We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back is as emotionally exhausting as it is physically demanding. Your mind and body are simultaneously consumed with adrenaline and anxiety for months. Your weekends revolve around your long run. or 5K, or test out your sore and tired. While all this is self-inflicted in the name of a fun, challenging, and rewarding experience (at least I hope so), it does take a toll on you.
So if the thought of doing another marathon Everything to Know About Triathlon Distances PR’d your dream marathon race and you’re simply ready for the next adventure, we’ve got fun, low-stress alternatives to prevent a dreaded marathon racing rut. But first, why you’ll benefit from switching up your usual run routine and from trying something new.
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The Benefits of Trying Different Running Disciplines
Branching out to other kinds of racing, like the ones listed below, offers many benefits that can make you a better all-around runner, including helping you run faster in the marathon. As creatures of habit, runners often get stuck in a similar routine or pattern, racing the same distance or even the same races repeatedly and using the same training to prepare.
While this predictable routine provides familiarity and comfort, it challenges us less and less over time. Our bodies become accustomed to the same old routine, and adaptation slows; we stop growing. Often, a dip in motivation and stagnant race performance follows. When this happens, what’s needed most is often the most difficult: trying something new and challenging, and something that’s outside our comfort zone.
Grayson Murphy, a professional runner for Saucony who races road, track, and trail with a World Mountain Running Title and who finished 6th at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials in the steeplechase says “putting myself in a lot of new and varied situations has forced me to overcome any fear I have and has allowed me to just focus on the task at hand: try my best and run fast.”
She explains that running different disciplines has helped her “develop self-confidence and a sense of fearlessness when approaching racing.” (Let’s face it, we could all benefit from more self-confidence and a ruthless racing mentality like Murphy!)
Hesitation is a natural feeling when it comes to going outside your comfort zone—especially in a sport that is already inherently painful. However, mixing up your running by trying new challenges such as trail, ultra, or track racing can make you a better marathon runner by helping you “grow both your mental and physical capabilities,” says Murphy.
To put some pep in your step and motivation in your mind, try these races, which have nothing to do with crossing the finish line at 26.2. Let these events inspire you to keep moving and clocking miles, while challenging your body in new ways.
Challenge 1: Do a Trail Race
Trail running has exploded over the past ten years. According to the Summer Running Gear, the sport grew approximately 12 percent year-over-year globally for over a decade, with an estimated two million trail runners worldwide in 2020. As expected with this type of growth, trail races have followed a similar pattern, making it easy to find a trail race that suits your ability close to home.
»What you need to know: Trail races come in all shapes and sizes—short-distance versus long-distance runs, hilly versus flat courses, and rocky technical terrain versus smooth dirt. Finding a trail race suitable for your ability and experience should not be a problem. However, before you sign up, be sure to read the course description. You will find the course details like elevation gain, trail type, and other pertinent information. It’s a wise idea to invest in a quality pair of Races - Places, as road shoes don’t have the traction or support needed for most trails.
»Run Your Personal Best? Trail running Is a triathlon or duathlon right for you bored quickly during runs will find pleasure in the ever-changing terrain, scenery, and routes trail running has to offer. Every corner brings a new possibility, something new to discover.
The vibe at trail races tends to be very different from road races, and it’s very welcoming toward beginners with a relaxed and fun environment. Runners are less about setting a personal record and more about enjoying the experience.
»How to find trail races: Check these websites: ultrasignup.com, trailrunner.com/race-calendar/ and runningintheusa.com (Health - Injuries)
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typically appeals to the adventurous type of person who enjoys being outside. Those who tend to get
Challenge 2: Sign Up for a Track Meet
Like trail running running in circles around a track is a form of torture reserved only for gym class punishment. That couldn’t be further from the truth at track events, though. It has become increasingly popular among recreational adult runners to relive their track days or try something new, which has led to more adult or “all-comers” track meets popping up across the country. These all-comer track meets are designed for everyone from the competitive elite to the 80-year-old runner.
»What you need to know: Before you sign up for a track meet, make sure it’s adult-friendly. Otherwise, you may find yourself getting lapped by young elite runners. Adult-friendly track meets are called “all-comers” or adult track meets. One way to ensure it’s within your ability is to check out the previous year’s results and ensure finishers are around your estimated time. These meets typically occur during the summer months and feature 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, 800 meters, 1600 meters(or one mile), and 5,000 meters (or 5K).
»Is a track meet right for you? If you’re looking to set a personal record in the mile or 5K, or test out your sprinting skills, an all-comers track meet is going to be your best bet. The flat, soft, and bouncy surfaces of a track are ideal for running fast—not to mention the energy from the spectators.
On Cloudflyer Waterproof motivating, with competitors from as young as elementary school age to senior citizens lining up together. Some may find the open exposure to spectators and other runners somewhat intimidating, but all anxiety usually dissipates once the start gun goes off.
»How to find track meets: The best way to find adult track meets in your area is to Google “adult track meets” or “all-comers track meets” with the name of your town or nearby major metropolitan area. Another great place to find adult track meets is your local USA Track and Field Association. It’s also always a good idea to email the race director to see if it’s appropriate for your ability level.
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So if the thought of doing another
So if the thought of doing another
Challenge 3: Go Longer With an Ultra Race
including helping you, ultrarunning’s popularity has skyrocketed over the past decade. Those who feel confident at the marathon distance Lightweight Running Shoes.
»What you need to know: By definition, ultrarunning is any distance over 26.2 miles. The most common distances are 50k, 50 miles, 100k, and 100 miles. While most ultras are performed on trails, you can find the occasional road ultra.
Before committing to an ultra race, be sure to look at the course description for elevation and terrain information. Given that most ultras are in the mountains, there can be a lot of elevation changes through rocky and challenging terrain. Try to find a relatively flat race (around or under 5,000 to 7,000 feet) for your first ultra and reading up on tips for training for your first 50k. or 5K, or test out your a hydration vest, fuel, and trail shoes.
»Is an ultra race right for you? Ultrarunning isn’t for everyone. It’s an event that takes patience and a whole lot of willpower to keep moving forward despite extreme fatigue and pain. Runners who find pleasure in long runs in particular may enjoy ultra races. Ultras are less about speed and more about persistence and guts. Like trail races, the vibes at ultra events are very laid back and friendly. The start/finish area feels more like a party or celebration than a competitive event.
»How to find ultra races: Check these websites: ultrasignup.com, calendar.ultrarunning.com, trailrunner.com/race-calendar/
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Challenge 4: Swim, Bike, Run in a Triathlon or Duathlon
If you’re tired of the monotony of running and looking for some variety outside the gait-powered activity, it’s worth checking out triathlons or duathlons. Triathlons involve a swim, bike, and run, while a duathlon consists of a bike, run, and bike.
»What you need to know: While most people may equate triathlons to the Ironman Triathlon distance, where competitors swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run a full 26.2-mile marathon, triathlons and duathlons come in all lengths. Sprint triathlons tend to be the best starting point for those trying a triathlon for the first time. These beginner-friendly events include a 750-meter (0.46-mile) swim, a 12.4-mile bike, and a 5K (3.1-mile) run. Sprint duathlons include a 5K run, 12.4-better marathon runner.
Due to the multisport nature of triathlons and duathlons, these events typically require more training time and gear than running alone. Expect to put in a minimum of two days a week swimming and biking and two to three days running for your first sprint triathlon, sometimes mixing the activities together.
Not a big swimmer but still interested in the triathlon? It’s smart to take swimming lessons, so you can improve your technique, which will help when race day comes. Often times, these events take place in open water (like oceans or lakes), so it’s also a good idea to practice swimming in open water too.
»Is a triathlon or duathlon right for you? Because triathlons and duathlons involve swimming and biking, training is more involved and time-consuming than running alone and may not be suitable for a time-crunched athlete. However, if you’re starting to get bored with running alone, the variety of triathlon and duathlon can be a welcoming change, especially for a burnt-out runner. Also, if you already love biking (or swimming) these multisport events offer a fun way to put all your favorite activities together.
»How to find triathlon or duathlon: Check out these websites: trifind.com, teamusa.org/usa-triathlon/events/sanctioned, and racethread.com/races/duathlon.
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Challenge 5: Participate in a Cross Country Event
Cross country is a form of running that is similar to trail running, except most cross-country races are held in open grass fields or dirt paths and do not involve technical or rocky terrain. Most cross-country races also occur in the fall, with the occasional late summer and early winter races, ranging from 3K to 10K in length.
»What you need to know: Because of the soft nature of grass, cross country tends to be less impactful on the joints and body, making it a good option for the aging runner who gets injured easily. At the same time, the soft surface makes it more difficult than road races because you get less pop off the ground than on hard surfaces like concrete. The courses also have a more varied topography than road races and are often just short or long of the stated distance.
»Is cross-country racing right for you? If you stress about finishing times, cross-country races are perfect for you. Due to the significant differences between courses, it’s impossible to compare finishing times across the same distance. This makes cross-country racing a little more stress-free and helps you focus on pushing yourself, rather than running for time alone. The environment at cross country races is similar to road races—a mix of competitive and recreational runners.
»How to find cross-country races: The best place to find adult cross country races in your area is through your local USA Track and Field Association. You can also ask your local running store, as many will have local cross-country series throughout the summer.
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Cory Smith is a running coach and journalist specializing in running and fitness-related content and gear reviews. He is the founder of Trail Running Tips for Beginners and Experts, an online running coaching business that has helped hundreds of runners achieve personal bests in distances ranging from 800 meters to 100 miles. Cory holds a USA Track & Field Level 1 and 2 Endurance Certification and was the former Head Cross Country/Track Coach at Penn State Brandywine. Over his running career, Cory has held three Maryland state records, was a two-time National Championship qualifier while at Villanova University, and holds personal bests of 4:03 in the mile and an 8:05 in the 3K.
