finish line. All of those races also gave me a chance to see new parts of my city, and from a view you could only earn on foot.

These days, living back in Pennsylvania, I sign up for races to see old neighbourhoods from a fresh perspective, but I also try to travel to a new destination at least once a year for a race so I can explore the location using the power of my own body.

Racing indisputably pushes my limits, as I turn up the intensity in training, pushing through intervals and tempo runs to increase my speed and chase faster finishes. But over the years, I’ve uncovered a few other reasons for pinning on a bib. For starters, when I have races booked on my calendar, it keeps me motivated to run more consistently. It also gives my training some structure.

…races can offer a ticket to fast times and new records, but they can also provide time to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and collect quality time with loved ones…

What’s been the most rewarding part of racing, though, has been signing up for and completing events with my friends and family. I’ve been able to trek through several obstacle-course races alongside my brother and a trail race with my brother-in-law, both of whom I rarely get one-on-one time with, thanks to our 16-person immediate family. I’ve run 5Ks with my dad, my running inspiration, and my cousin, one of my favourite humans to have around. I’ve trained for and raced many miles next to my sisters, which always gives us time for uninterrupted chats about our current struggles and successes.

I’ve witnessed three of my nephews and two of my nieces conquer their first 5Ks, and I’ve earned a medal right alongside my childhood best friend after her first 10K and then half marathon.

I’ve been able to cross the finish line hand-in-hand with some of the most important people in my life. And it’s the determination, joy, and pride I see shining on everyone’s faces – a unique light that seems to illuminate most when running races, and that brings more meaning to the miles.

As I see it, races can offer a ticket to fast times and new records, but they can also provide time to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and collect quality time with loved ones along the way. Plus, who can pass up post-run brunch and coffee to recap with race buddies?

This article first appeared on the Runner’s World USA website.

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