Next week at this time, the Oakland marathon will be happening and I won’t be there. 😦
Sometimes we make plans and they just don’t work out, and it’s important to be able to let go gracefully. It’s not like I’m not going to be participating in athletic events next weekend: I’m still doing the Fight for Air StairClimb (still time to donate for a chance on a quilt!) and the Twilight 5k portion of the Oakland Running Festival.
What happened is that I was hoping that my family (me, Mr and 2 girls) would be able to run as a family team for the marathon relay. As it got closer it became apparent that a few of Mr. McBody’s orthopedic woes were not going to allow it. I’ve been looking and looking for a 4th person but it just didn’t pan out, until last Thursday. I went to sign us all up and BAM – it was sold out. SOLD OUT! I was so crushed. Incredulous really. Damn.
For a while I bandied about the idea of signing up for the half. But I think it’s crazy to even try and walk a half marathon with no training. I’ve been diligent about my 30-minute minimum of exercise for 22 days now (YAY #7daychip) but that has not included distance running. I think I could’ve probably pulled out the 7.5 miles, but not 13.1. Wah.
Part of me was mad at myself. Part of me felt really embarrassed. Part of me was soooooooo sad about not getting the gorgeous new Oakland marathon medal. But in the end I have to let it go. I have to remind myself of my own mantra: “Be mindful and don’t suffer.” To push myself through a half marathon would be a suffering thing, I can tell you. This just isn’t the time.
I am proud of the other goal I’ve been working toward this month, my Project Consistency. It’s been a very good thing for me. It would be different if I’d just been sitting on the couch eating ice cream all month, but that hasn’t been the case. I still have something to feel proud about.
I do want to do at least one or maybe two half marathons this year. The Las Vegas to be sure (so excited – running the LV strip AT NIGHT!), but maybe also the Disneyland Half in September. (Edited to add: SOLD OUT! DAMN!!!!!!!!) It’s just going to take some planning.
Yeah, planning WAY AHEAD. Wow!
foodfoodbodybody 
March 20, 2011 at 1:10 pm
I’m a firm believer in everything happens for a reason and even though you really wanted to do it, it wasn’t meant to be for some reason. Hopefully something will happen to make it clear why it is that you didn’t get in – maybe a better opportunity will present itself – or maybe you were just meant to take a rest day – what ever it will be I hope that it will be clear because sometimes in life we never understand why… (((HUGS))) – and I look forward to meeting you in person on Saturday! I’m excited and can’t wait!!
March 20, 2011 at 1:32 pm
I think you are so right. I think a rest day after the StairClimb/5k is MOST appropriate! And I can’t wait to meet you either!
March 20, 2011 at 1:46 pm
I never realized how far ahead you have to plan for these things! You’re right about not lewtting it upset you and just planning more in advance next time. Sorry you didn’t get to do this one though.
March 20, 2011 at 2:20 pm
I’m totally with Sabrina. This is really the universe’s way of telling you it wasn’t your race. You are your family are going to find something else to do together when it’s right and it’s going to be awesome no matter what it is!! I am sorry though that you are missing out on something you were looking forward to. xx
March 20, 2011 at 3:27 pm
I’m really hoping to do the RnR Las Vegas but I won’t be able to register until the end of June, so I hope it isn’t sold out by then! I also agree with Sabrina that things happen for a reason, so don’t be too discouraged. (((Hugs))) 🙂
March 21, 2011 at 6:17 am
Im with sabrina too and although Im not ALWAYS a fan when people say it to me 🙂 Ive been thinking a lot lately about my chronic pain and how it is a HUGE GIFT TO ME.
I just dont know why yet 🙂
you rock with the consistency, Susan.
truly.
March 21, 2011 at 3:17 pm
That must be so annoying that it was sold out. 😦 well at least you have lots of other things to look forward to! Oh, and a september one is sold out too? Those things fill up WAY in advance! You have to work out your planning part of your brain to do those, as well as your body. Good luck getting signed up for the other things you want to do!
March 24, 2011 at 1:10 am
Oh darn. Sorry about the race being sold out. sigh. Lesson learned I guess, and you’ll be soooo prepared when the next race comes along. All the best.
April 3, 2011 at 8:45 pm
I did the wdw half this january and I am a self declared fat kid. So proud I finished in 2 hours and 49 minutes. Also signed up with hubby to do the Disneyland half this September. I need to get back into training though! The training is definitely an important part though so I wouldn’t be too upset you missed out. There will be more races!