Well, I'm determined to run a 1/2 marathon.
Today I signed up for the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon (They have 1/2 Marathon option)on October 19th. Everyone start saying your Anti-Rain prayers now! I've booked the room and signed up - I'm ready to go.
I love Grand Rapids - I have so many awesome memories of that place and in the fall it is just beautiful. The run will be nice, it will be cooler and I am determined!
I'm excited, plus I get more training time. What sucks is that since it's so far away, most of my supporters won't be able to make it, but I know they will be with me in spirit - and that's what matters.
Here we go again!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Mother Nature One: Stephanie Zero
So today was the day of the big run. I was so excited and prepared. I wanted to run, I trained so hard for this and I really felt like I could do it. Mother nature, on the other hand, had other plans. It’s been raining since Friday and I swear I just saw Noah marching some giraffe’s in two by two. We have had a rain like none other. Flooding everywhere, roads closed, just a mess.
Up until 4:30 this morning I was still ready to go. Then I looked out the window, saw the rain, and the roads. I had to be smart about this. I am not a seasoned runner, was I willing to risk injury and illness in order to prove to myself that I could do this? I wasn’t so sure. I enjoy running and I was also afraid that this experience of running in a downpour would ruin it for me. I have already suffered a few injuries running, and that’s to be expected, however on my first big run, I wasn’t sure if I was willing to do this.
I was a mess this morning. Crying, just upset, knowing very well that it was the best decision for myself – and that was all that mattered, however it still just sucks. Seriously weeks and months of running, pushing myself and dealing with this crazy appetite all for what – nothing. Though it was the right decision, it was not the easiest one. It’s true what they say, the right decisions are not always the easiest.
So, after spending much of the day feeling sorry for myself more and more signs showed me I made the right decision. We found out that major roads, expressways and possible routes to get to the starting line were flooded. There was a great chance that even if I had left the house, I would not have made it to the starting line.
I am angry with the planners of the event. This shows me that it’s all about the money. It seems very irresponsible of them to continue with the race when, in so many respects, much of the city and surrounding areas were under water. Also, to have runners running on puddled streets in the pouring rain, just doesn’t seem like a smart move. It’s difficult to stop on a dime when running, then add slippery streets – that’s a recipe for disaster.
I haven’t completely abandoned the idea of the ½ marathon. I found two in Michigan that are taking place next month. I will be looking into them tomorrow and preparing for one of them. I will have to train to run in cooler weather and possibly rain ( I now know this is a must). So tomorrow, I am hitting the Internet to find another ½ marathon. I will complete this before I turn 30. This was a goal I set for myself some time back, and yes, I do have April, May and a good part of June of next year to do so, however, I want to do this now. I hope this works. I am already looking forward to hitting the trails again.
Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who’s been supporting me throughout my training and cheering me on. My family (yes all of my family – Rafe and Jack included!) have been super supportive. They didn’t complain at the notion of waking up at 4:30 and standing in the rain as they waited for me to cross the finish line. No one could as for better supporters.
Thank you everyone for your support and encouragement – this next ½ marathon, the one I will really run – every mile will be for you guys!
Up until 4:30 this morning I was still ready to go. Then I looked out the window, saw the rain, and the roads. I had to be smart about this. I am not a seasoned runner, was I willing to risk injury and illness in order to prove to myself that I could do this? I wasn’t so sure. I enjoy running and I was also afraid that this experience of running in a downpour would ruin it for me. I have already suffered a few injuries running, and that’s to be expected, however on my first big run, I wasn’t sure if I was willing to do this.
I was a mess this morning. Crying, just upset, knowing very well that it was the best decision for myself – and that was all that mattered, however it still just sucks. Seriously weeks and months of running, pushing myself and dealing with this crazy appetite all for what – nothing. Though it was the right decision, it was not the easiest one. It’s true what they say, the right decisions are not always the easiest.
So, after spending much of the day feeling sorry for myself more and more signs showed me I made the right decision. We found out that major roads, expressways and possible routes to get to the starting line were flooded. There was a great chance that even if I had left the house, I would not have made it to the starting line.
I am angry with the planners of the event. This shows me that it’s all about the money. It seems very irresponsible of them to continue with the race when, in so many respects, much of the city and surrounding areas were under water. Also, to have runners running on puddled streets in the pouring rain, just doesn’t seem like a smart move. It’s difficult to stop on a dime when running, then add slippery streets – that’s a recipe for disaster.
I haven’t completely abandoned the idea of the ½ marathon. I found two in Michigan that are taking place next month. I will be looking into them tomorrow and preparing for one of them. I will have to train to run in cooler weather and possibly rain ( I now know this is a must). So tomorrow, I am hitting the Internet to find another ½ marathon. I will complete this before I turn 30. This was a goal I set for myself some time back, and yes, I do have April, May and a good part of June of next year to do so, however, I want to do this now. I hope this works. I am already looking forward to hitting the trails again.
Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who’s been supporting me throughout my training and cheering me on. My family (yes all of my family – Rafe and Jack included!) have been super supportive. They didn’t complain at the notion of waking up at 4:30 and standing in the rain as they waited for me to cross the finish line. No one could as for better supporters.
Thank you everyone for your support and encouragement – this next ½ marathon, the one I will really run – every mile will be for you guys!
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