solo race adventures - just say yes

Have you ever found the perfect race in one of your favorite places, make the commitment to go there, and then can’t find ANYONE to go with you?  I hate it when that happens. But sometimes, you just have to take the journey solo.

I’ve always loved to travel. While sometimes the idea of travelling alone to a race intimidates me, I am always glad I did it instead of passing on the opportunity. There is a fabulous race in my hometown of Flint, MI that I have to go back by myself for. I have taken the red eye for it, crashed at friends’ places, had to rent a car, but it was always worth it.

This summer I flew to Seattle to run the North Olympic Discovery half marathon. I had to rent a car and drive 3 hours, stay in a somewhat sketchy hotel and go out to eat by myself. But it was a glorious experience. I totally would have regretted not going.

Earlier this year, I fundraised for St. Jude to run in the Rock n Roll Dallas half marathon.  Taxis, hotel, getting to the expo by myself – but I also had the chance to meet up with friends in the area for dinner, which was great, and it was yet another chance to cross a state off of my list.

Last fall I ran in the Fox Valley half marathon in St. Charles, IL. Although I knew friends in the area, I still had to rent a car, worry about road closures, parking, and entertain myself before the race.

I’m faced with another one of these cases in October, when I will run the Runners World Festival of races hat trick (4 races in 3 days totaling 26.2 miles!) in the Philadelphia area. Although I will be meeting up with friends for the races, I will  have to fly in, probably rent a car in an unfamiliar city, stay God knows where, but I know it’s going to be AWESOME.

Probably my biggest leap of faith to date was doing Ragnar del sol with strangers (read more about that epic adventure here).  Like my husband dropped me off at someone’s house the night before where I knew NO ONE, and said to me “what if one if them is an axe murderer?” .  I ended up having a blast.

So the moral of the story here is – don’t say no to adventures – whether you have a partner in crime or not! Use social media to get local tips and possibly meet up with others!

Thanks for reading my post in the #FF link up! Next up is Brian Goldman @RRunnerReviews with his post Why Should I get a Running Coach?