There are so many thoughts in my mind about Richmond and also the marathon that wasn’t. I keep trying to come up with other topics to write about, but this one has been in the forefront of my mind for several days.
In some ways I want to list all the reasons the cards were stacked against me in Richmond. In other ways I want to write a “fight, fight, fight!” song about future running plans and goals. However, I’m sitting here on a Friday night still feeling a bit perplexed as to what’s next.
I often write these posts to figure out how to cheer myself up or hash-out my thoughts about a race, so I’m hoping this time I writing can help me figure something out.
Amidst all the chatter in my mind, I did have an epiphany about my race. It wasn’t the race I trained for. I was prepared in the best ways for the New York City Marathon, and though I was super excited to run Richmond I never felt connected to the idea that I was running a different marathon from the one I had prepared for.
So what’s next?
Part of me would like to sign-up for an early spring race, but realistically the treadmill and I are not friends and I can’t see myself running 20-milers in the dead of winter.
Yet, I write this and I can’t let the marathon go.
I mean I’ve let go of the fact that Richmond was a bust and I did what I could that day. The bigger thing for me is that for two years in a row I haven’t crossed the finish line of my goal race. Both 2011 and 2012 were full of dreams which never came to fruition. So, here I stand in month eleven of year number two with the same goal in my heart wondering what to do with it now.
Should I tell myself the third year is a charm or move on to a new goal?
Theodora says
You have it in you.
Amber says
I agree with Theodora. You definitely have it. Richmond wasn’t your day, that’s OK. You can still do this. I know you can.
Marissa @ Where I Need to Be says
I want to encourage you but I’m not going to say what I think you should do because I know you know. It’s still too soon. Give it some time. When you get quiet and listen, your heart will tell you. xo
She Rocks Fitness says
That’s a really good question! My advice (obviously take it or leave it) is to walk away from running for a while and dive into other activities, so you can give your mind and body some rest. And I bet you’ll find your answer as to whether sign up for another marathon again. And if you do, then you’ll be 100% ready and feel refreshed and ready to tackle it. Keep me posted and enjoy your Friday night!
Ash Bear says
It’ll come in time. Right now may not be that time but when you’re mind and body are both ready you’ll do it!
Meredith @ Run, MeriG. Run. says
You’ve gotta do whatever will make you happy, bring joy, and bring some sort of peace to you. I couldn’t understand more what you are going through and have gone through. After deciding to train for my first marathon in NY in 2011, I raised money for charity, completely changed my lifestyle, and dove “all in.” And then in September I got injured and not only couldnt run the race, but couldn’t run at ALL for months. Could barely walk. 2012 was going to be the year, though, so I got back “on the horse” and trained again. I did everything I was supposed to do, felt great, and felt strong. And of course, that also wasn’t to be. I get it. I totally do. I am signed up for Miami in January and am truly excited….but. It’s not NY and, no, it won’t be the same. I have no answers other than knowing I’m happier signed up for this than if I wasn’t….guess that’s really all we can go with, right? Our basic instinct if we are happy or not (or — at least — as happy as we can be given the situation.) Sorry for the ramble, just wanted to say “I totally know!”
Jess says
Good luck in Miami!
Tamara says
I feel as if I wrote this post. I trained for NY in 2011 and ruptured my plantar fascia 3 months in and landed in a boot for 5 weeks and had to defer. This year I said NOTHING is stopping me. I trained longer and smarter. I felt ready- nothing was standing in my way. and then came Sandy. I was so upset after all went down I kept saying, I’m not meant to run a marathon, put myself into the tri lottery, got into the tri and now 2 weeks later, I can’t lie there’s nothing I want more than to run NY next year. If that has always been your goal, it won’t go away. But I like what the others said- switch sports for the winter- Get into yoga and see how you feel in a few months. Good luck!!!
Jess says
Thank you and I wish you a great season of tri training!
Missy says
Hey girl! Just happened across your blog from twitter! Can’t wait to read more!
Lyn says
Don’t let go of the dream. You will (and should) run NYC! A dream can be deferred but never denied. And it is in your heart, that desire to run NYC- I can hear it in your writing. And so you must continue to pursue that goal. Sometimes the path to accomplishing a goal is not straight and clear. But unless your heart has truly lost the desire, you must still pursue this dream. So, please, do not give up. As trite as it sounds, the third time is the charm! 🙂 You just need a little time to allow your mind and body to recover from Richmond and this training cycle. To run a marathon in the spring would be too soon. I can hear that in your writing too. And besides, if at all possible your next marathon should be NYC and so anything in the spring would not be NYC. So, keep running, but maybe not so much, take a break and listen to your heart. Try some cross training, and just relax for the off season. Your mind and body will be ready to go next year when you are ready to start marathon training again. You will accomplish the goal in 2013!
Jess says
Thank you for your thoughtful words, Lynn! While, NYC remains the main goal, I do think I have a spring marathon in my heart now too. 😉
Michele @ Nycrunningmama says
Oh Jess…I wish I could give you a giant hug…I know how frustrating and disappointing it is to train for something so long and then not run the time you want. I think you owe it to yourself to give it another try. Don’t walk away right now!!
Let me know when you decide on a marathon…I am already signed up for NJ, but am looking for another one to do at some point in the spring!
Jess says
I’ll definitely let you know! Thank you, Michele!