I will be honest. I am a "middle of the pack" runner. Granted, as I have gotten more consistent, I have improved. However, I don't know that I'll ever win a race and very rarely will I place for my age group (especially while living in Colorado Springs with so many fast runners).

Now, don't get me wrong. I love to win. I'm not super competitive when it comes to sports, but I do like to succeed at what I do.

But, as I was reflecting on my performance in the 2014 Winter Series, I realized that there are many reasons I run in races other than to win. So, I decided to share them with you below.

#1: Fitness

My number one reason to run in races is to stay fit. Right now, I work a sedentary desk job. I like my work, but I sit way too much. Therefore, getting out and running helps keep my blood pumping through my veins and keeps me healthy.

I also want to be able to run injury-free. Sometimes I don't push myself as hard as I could in my training because I don't want to get hurt. But, if I can continue running for years to come, it will be a great gift to both myself and my health.

#2: Fun

If you are a runner, you know the camaraderie that is formed at races. It truly is a fun environment! Plus, we tend to go out to breakfast with some of our friends after the race to extend the fun even further.

#3: Friends

Some of our best friends are runners. And we would have never met them had it not been for races, running groups, etc.  This year, we had fun running the Winter Series with H.A.R.T..

#4: Food

Some races do better than others at providing good food, but there is almost always some food available after the race. Yum!

#5: Free Swag

Okay, okay. Technically, the "free swag" we get isn't free. We do pay a race entry fee in order to get a t-shirt, finisher's medal, or some other cool swag - like the arm warmers we got for the Winter Series.

#6: Fulfilling Goals

I tend to be a goal-oriented person anyway, but signing up for a race gives me a definite goal to work towards.  I tend to be more consistent in my training when I have signed up for an upcoming race.

#7: Fashion

I know what you're thinking..."What does fashion have to do with running?" Although I'm not over the top, I do like clothes and I enjoy accessorizing. Therefore, it's been fun to put together my running outfits for the races. For the winter series, I wore a different pair of fun socks for each race. :)

Although I didn't get an age group award (I came in 5th), our HART gals team finished #1 for our division.

Winning isn't everything, but it is a bonus!!

Great job everyone in that completed the 2014 Winter Series!