Thanks so much for all of your comments on my last post. I decided to not run the full marathon on June 6. And I’m completely okay with that. At peace with the decision.
Thursday night, I was not. I moped. I sulked. I wept. I didn’t even want to eat dinner. Now, that’s strange. But as the evening grew darker, something surprising happened.
I began to feel lighter. Like a weight was lifted off of me. It completely shocked me. Why was I feeling relief about missing out on my dream by only a few weeks?
But I figured it out the next day. My calves are strained and I have shin splints, and one leg longer than the other (which, by the way, Mr. T reminded me that the chiropractor had, in fact, told me this last summer). Certainly, all these things are not uncommon and the pain from it all will get better. I know I could push through and run the marathon. But will it be 26.2 miles I’m proud of?
I doubt it. I’ll know that I’m not able to put my full effort into it. And, like Coach Tony said, I’ll probably be injured afterward. And I don’t want that. I want my first marathon to be a wonderful experience, not a slow shuffle toward a series of physical therapy appointments.
I have other races I want to run this year — smaller races, some medium, some 13.1s. I want to have fun, I want to feel good. I don’t want to hate running.
So, before I could change my mind, I e-mailed the race director on Friday and downgraded my NODM experience to the half marathon. (And, when I heard back, I found out I’m not the only one that is injured and had to downgrade, and even though I figured there were other people, having someone say it to me, made me feel even more relief. I’m not the only one!)
So, now I have to get ready for a half. I have no doubt I can run it, and obviously, I’m not looking to PR or anything. In fact, I just want to have fun. It’s supposed to be a beautiful course, so I’m planning to make it a photo trip. The last 5 miles are along the ocean, so get ready for a picture-heavy recap!
And speaking of race recaps, so many people are running races today — from 5Ks to 26.2 miles. I hope everyone has a great race and looking forward to the recaps!
9 comments
I'm glad that you are happy with your decision. I think it was a smart move and you will get that 26.2 when the time is right. As for the shorter leg, I had one for 16 yrs and just got it corrected. Totally feel your pain.
You roll with the punches. You play the hand your dealt. You make it your mission to always find the fun.
Your attitude is so inspiring. Talk about coming back strong. I know what you mean about the relief too. When I decided not to run my half marathon in March (at 2am the morning of the half!) I wasn't even that sad. Maybe a tiny bit dispointed but man I was just so relieved. I was so worried about my shin splints I hadn't been excited about the half marathon for at least 2 months before it happened. There's no reason to run a race if you're more worried than excited about it. Races should be positive experiences not sources of eternal stress.And I can't wait for that picture heavy recap 😀 Sounds georgous!
I wish I had your attitude. It was a wise decision and I am sure you will have fun doing a half.
I'm glad you feel good with your decision. I'm not sure I would have handled it as gracefully as you seem to be handling it.This could all be a blessing in disguise. And you're right, you want your first marathon to be fun. You only get one “first marathon” right? So make it something that you'll remember fondly and not something you feel you'll have to explain to people.
I am so glad you are at the point where you are comfortable with that. You are so right when you wrote you could run in pain for 26.2 but would you be proud of that? You are so right. I've never thought about it in those words but that's exactly why I didn't push through for my first marathon. You are a smart lady! It's smart to wait for your (and my) first half 🙂 We'll be proud of that!
It sounds like a good decision and I'm happy that you're feeling at peace with it. You'll enjoy the half marathon and then be completely ready for an amazing experience when your first marathon comes around.
Glad you found a decision that you can be at peace with! Take care!
oh Kerrie. You've been working so incredibly hard for the marathon, and I'm so proud of you. But Coach Tony is right about listening to your body and taking it easy. I know you will rock that beautiful half marathon course. Just love it for the run.I would totally run it with you if I could! Hmmmm….