How I know there’s another triathlon in my future: I crossed the finish line and as soon as I flopped into the Caveman’s arms my first words were “I’m not doing that again.”
Those were my exact words when I finished my first marathon in 2007. The miserably hot, humid and cancelled one they officially called off when I was at mile 22. We all know that one was far from my last. Apparently exhaustion makes me a liar.
Many runners have likened the “coming back for more” phenomenon to childbirth. It can be horribly painful, but once that pain is over, the bad memories seem to get erased. The rewards far outweigh that pain.
This study confirms that, over time, our perceived pain level experienced during a race diminishes. So I guess it would make sense, that immediately following an event one would not be so keen on signing up for another race. But give it a few days for the exhaustion and muscle soreness to clear, and we’re right back shopping races with a very jumpy trigger finger.
Many of you have asked me if I’d do another tri. The answer is yes. Maybe not this year, because I do need to be a more confident, less terrified swimmer. But just like after I ran Chicago in those ridiculous conditions so many years ago, I know there’s a better triathlon in me too. I also know I’ll be swearing under my breath in the wee hours on race morning, cursing myself for ever signing up.
How about you? Are you a “one and done” type? If not, what keeps you signing up for more?
This Friday and the last Friday every month is Runfession Friday Linkup! Join us and bare your sweaty soul! As usual I’ve got plenty of runfessions to share and some trifessions too!
Mrs.BarBelle says
Too funny! I find myself doing exactly what you describe, immediately after I swear I’m never doing it again, and then I find myself being talked into another one. Glad to know I have company!
Ivanna says
I believe it’s the feeling of accomplishment that keeps us going back!
Kovas - Midwest Multisport Life says
I’m not a one and done, but I do cycle through interests pretty rapidly – I’m always looking for something new to try.
Elle says
hahahaha! My husband just keeps reminding me of those words so I can’t sign up again!
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs says
Even after the excruciating marathon last month I’m signed up for 3 month. I’m either determined or stupid 🙂
Michele says
I have started off as “one and done” for a couple race types/distances, but I do seem to cycle back around to trying it again. Some races I do one, and it takes me a year or more to be up to the challenge again, but I do jump back in. That’s where I’m at with the 70.3 distance right now:) No time to train this year, but if the timing is right again, I’d do another in a heartbeat.
Carmy says
LOL! It’s like a brain fog we get, our memories is just pure happiness so we sign up for more! LOL
Deborah @Confessions of a mother runner says
tei races are so addictive too! Even after a bad one I still want to sign up for another. We are a crazy bunch!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I remember saying to you that I’d never run another marathon again. LOL!
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine says
It usually takes me about 10 minutes after crossing the finish line to start planning my next race, but while I am actually running it I am usually thinking about how I will never run that distance again. During my recent 5ks I was wishing they were longer races so I could run slower!
Kelli says
I’m totally LOL at this because yesterday I was totally and thoroughly convinced I would never attempt a 70.3 again – I was practically ready to walk off the course. While I don’t plan to try one this year, I am certain I can figure out my fueling issues and have a good race at that distance at some point. So I hear ya! We are all crazy!
Lauren@ Lauren Runs says
That’s awesome! I bet with more confidence you’ll rock out at your triathlon and get awards! I just did Pleasant Prairie and that was a great, well-run race!
Char says
I always swore I’d never do a marathon. And then I swore I’d never do another. So I guess the fact that I’ve signed up for two this year makes a liar out of myself. I don’t know if it’s that racing is weirdly addictive or if we’re just weird.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says
I always desire to improve so I keep coming back.
Jenn says
get it!
I am one and done for some things. I will never ever EVER do another marathon, but I will still do anything half and under 🙂
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says
i rarely believe people when they say “oh i’ll never do that again.” lol. because they always do!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
I’m definitely not a one and done kind of girl. I thought running a half marathon would be that way, and well, I’m still going!
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth says
I said the same thing after my first 5K in 2013 and then I did another last year. I haven’t signed up for any this year though, so we’ll see.
Coco says
Yep, it is like childbirth! Like my OB said after the first – do it again, but not too soon! 😉
jill conyers says
I’m not a one and done type with running. Now I’m wondering. Am I a one and done type with other things?
Sharon says
Ha! So true! I’ve said I’m not going to do a race again, but then the next day I’m signing up for all the races! :p I’m definitely not a one and done type. Gotta train for something!
Michelle says
HEHEHEHE, I love this post. I was already looking for another marathon the night of Gma’s, but apparently no one likes to run marathons in the summer here in the Midwest so I couldn’t find anything. I’ll be doing Gma’s again next year for sure.
GinaB @ Mirror Watching says
Sickness is right lol. I am just beginning to do races and I totally get it.
Erica @ Erica Finds says
40 marathons in, I’m definitely not one and done. But, every time I have at least one “why am I doing this again” mile! You have inspired me to try to start swimming. Again!
karen says
ha! It’s funny how that happens…
if it’s great I want to come back and see if I can beat myself, and if it’s bad I want a chance to redeem myself…it’s a sickness alright lol
Mary Beth Jackson says
I finished my first half and then signed up for 2 more! 🙂 there must be something wrong with us! LOL!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak says
lol so true! this is me and my mom every time we finish a marathon. It is a strugglefest but we end up wanting to do another one to run a better time. Well I guess that is true about any distance race!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
So true! But that feeling of accomplishment is addictive!
HoHo Runs says
It’s a sickness we all share. I’m so NOT a one and done that instead of signing of for my first marathon, I signed up for two. Diseased…
CARLA says
can you come over here and INFECT ME TOO??
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
Ha ha, I’m the same exact way!! I think most of us are!
elizabeth says
i’m not a one and done- although I thought i would be too back in the day with the marathon. 🙂