Pondering, Perspective, and Priorities: Sept. 22, 2008
Sometimes life, The Big Man upstairs, the Universe, or even your family and friends have a way of slowing you down. For instance, this past Saturday (9-20-08), I was planning to run 18 or 20 miles with the Fleet Feet-M3B-Hawt AsSphalts, so I could feel confident and strong enough to run in the Chicago Marathon. This past weekend was the last weekend that I had to get in 18 miles—enter Friday September 19th. That’s when my visions of running were chased away with the reality of a minor emergency. It happens. It’s part of life, and it was an honor to be there for someone who needed me more than I needed to pound the pavement.
I bring this up because I truly had been conflicted about running the Chicago Marathon. I wanted to run it so badly; I had told myself and others that I would be there with bells on! The reality was if I didn’t get in the miles, I shouldn’t go to Chi-Town. (By the way, telling myself that I should re-think the Chicago Marathon is like telling a child he/she can’t play with their friends---at the CANDY STORE and eating EVERYTHING in sight and not getting sick!) J All the coaches that I talked with said that I should either really think about it some more, or decide after I do the 18 or 20 miles. But, (insert sarcasm) come ‘on, since I know WAAYYY more about running than all these coaches—who have probably run close to 150 marathons combined, then I should DEFINITELY go! Haha. Well, the universe had different plans for me—it echoed the coaches’ sentiments (who, by the way, would have supported whatever decision I made. Thank you. I appreciate it very much!)
So, I didn’t run Saturday (and I didn’t feel guilty—that’s a first), in fact, I didn’t even think about running for 4 days (my mind was on helping someone), and I actually feel kind of relieved about not running the Chicago Marathon, (I hate it when the coaches are right! Hahahahahahaha!) J
If you ever feel conflicted about what to do, listen to yourself, or the Universe, or God, or whoever—including coaches who know A LOT more than you, and then breathe, relax, and learn. For me, the out-of-town emergency was a reminder of when to stop, when to put things in perspective and prioritize. Bottom line, as much as I love running and as much as I truly enjoy running with the Fleet Feet group specifically the Hawt AsSphalts—family and friends will always come first. J (With that said, I did run to the airport…does that still count for a portion of my long run?! Haha)
When I run this coming weekend, I will be running for my family and friends who can’t— knowing that I can be strong mentally and physically for them when they need it, and supporting them when they feel like collapsing—because that is what they do for me. (Kinda’ like those good ‘ol running shoes that support you on the most difficult and exhausting runs!)
I know this blog was a little intense. Thanks for listening, but more importantly thanks for your support.
Again, as always, feel free to comment—it is welcomed and encouraged. And, if you have a Facebook page…join the group “Route 66 Marathon Fleet Feet Tulsa”
Thanks! Chera
