Tuesday, October 26, 2010

patience is something I lack ...

The other day I got a message from another runner that said, "Keep waiting to see you post that you are running the Richmond full after your stomach bug race last week."

Huh? Did you all think that I was considering it? Am I really that predictable? (G seems to think so.)

Here's the thing. I kind of lack patience. And I don't like to let an opportunity pass me by. Take for instance, my marriage, family and all that jazz.

If J had asked me to marry him as we were boarding the plane home from England (where we met), I would have said yes. I knew it was right. I was trusting my gut and my gut rarely fails me. Instead, J waited a whole 10 months to ask and we were married just after we had been together for two years (again, I would have done it sooner if I thought the parents would have approved.)

Then there is that matter of having children. J and I managed to wait a whole two months after our wedding to jump on that bandwagon. Dizzle was born a month before our first anniversary and she was subsequently followed by two more children, each 22 months apart.

Need more proof? Well, let's see. I graduated from an Ivy League college in three years, primarily due the the fact that I was over it. I was done with accruing debt in the form of school loans and I wanted to start my "real life."

Oh, and then there's was that time that I ran my first 5K and followed it immediately by my first marathon. Right. That was a smart idea. Totally just skipped over the distances in between, because really, "Why wait until tomorrow for what you can do today?"

So, you get it. I don't like to wait. I don't like to see others doing the things I know I am capable of while I sit on the sidelines. I am not one to let opportunity to pass me by. It's just who I am.

So, of course, I played around with the idea of getting Marathon Redemption at Richmond. I mean, who wouldn't? My training partner is running. I've run the course tons of times before. I wouldn't have to travel for it. I'm already trained. It was almost a no-brainer. But, it's not like I emailed the race director to find out what it would take to switch from the 8K to the marathon, or anything (OK, maybe I did). But, after some contemplation and some advice from a good friend, I decided NOT to switch. And here's why ...

1. I have been looking forward to this 8K for an entire year. It is my favorite race distance (and my favorite 8K course).

2. My 8K PR is old and this course is notoriously fast. I have a much larger base that the last time I ran this distance and I am ready to crush my previous times.

3. By running the 8K, I get to be course support for J (who's running the half) and G (who's running the full). Since the 8K, starts at 7 a.m., I should be finished within 10 minutes of J starting his race at 7:30. So, once I cool down, I can run back on the course find him and run him to the finish (which I am super pumped for). Then, once I have dropped off J, I can run the course backwards again to find G, who starts the marathon at 8 a.m., and run her in as well. It's a perfect plan.

4. I am hosting Katye and Erin. And a completely exhausted post-marathon runner doesn't always make for the best host.

5. I am already registered for another marathon, SunTrust National Marathon, where I WILL get Marathon Redemption.

Now, all I need is a little strength to stick to my guns ...

24 comments:

Silly Girl Running said...

Hahahahaha! I'm just as impatient! ;) At least running is a healthy addiction. ;)

Kortni said...

Stick to your plan. It's a good one and you'll be happy you did it!

Jamie said...

Sounds like you made the right decision for Richmond!

Rae said...

I think you have excellent reasons to stick with the 8K.

Oh, and I love my headband! Thank you!

Lisa said...

Sounds like you surround yourself with wise people. Glad you're going to stick with the plan and doing the race you really love.

Thanks for commenting on my blog. You're sweet. When "C" reads that you like Diet Coke she will flip out. We always stop at McDonalds for a diet after our races. SMILE!

Good luck at the 8K.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to see you have a plan and even if you don't get marathon redemption there it should still be fun

Marlene said...

I think you made the right call! Your redemption will come in due time! Have fun at the 8K in the meantime!

Runners Fuel said...

In some things, I don't like to wait either. In some things, I have to be completly prepared. I totally understand!

a runners' life said...

I'm impatient too, there are just too many things to do right now. Patience is virtue that isn't always affordable, and a lack of adds a bit of spice to life.

Good luck with your 8k.

Katye said...

totally knew you were going to be considering it (and Erin and I would totally have supported you if you wanted to do it!) but I think you are making the right choice. Pretty selfless if I do say so myself (putting your family and friends races before taking on another one of your own). So excited!

KathyB said...

Laughing out loud at this entry today! I 100% support your decision and what a great wife and friend you will be on race day. I hear the competitive side too. To bad there is not another marathon close by in Dec vs waiting until March :)

Jen said...

Patience and running seem to go hand in hand...not something I'm good at either! Have fun at your 8km - crushing old PR's is a fabulous feeling!

Meredith said...

I too am very impulsive and impatient! But, stick to your guns. Keep reminding yourself why you want to do the 10K because they all sound like excellent reasons!

Bethany + Ryan said...

i've never run an 8k before,sounds like a good distance. sounds like you made the right choice for all parties involved!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

I think that your reasoning make a lot of sense to me. Plus it sounds like a whole lot more fun getting to race AND support Hubbs and G! You'll get to be a racer and a cheerleading pacer too!

Aimee said...

Being patient is hard, but it sounds like you made the right decision!

Emz said...

Great post. as. always.

There will be another marathon. I dig your love for this 8k. Can't wait to hear about it.

Katie A. said...

Hahaha! Patience is not one of my best qualities either!
You're being smart, it could be a perscription for injury! Enjoy the 8K!

Karen Seal said...

I agree with you...stick with that 8K race and rock it! You are going to do great!!! :0)

Julie @ HotlegsRunner said...

reading this was kindda like reading a blog post about myself! I am the same way. =)

new follower here =)

Julie D. said...

Good plan!! I think if I wasn't hurt, I'd be trying to find the closest marathon for redemption too...my body though, is forcing me to wait. probably not a bad thing.

Julie D. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
giraffy said...

Hahaha!! I'm super impatient. I've been running for two months, can only jog 2.5 miles at a time yet, and I'm planning my first out of state half. My mind, it's lost.

There are worse habits to have!

:D

MCM Mama said...

I agree with your decision. You'll have a great time and come March, I know you'll get that redemption.