Thursday, October 19, 2006

A plan is just a plan

Running has taught me many things. First, and foremost, plan ahead. You never know what the weather, your stomach or your mind is going to do until you're actually out there in the middle of it all. You need to be ready.

That said, it's also taught me to change plans. I've learned how to be okay with six miles instead of ten or twelve instead of four. I listen to my body now. Mostly. The knee injury that plagued me over the summer is now gone (hear that? That's the sound of me knocking on wood.) and I can run again. Obviously, I'm thankful. I'm not shattering any land speed records here, I'm just happy running isn't trying to break up with me anymore. But there's still a little sting there.

On Sunday, October 22, 2006, I was supposed to run the Chicago Marathon for the first time. It was a long, hard decision to give this one up. I wanted it badly, but my knee had other plans. Since there were days in the Just Run Knee Injury '06 saga in which I couldn't even walk without pain, I know it was the right decision. It was safe, and logical, and smart. But it still bums me out.

On Sunday, I'll be running sixteen miles. Yes, I know, nothing to scoff at. But it's not a marathon, it's not in Chicago and I'm not going to wake up on Monday, October 23, 2006 with the ability to say "I just ran 26 miles on the last day I was 26." And that sort of sucks. Because that was the plan, and also some of the motivation.

But I know I have a choice on Sunday, still. I know that I can wake up in the morning, go about my day, run sixteen miles and feel just as good about Monday. And 27.

Afterall, it was only a couple months ago when I could do nothing at all.

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Good luck to all of you running on Sunday. I hope, pray, and cross fingers that it's a great race for you, all 26.2 of it.

9 comments:

Backofpack said...

You'll get there - it won't be the last day you are 26, but it'll be just as sweet. I had the "backofpack heart saga of three long years" and I finally made it - and somehow, that made it all the sweeter, to have overcome and finally, finally, done it. So, get your 16 in and no worries - you are on your way to 26.2!

JustRun said...

GG- Ha! 30? I know better than to say never but really, I don't think I have that in me.

Backofpack- Thanks. I know, it's okay. I just wanna be a little bitter about it, too. Thanks for your encouragement in your comments as well as your posts.

Sizzle said...

i once walked 11 miles. i can't say enjoyed it. your enthusiasm for running never ceases to inspire and amaze me. :)

Anonymous said...

HEY!! My birthday is tomorrow!! Happy Birthday to us this weekend!!

You could come to FL and run Disney in Jan :)

I know how you feel. I am glad I finished longer than I ever had run before on the day before my birthday.

Anonymous said...

New Goal: 30 miles (50k) for your 30th Birthday!

Have a great B-Day and don't fret about the marathon. You are still a runner and will be for many years becuase of your smart decision.

Anonymous said...

Great attitude! I like your idea about the 26 miles at age 26. You know what this means . . . You get to run a lot more as you get older. Better start preparing for ultramarathons!

JustRun said...

Sizzle- I will always believe walking any distance over 3 miles is harder on your body than running. You must hvae been beat from 11- yuck!

RGF- Don't tempt me! Florida in January will be just what I need!
Have a fantastic birthday!

Josh- Nice spin! I like it. Not likely, but I like it.

Adam- Funny. Very funny. :)

justacoolcat said...

I ran out of gas once, that has to count for something.

Luckily someone picked me up so I didn't have to walk the several blocks to and from the gas station.

Good luck on your 16!

Celina said...

Too bad about the marathon, but I'm with sizzle--you're an inspiration! I've never walked/run more than maybe 2 miles!

Oh, and "Happy Birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!" Hope it's a great one!