The Secret to Winning a Race . . . Finally

Are you one of those people who NEVER wins a race? I am. I’ve been running for decades, but I’m not one of those gifted, alien, super-human types who actually run faster than everyone else and get to be first across the finish line. I’m neither snail nor cheetah. Just your average recreational runner – except that I’m totally weird, which I’m sure eliminates me from “average” status in any category.

Nonetheless, I’ve always thought it would be fun to win a race just once in my life. I’ve never made that my goal though and since I’m not in the elite ranks, it makes it easy for me to run for fun. I run because it makes me feel alive and really good. I run to have a good time and to celebrate my health and fitness. And that’s completely fine with me.

Something odd has been happening over the last few years though. I’ve started to actually place in running events. And on October 30, 2011 I actually WON MY VERY FIRST RACE. This was quite shocking so I’ve taken some time to investigate, study, and probe a bit deeper. I spent countless hours running tests of my blood, breath, and urine, putting things under microscopes, tracing my genealogical roots, and even consulting with psychic practitioners and witch doctors – all in an attempt to decipher what has caused this recent phenomenon. Why is it that this middle age woman of only average abilities is suddenly excelling and wining? Here’s my theory — my secret to my mid-life success, if you will. It really comes down to just 2 simple keys.

Outlast. Just keep running and being active. Seriously, just don’t stop when most other people do. I’m 47 and still out there running and doing all sorts of crazy stuff while others my age are parked firmly on their couches remembering the good ol’ days. Your chances of winning increase, it seems, when there are fewer in your age group. Who knew? I figure someday, maybe when I’m 100, I make actually win every event I enter. How many 100 year old women do you see out there running and competing?
Jumping over the fire hurdles BAREFOOT at Beach Palooza. Ouch!
Get Weird. And this is the main point. This is the one that must be credited all of my recent success. Join strange events. Just running, cycling, or even doing triathlons is still too mainstream for us chicks in our 40s. There are tons of great athletes in these events. But not in mud runs, obstacle course races, or adventure races. Choose races and events that are just weird, that the masses aren’t out doing and that sound like a blast to you. Here’s how this has turned me into a champion. Now I just have to deal with the all the paparazzi and fans.

This was one of 5 walls we had to climb. That's me closest to edge.
- 2^nd in my age group in Chuck’s Beach Run which is a hardly known event running a 10k in the sand.
- 3^rd in my age group at the Malibu Dirt Dash. A 5k obstacle and mud run.
- 2^nd in my age group at Beach Palooza. A 5k in deep sand with obstacles.
- 1^st place in my age group at the Warrior Dash a couple of weeks ago. The toughest 5k obstacle/mud run so far.
  Midway up the cargo net with my friend Laura just ahead of me to the left.

I didn’t go out with the intention of placing in any of those events. My aim is to have a blast. And I do, because I love climbing, crawling, jumping, and facing tough challenges. And, as you can see, I’m not at all opposed to getting dirty and muddy.