In racing as a masters athlete, my perspective has changed

I will always like to run whether I’m competing or not. Oftentimes though, the urge strikes me to register for a race and compete. When that side of me comes out, I run as fast as I can, test myself and try to hit a certain time. Usually, I have a pretty good idea of where I will rank among finishers, depending on the size of the event.

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Sometimes in the smaller races I win outright, and sometimes I’m happy with a top-10 finish. I don’t really care about beating specific people though as my own time is what I’m aiming for. Personally, I’d rather run with fast people who beat me but pull me to a faster time than place first with a slower time.

I won’t lie, it’s nice to “medal.” That’s especially true as my times are starting to slow down with age. I usually know on the start line by looking around whether I’ll be in the mix for a top-three finish or not. In any races where there’s significant prize money and elites show up, I put myself way down the list.

That was true until this year when I turned 40.

Suddenly there was a new (lower) bar. I could compete against older runners for a top podium spot. I’d be competing against women who also had families, careers and other major priorities outside of running. These runners were older, busier and fitting in training where they could.

I had mixed feelings. I knew (or thought) I would fare better in this new group, but I sort of felt like I’d been put out to pasture. I was competing on the “B” Team. “Oh well,” I thought. I would compete in this new category, but still measure myself against the runners in the open race.

The first race I competed in as an elite master was the Race Roster Spring Run-Off in April. It was -12C, windy and hilly as always. At the beginning, my toes and fingers were frozen and by the end my mouth was too frozen to speak.  But the conditions were tough for everyone.

If my time wasn’t the best, I still had to run to a decent place. This is when I learned how tough these other masters women are. I ran one of my faster times on that course and I still didn’t make the podium as a master. This was a bit of a shock to me, but also oddly exhilarating.

This is no softie category. These women are serious athletes who kick butt! I am so pumped to be one of them and even if I’m not the best, I love having others out there setting the bar high. These ladies are fierce, fearless and they have nothing to prove to anyone.

The funny thing is that at the same time, they’re also super friendly and warm and seem genuinely happy that I’ve joined their ranks. No one takes themselves too seriously. We’re all something first, and then a runner maybe second, third or fourth. That’s not cause for letting your guard down though. We will run fast and hard all the way to the finish. I am so excited for this new phase in my competitive running.

Look out ladies – I’m comin’ for ya.