I just signed up for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon. That’s 21k for those wondering what a half marathon is. I decided pretty much right after the Sporting Life 10k that I wanted to try a half marathon as a next challenge. Race day is September 28, 2008.

To get to my goal, I’m taking part in the half marathon clinic at the Running Room, and I’ve also signed up for a 10k race on Canada Day to keep me motivated.

The whole racing thing is an important part of training for me. Without a goal, I’m not motivated to run. Those races provide a meaningful challenge with a specific date. That allows me to work towards that goal with a specific training program in mind. So for the 10k, I knew that I had to increase my mileage each week to get up to the 10k distance. For the half, I know that I need to work up to 21k by September in order to finish.

Long story short: I’m goal oriented and races provide a great goal to work towards and also provide an emotional payoff when I compete and complete.