Race Not, Want Not

"Indecision becomes decision with time." -- Author Unknown

After I crossed the finish line of the 2011 Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 9, I figuratively patted myself on the back for completing another 26.2 mile race and was excited about recovering, resting and rebuilding for the next challenge that was sure to come my way.


A few weeks passed.  I was back to running 5-6 days per week and feeling pretty good.  Some folks would ask, "so what's next on the agenda for you?"  I would hold my finger to my lips and make the universal "shhhhh" symbol and told them it was double top secret.  In reality, I was leaning toward squeezing a third marathon in this calendar year and doing the Honolulu Marathon on December 11.  A friend of mine lives there and invited me to stay with her.  I even had a ride to and from the airport!  I did my "reverse" taper and began my ramp.  About three and a half weeks ago, after a 16 mile run, I started coughing a bit.  The coughing gave way to chest congestion, which introduced me to some body aches that culminated in "OMG, I cannot get warm for the life of me".


After taking a sick day and riding the couch, it became clear to me that I COULD have done another marathon, but perhaps I SHOULD decline.  Yes, it was Hawaii, yes, it's "paradise", but I wasn't going there to lay on the beach and drink mai tais.  As much as I love running, and I do, marathons aren't easy, no matter where you do them. 


So, I decided to pass on Honolulu's 26.2.  And my friend totally understood, which I knew she would. 


Ever since then, it's been a whole lot of nothing.  Don't misunderstand me, here:  I'm running.  The week after I bounced back from my cold/cough/flu, I logged 48 miles.  Last week, I ran 44 miles on a holiday/travel week, no less.  I'm SO running.


I'm just...not..."training for anything".  Technically.


For the first time in, omigosh FOREVER, I don't have a race planned, whether it be a 5K or a marathon.  

And...I'm not...really...interested right now.

AH!  There, I said it!!!  I don't feel like being obligated to a race or a training schedule.  This is a very unfamiliar feeling to me because I ALWAYS have something pending, it seems.  I almost feel like a woman without a country.


But, you know what?  F**k it.  I'm going to ride the wave and see where it takes me.


I'm learning that life is all about "going with your gut".  If it feels good and you have a strong desire, then go full force into it.  However, if you have to make a pros and cons list in order to decide about something, then perhaps you have already decided.  That's what makes that first quote I listed so great.  We make big hairy deals about things sometimes, not because we don't know what to do, but because we don't want to accept our answer.


Well, this girl is taking her indecision as a decision.  I'm going to ramble, rant, rebuild and run because that is my desire.  As much as I love the "R" words, Racing just isn't on my radar right now.  

And, I'm okay with that.  :-)

"Everything is something you decide to do, and there is nothing you have to do." -- Denis Waitley