Suggestions for Using your bibs (solo)

THE MAIN PAGE OF THE WEBSITE has suggestions on how to use bibs as a solo runner (see below). This message has been partly demonstrated, hopefully, by how I have used them. My most recent "SAINTS DAYS" 5K was run for training purposes, in preparation for a longer race, a half marathon in mid-April. This half marathon was to be an organized race that is an annual celebration of the signing of TITLE IX legislation, which has been so important to women's student sports teams since the 1970's. For the third year in succession I have not been able to run this race; one year due to injury, and the past two years because of conflicts with big family events (wedding-related). Being on track with my half marathon training, I don't want to "waste" the effort. So I'll use my bib and run a personal race. I'll post a bit more later about what I have planned for this Monday, April 18 race; maybe some can guess. I hope to keep myself in half marathon shape this summer so that an organized fall race will be possible (the Boston Half?).

One use that's not been demonstrated, fortunately, is "return-to-competition"!  Actually you don't need to be injured to use it for this purpose. You can be returning to competition after a long break, for a number of reasons, like not wanting to race. Former high school and college athletes sometimes shun competition after graduation, mentally and emotionally exhausted from eating/sleeping/breathing their sport for years.

One of the benefits of using an EarnedRuns bib to re-establish a running career is that a former runner can begin to replace not-so-pleasant memories, especially of disappointing performances, with experiences of success and accomplishment. Run one personal race this year. Repeat the event next year.  Now you have an annual race that you can look forward to running each year. It's likely that before that first year is over you will have signed up for at least one organized race too, and have fallen in love again with your sport.

RUN HAPPY!

• Newbie: find a training plan and commit to finishing a distance, as short as 1 mile, to many miles (see RESOURCES)
  
• Training: prepare for upcoming certified events by running a shorter distance race
• Return-to-competition: come back after an injury by first racing in conditions determined by you
• Treadmill: run your race in earnest, but in a controlled environment