Do you 5K? 10K? Marathon? Triathlon?

Chimpie

Site Administrator
Community Leader
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I was curious to know if any of you participate in any races... as an actual participant, not EMS standby.

Is there a specific race you do annually?
How did you get started?
What makes a good race?
 

VentMonkey

Family Guy
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Is there a specific race you do annually?
Not anymore. I hardly have time to prepare aside from my weekly runs which are anywhere from a short 5.5 miles, to a longer 8.5 mile run. I average a measly 15 or so miles on a heavy-work filled week, and close to 30 on a more run-filled/ "no time for the gym" week.
How did you get started?
I honestly wanted to lose some lbs. I'd gained when I was younger. I ended up really enjoying the solace a nice, paced, peaceful, quiet run brings.
What makes a good race?
For me the post-run goodies like the food and whatnot. A cool t-shirt always goes a long way as well. Obviously the more you pay, the more you will typically get back in return with regards to treats and giveaways.

Before the girls, I was ramping mileage enough to probably do at least a half, but I never made it that far. I was doing 10k's quasi-frequently at one point. Initially I wanted to get into triathlons since I absolutely love cardio. I do detest cycling though, so there's that. The swimming and the running I can do all day, 'urry day.

FWIW, I've never been anything but a participant in these sort of events. You can tell the ones who've been at it a while vs. the "first annual" ones. Either way, I find them a lot of fun and good way to get your morning run out of the way, and still grab a decent breakfast spread (pancakes anyone?) from time to time.

Bonus points if they have a beer garden. A good scenic view of the Pacific Coast wouldn't hurt either.
 

CALEMT

The Other Guy/ Paramaybe?
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0.0 I don't run.
 

CALEMT

The Other Guy/ Paramaybe?
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...until your first serious FD prep? A lot of my nozzle buddies said the same...and then they had to get back into shape.

I mountain bike more than anything. I run occasionally I don't have a set running schedule or distance. When I run I typically do about 2 miles and strive to do my 2 under 16 minutes. I should run more.
 

Old Tracker

Forum Asst. Chief
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No. At my age I am lucky I go to the gym and walk a mile on the tread mill in less than 16 minutes before lifting. Last time I seriously ran was sometime in early 2000 chasing a weed smuggler a month or so before I retired. I did catch him though.
 

Tigger

Dodges Pucks
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I've run a couple of half marathons. I should sign up for one as motivation to run again, currently I'm choosing money over health and I feel dirty.
 

StCEMT

Forum Deputy Chief
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I used to run with my college roommate. Our typical night run was a 1.5 mi route that we aimed to hit in about 15 minutes since there were so many damn hills. Sometimes we'd mix it up and just pick a random direction and another we were feeling real adventurous and ran to the golf course and back for 7. I haven't ran since I left, I need to though.
 

epipusher

Forum Asst. Chief
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Sprint Triathlon, two a year. Wide array of participants, good sportsmanship. One of them involves pool swimming instead of open water.
 

dutemplar

Forum Captain
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There are two reasons to run. Fear and greed. No fear, I'll stand my ground and die in a pile of brass. Nothing I want that badly either, except maybe Carrie Underwood in nothing but high heels and pearls, holding a bottle of Balvenie 50year and a few good cigars.
 

DesertMedic66

Forum Troll
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There are two reasons to run. Fear and greed. No fear, I'll stand my ground and die in a pile of brass. Nothing I want that badly either, except maybe Carrie Underwood in nothing but high heels and pearls, holding a bottle of Balvenie 50year and a few good cigars.
For me it would have to be Carrie Underwood maybe 8 years ago or so
 

Seirende

Washed Up Paramedic/ EMT Dropout
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Don't think that you lads would be able to keep up with those ladies.
 

CALEMT

The Other Guy/ Paramaybe?
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IMG_0750.JPG
 

NysEms2117

ex-Parole officer/EMT
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I've done a few half marathons with a whole bunch of LE guys. I did 1 thing called "toughest mudder" which was really fun, did that with a few of my friends that ended up going on to be in various US MIL SF units. I find it hard to do any races where its just running, because i get bored. I usually end up doing these races with friends because its fun to mess around. Never done any of it super serious, where i time myself ect. Usually it ends up with me rucking something or running in full gear.
 

Carlos Danger

Forum Deputy Chief
Premium Member
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I used to do a bunch of 5k's. There's at least one somewhere in my area every weekend. I never liked running but it was more of a social thing and just a way to get some exercise. Also lots of times the proceeds go to some sort of charity. I agree with @VentMonkey about the "after" stuff. Lots of times they are part of some sort of festival and there was food and beer and music afterwards.
 

CWATT

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I was a half-marathon guy for a few years. I started running in university after I got a dog. I waited until he was a year before we did anby running to avoid hip dysphasia later in his life. Initially it was a good way for him to get exercise in a short period of time (versus spending hours at the dog park), but I soon realized it was a good cathartic activity. If I had a bad day or was stressed about something, I would just go run it out. One day I ended up running the distance of a half-marathon. Soon thereafter I moved to a city with a temperate climate and a large running community. The dog and I would run 3-4 days per week; a short (8k), medium (10-15k), and long distance (18k+) to mix up my endurance. I was in excellent fitness but very lean (135lbs and 5'9"). Unfortunately I left university and my lifestyle changed significantly. I'm more of a gym guy now and average around 158lbs. I can still run the longer distances, but try to keep it to 8k or shorter.

Current goal is 1.5miles in 10.5mins.
 
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