I’ve pretty much decided that in next week’s 5k/Half Marathon event, I’m going to do the 5k instead of the half-M. A few days ago I was really struggling with this decision. It felt like a downgrade, a defeat, yeah… a failure. But now I’m feeling like it is just the healthy and realistic thing to do. So what, I was able to do 9 miles last week. This week I had a real decrease in my training, due to a spontaneous visit to the Frozen Tundra to visit my girl who was in need of some mama-time.
Also, I had originally signed up for the event to celebrate the birthday of a friend. SHE has decided to do the 5k. I feel like, what’s the point of doing it WITH her if I’m not going to be WITH her at all. I’d rather be with her for a 5k than separated by hours if I do the half.
ALSO, I missed one session of my solo performance class yesterday, due to aforementioned traveling, and if I do the half marathon, it means I’d have to meet next week’s class too. That’s too much.
Do I sound defensive? Or like I’m making excuses?
A few days ago, I did not feel so great about this decision. I feel like it’s fine to adjust one’s goals UPward (ie to do MORE than you planned) but there is something discouraging about adjusting them “downward.” But that’s nonsense. I feel so relieved and glad and feel like this is the right thing to do.
Sure, it would have been a happy moment to say “I finished a half-marathon!” but I can do that another time. If I want to. And I may or not get the urge to do this at some other point.
For me, it was more important to be with my daughter this weekend. It’s going to be more important to hang with my friend, and go to my class, next weekend. I’m glad I’ve come to peace with this and that I’m not beating myself up over it.
Now I feel like I can really focus on my training for the Team Penguin relay for the Oakland Marathon on the 28th. Right now, I feel like I’d like to be able to run my whole leg of the relay (7.5 miles, or 10K). Last week, my 10K training day felt pretty icky. My feet ankle hurt and I was pretty discouraged. However, today I ran (not so far, about 1.2 miles) in 18 degree weather, in UGGS (LOL! I forgot to put on my running shoes and didn’t realize it till I was 10 minutes out) and even though it was a short distance in freeeeeeeeeeeeezing cold, it actually felt great. So who knows. I’m gonna do my best. We’ll see how it goes.
No such thing as failure, right, friends??
foodfoodbodybody 
February 1, 2010 at 4:58 pm
thanks for this post today.
I’ve been struggling with a similar decision and sometimes I think we are much harder on us than anyone else would be!
February 1, 2010 at 5:02 pm
Your best is never a failure. The fact that you’re doing the 5k is a success. You’re listening to your body. You’re still doing something you would never have done years ago. You’re prioritising your primary food instead of a secondary food.
This is ALWAYS a success.
February 1, 2010 at 5:08 pm
You would tell me to listen to my body. And you would tell me that being responsible for myself and caring for others is, of course, the right thing. You would tell me that there will be other opportunities. And you would be totally right. 🙂
Enjoy the fact that a 5k feels like a ‘downgrade.’ I mean, how freaking cool is that?!
Healthy living means living in a healthy way that fits into the rest of your life. I know I don’t have to tell you that so I’ll just remind you that that is exactly what you’re doing.
February 1, 2010 at 5:20 pm
Congrats on your decision to do the 5K, that is going to be such a great accomplishment and I’m sure your friend is going to love spending her birthday with you doing this.
It’s obviously hard when you change your goals to be “easier.” That said, what is the point of a goal that prevents you from doing so many other things you’re passionate and care about. Goals should push you forward, not hold you back. That’s why I’m calling your choice and “upgrade.”
February 2, 2010 at 12:31 am
I think you’ve made a wise decision – after all, this should be about enjoyment, and it sounds like you will enjoy running with your friend and crossing the finish line together. Shoot, I’m impressed that you were even considering a half!
February 2, 2010 at 11:05 am
Absolutely right! We are so hard on ourselves. We’d never give our kids or loved-ones the advice that we give ourselves, and I think that says a lot. Thanks for the reminder-post!
February 2, 2010 at 3:54 pm
“Enjoy the fact that a 5k feels like a ‘downgrade.’ I mean, how freaking cool is that?! ”
Pretty freaking cool! And I’m not just saying that cuz it means I’ll be able to see you among the 5K crowd on Sunday :^) I promise to update my training log for the relay marathon today… I was single-parenting for four days last week and it definitely through off my training schedule but I surprised myself by actually having fun connecting with the girls (OK, Wednesday was a bit harder/crankier than I’d have liked and that might have everything to do with not getting in regularly planned exercise/runs/pilates/etc).
February 3, 2010 at 12:15 am
You’re doing the 5k on Sunday?!? I didn’t know that! Coolio!
February 2, 2010 at 4:07 pm
So, you’ve decided to switch to a 5k. From the sounds of it, that will be the race now that will be more fun. And isn’t fun part of the plan?
Keep in mind, you’ve been training for a half-marathon. You ran 9 miles (at once) last week! By signing up for the half, you’ve trained more than you would have otherwise. That counts for a lot. Think how ready you’ll be when you do finally decide to go for the half-marathon!
I think we need to cut ourselves some slack sometimes. Enjoy your race day and time with your friend!
February 3, 2010 at 12:16 am
no no no I DIDn’T RUN 9 miles at once last week! It was a run/walk combo, with more than 50% walking. But nevermind, it’s ok. I am fine with it. It’s gonna be good!
February 2, 2010 at 4:09 pm
You sound like a very wise person. Funnily enough I am planning to blog on the same topic. And even if you did feel up to it and were trained for it, it doesn’t make much sense if your friend is doing the 5k.
It’s important to keep things in perspective and try to have balance. Sounds like you are doing just that.
Uggs, huh? lol
February 2, 2010 at 6:57 pm
You are way too hard on yourself. I’m glad you came to the decision that was right for you for many reasons. I think you will enjoy yourself.
I also want to add that you are an awesome WW trainer. Wow! I am hoping to make it again this Thursday.
February 3, 2010 at 2:25 pm
That sounds wise. However, it sounds also as if you’re truly sad that you didn’t get a chance at the half marathon, so I say sign up for another one in the future – maybe one in the fall?
Good luck, and enjoy your race! 🙂
December 8, 2010 at 3:08 am
Dear Foodie of February 2010,
Not to worry. You ran your half-marathon before the year’s end and you ROCKED IT. Everything comes in its own time.
Love, Foodie of December 2010