Tuesday, September 13, 2011

A Lesson in Letting Go

I explained how this past week I have been sick.  Looking back on my notes in preparation for my half marathon I experienced the same thing, the same week-bad cold, cough.  Insert fist to head and a big loud DUH here.  I should have been on combat patrol for allergy season. I think with everything going on I forgot how bad it gets here in September/Fall.  If I don't have my allergies under control, I get sick.  So I've been religiously taking my allergy pills, doing some neti pot action and my nebulizer in the morning...things are looking up and I am much less miserable. 

On that note, it was really bothering me that I had a week of running to do (5, 8, 4, and 12) and realizing I most likely wouldn't be able to fit it in.  I was trying to figure out a way to make it all work--adding extra miles onto other runs--maybe I'll squeeze one in here..or there... It wasn't working.  I was sitting there Monday night with my running clothes on ready to go out for a run and trying to figure out what I was going to do.  I decided that I would decide out on the road. 

Running clears all the clutter for me and as soon as I started I thought....LET IT GO.  I needed to make the decision to let that week go.  I needed to not harp on it.  I needed to be fine and move on.  Once I decided to do just that, to let it go, I couldn't believe how quickly I felt better.  It felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders and I was also able to realize how stupid it all seemed.  I know that rest is the most important thing. I know that I have built in extra weeks of training. I know that I am prepared to kick this marathons ass gulp.   Letting go made me excited again.  Holding on to how I was going to fit that in was only bringing me down....that's not good training.  Its funny how sometimes the things we think are most important are sometimes the very same things we should be letting go of...

So this week I will be running
4, 6, 3 and 8
and
next week I will be running
3, 4, 2 and wait for it....wait for it....THE MARATHON!!!!

I'm super excited.  I think I am ready. No, I know I am ready.  I have everything set except the logistics of who is going to watch my children during the race...no biggy lol.  We'll work that out! 

Oh and I guess I couldn't stay away too long....and Dina...stop scratching I wasn't meaning you ;) ...thanks for the tough love!!!

8 comments:

  1. Please vote for my mom on her blog...http://www.smilesandtrials.blogspot.com/

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  2. Okay! That's more like it. Have I told you how much of an inspiration you are? You and your sister-in-law keep me believing that I can...

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  3. Maybe I'll see you there. I'm supposed to do the half.

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  4. awwwwww yeah! MARATHON TIME. woo hoooooo!!!!!!!

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  5. ohhhh. and i just wanted to say that I feel like I have had a lot of similar lessons this summer. too many times i put too much pressure in myself and in reality my better running experiences have been when I just let go :)

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  6. So glad you are feeling better!!! We had that same "aha!" moment down here. There is this one tree that has a very strong odor when it is shedding pollen -- I smelled it this weekend. We have both been dragging all week, and now I know why!

    I also had the same thought about the "letting it go." My last long run was so crappy, I started to panic alittle bit thinking, "you need to work HARDER!" but I just couldn't get my body to cooperate. Then I eventually realized.... Cramming ain't gonna work here (even though its what I've done all my life!) Right now, I need to rest. I need to listen to what my body is telling me. I know I can run the distance. And I bet with all the adrenaline and excitement, I will run better than I am anticipating.

    We will have this all figured out one day, Annette!!! LOL...

    I'm getting butterflies just writing this comment.... GULP....

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  7. Great post and a wonderful reminder. Needed to hear that today. So glad you're feeling better, and you will own that marathon!! :)

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  8. You are ready! Do not doubt yourself for a second. The lower mileage and extra time off is probably just what your body needs.

    I am beyond excited for you!!!

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