I like to think of myself as someone who likes to try new things, but this week’s Tuesdays on the Run topic — whether you run races once and done or do repeats — has convinced me that I may be more of a creature of habit than I thought. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, of course.
ONESIES.
As a very new runner, I did Ele’s Race in Okemos, Mich., by myself. The yearly race iss well organized, has a flat course and supports an awesome organization that helps grieving children. But I didn’t know anyone else at the race and was surprisingly lonely. I may try it again, but only if I can do it with runner friends.
The other onesies were all novelty runs: the Color Run and a couple of virtual races hosted by Skirt Sports. I encourage brand-new runners or people who like to walk to do the Color Run. It certainly had a party vibe and I can see why newbies would enjoy it. It was anything but a race, so I just don’t see myself doing it again.
What I really liked about the virtual races was having the goal on the calendar plus the flexibility to run the miles over a certain period of time and still get the race swag. I especially enjoyed the 261 Fearless virtual race and I would consider doing it again.
TWOSIES

Yes, someone makes these.
Then there are the races that were better than Cats and I want to do them again and again.
Capital City River Run was both my first half and my first full marathon, and certainly a race I plan to run in the coming years. It’s a well-run, fun race with lots of spectators right in my hometown. I loved sleeping in my own bed, getting up at a reasonable hour and still making it to the starting line with time to spare.
Another repeat is the Lansing Turkeyman Trot on Thanksgiving morning, my first 5K ever and one that my favorite 16-year-old and I have done for the past three years. I have visions of doing this one every November, even if said daughter has to wheel me down Michigan Avenue in a wheelchair many moons from now.
Because I obviously like to run races with runner friends, I have also signed up for the Lake Lansing Team Marathon the past few years. If you like festive (read: with lots of food), then this is the race for you. Teams of up to five people sign up to run 5.2 mile legs that begin and end in the same spot so you get to hang out with friends while one person runs around Lake Lansing at a time.
I recently did the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon in Grand Rapids, Mich., and enjoyed it so much that I’m adding it to next year’s race schedule. The gorgeous blue-sky and warm temps didn’t hurt and neither did knowing a dozen amazing women who were also running that morning.
That all said, there are so very many races to be run that I’m not sure how many races I’ll repeat each year. I’m fortunate to get to scratch three new races off my wish list this year: the Two Hearted Trail Half (next month!), Run Woodstock 50K (September) and the Labor Day Bridge Run over the gorgeous Mackinac Bridge (September).
But there’s no way to tell which of those, if any, will make the short list for years to come.
Please make sure to visit the TOTR link-up hosts runner bloggers MCM Mama Runs, My No Guilt Life and Marcia’s Healthy Slice!
What races have you run once? Any repeats? Why?