Create a Race Workout

Although many people run for the sheer joy of grasping the proverbial runner's high, and while others still claim to hit the trails and pavement each day for simple enjoyment, everyone must admit that if you're going to term it a sport, then it must contain competition. The spirit of athletics, and not of hobbies, revolves around challenging yourself while working to compete with someone else, and the world of running is no different than boxing, baseball, or triathlon. When pushed, you strive to compete.

With this in mind, this workout is one that is simple yet truly driven by the need to get to the finish line first. No other way to put it. This is not a leisurely jog in some shaded trail, nor is it a sightseeing expedition along the Pacific Coast Highway. Instead, this is tough and aggressive, the type of run that makes you better, win or lose.

Begin by selecting an interesting end point. It can be a favorite diner, a landmark in a city, a rock formation in a park, ...whatever. Once that is done, you and a friend-actually, it can be as many as you wish, just split evenly on each side-leave the end point in opposite directions, traveling a dead equal amount away. You can make it a short sprint-like endeavor, only traveling a mile or two, or you can stack on the distance and make it a multi-hour event.

Once you have reached the pre-assigned distance, use a cell phone to call the other group. On your signal, the race begins to the end point. Determining a winner is simple: whoever is there first takes the prize. Make it fun. Place a bet or run for lunch...or even a few beers.

The bottom line is that you need to compete on some days, and sometimes doing so against yourself, no matter how mentally diligent you are, does not provide enough intensity. Racing others like you can make you better.