Well, it's taken me some time to get my thoughts together and plan "what's next". I am so very, very disappointed about Chicago. I do think it was absolutely the right thing to cancel it, but am so sad that it had to get to that point. We won't even talk about the denials and failure to even say "we're sorry" after the fact by the race "organizers".
I felt like I had a marathon in me -- albeit a walking one. But I must say, it was pretty lonely in the back of the pack on that Sunday. I was doing fine, staying hydrated and walking a pretty good pace, but dang if they weren't pulling the course up right in front of me. I only hit the 5K step off pad -- all others were gone before I got there. Most of the mile markers were down and I was worried I was going to be swept up by the street sweepers. I made it to mile 13 before the race was called. So all of that made me realize that I really had no business out there unless I could meet the minimum time requirement -- with a little margin. It's ironic that I decided to start with the race start rather than leave early as I wanted an "official time". Joke was on me on that one! I truly believe if I had started with those folks who went early that I would have finished. I am so proud of Onetta, Lisa, Amy and anyone else who left early and finished the whole course. What a great accomplishment!
So now I have this unmet goal and, believe me, I am goal oriented and I am conflicted. I feel so bad that I didn't finish but I just cannot continue on a Marathon path at this time. Between work, family and the holidays coming up I cannot bring myself to spend the long Saturdays I need to in order to really be ready for a marathon. I don't want to right now.
I am very happy with all that I have accomplished since January. I know I could have done more, but as I put on my marathon shirt DLF>DNF>>DNS (DEAD LAST FINISH (I think I was on course for that!) is greater than DID NOT FINISH (oops, that's where I ended up) greatly trumps DID NOT START). Mark's blog reminded me of the real goal -- to get to the starting line -- and I at least did that.
I do want to keep working on my fitness and pledge to not "back slide". I have done my morning walks last week and this week and even did a brisk 6 miles on Saturday. I am determined to be able to actually run, but with a goal of short distances for now. When I get to the point where I can actually run a 10K -- all the way -- then I'll entertain the idea of training again for a marathon. I will not do it if I can't get to the point where I can at least maintain a pace that will assure that the course remains open while I'm on it, and that will require some running on my part.
Like others who have blogged recently, I, too plan on checking in on the group and supporting everyone whenever I can. I'm always ready to party, so if you need a party place, just let me know!
Speaking of parties, don't forget about the Halloween party at our house Saturday, October 27th. I hope to see you there!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
I must say again, I admire you very much for all the hard work you put into this year. If anyone deserved to cross the finish line, it was you. A lot of Saturdays you missed, but you always did the training on your own which takes more motivation than I ever had! My hat is off to you. I think you are awesome awesome awesome. And ONE DETERMINED WOMAN!
Cathy, I was wondering if you were injured since I saw 5K on your marathon time results list...so glad that was NOT the case. I have been planning to call and check on you but I got busy and you know how that is. As Mandy said, you were much more motivated about your training since you did a lot of it alone. I was not as good when I was out of town. I am off walking or running for 4 weeks...I guess I need to get to the gym and do spinning or weights or something. I would hate to lose "any of the stamina" I had gained these last 9 months. Looking forward to your party...need to figure out what we are going to wear. Haven't worn a Halloween costume in a while!
I totally agree with Mandy. I'm amazed that you were able to do all those long runs on your own. You are a stronger person than I and that is no doubt. I think you did great this year and that you should be proud. I'm shooting for MM 2009. Are you in? By the way, I will be at your party, solo. Thanks for the invite!
I have the same goal, to run (all the way) in some small 5k and 10k before starting marathon training again. Maybe we'll see each other during the year at some races. See you at the party!
Post a Comment