On Sunday, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series hit the streets of New Orleans running. At 7 AM, 22,000 runners from around the world tore away from their starting corrals and made their way toward St. Charles Avenue to begin journeys of either 13.1 or 26.2 miles that would wind through some of New Orleans most historic neighborhoods.
22,000 runners?! You might be wondering how the race directors managed to get that many crazy people together in one place. While running a half or full marathon does require a certain level of insanity, you don’t need to be superwoman to accomplish one of these feats. Completing a race of any distance has incredible health benefits and—with dedication and the right training plan—is an absolutely attainable goal.
Not convinced? Here are four reasons to commit to running a race this year!
- Get in shape. Whether you’re training for a 5k or a full marathon, you’ll need to dedicate a decent amount of time to pounding the pavement. Adding running to your fitness regimen challenges your muscles and cardiovascular system in a unique way, ensuring that you’ll reap physical health rewards.
- Improve your mood. We’ve all heard of the infamous runner’s high. The rush of endorphins and other feel-good hormones that are released during a run can even last for hours after you cross the finish line!
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Support a cause.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Marathon teamed up with the American Cancer Society to raise money for the fight against cancer. Athletes who chose to enter the DetermiNATION program collected monetary pledges from family and friends in support of their commitment to run in the race. In return, the ACS offered training plans and VIP amenities to the runners on the day of the race. - Have fun! My friends and I went out to dinner the night before the race, made a playlist together and ran alongside one another throughout the half marathon route. Afterwards, we cheered our friend on as she finished the full marathon and enjoyed the bands, food and beverages that the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series had to offer.
If you’re stuck in a Reily rut or are just looking for your next big fitness challenge, I highly recommend signing up for a running race. The Crescent City Classic 10K offers 6.2 miles of New Orleans glory, including costumes, drinks and great music. This year’s Classic is scheduled for April 7 and registration is open—what are you waiting for?
Photos by Rebecca Shinners