Racing is one of the places where I get to socialize with people who like to do a thing that I like to do outside of my friends who will tolerate me talking about it but are listening with one ear maybe, you know, so it's great.

It's great in that respect to be able to talk to people who do what you do and

know what you put in to get there and finish and when they see you cross the finish line and you're elated because you just ran just under three hours, they know it like why that feels so special to you.

Hi there, my running friend, this is Coach Claire Bartholick, the Planted Runner,

and this is the Run to the Top Podcast, one of the first and only running

podcasts dedicated to making you a better runner each and every episode.

We are created and produced by the expert team of running coaches at runners connect dot net where you can

find the best running information on the internet as well as running coaching plans to fit every runner

and every budget.

On this bonus episode of the run to the top,

we are going to talk about racing,

and specifically over-racing.

That's when you are racing so often that it's often hurting your progress as a runner.

Now you might be wondering why I chose this topic over racing.

Right now just as some races are finally coming back after the pandemic. But that's exactly why I think

this is the perfect topic for right now. Races are coming back and we runners are

so thankful and excited to get back to the sport that it's tempting to sign up for any and every race you can.

Now I'm the last person that's going to tell you that you shouldn't go race, be social, test your fitness, and hang out with your tribe of runners.

If it's bringing you joy, it's probably good for you.

We could all use a big dose of joy right now.

But if that's how you spend every weekend and you're wondering why

your race times haven't improved in a while, or if they are getting worse,

...