"Decision is a risk rooted in the courage of being free.”
Paul Tillich
Here's the whole story. The main reason I was looking to register for a marathon in February is because I have agreed to be part of a book project profiling first time marathoners. It's a great project and I love the idea of being one of the chosen runners. However, as with any project, there is a deadline. Thus, the decision to try and run in February.
The reason I started running in the first place was to improve my lung capacity and thus, my general health and quality of life. I was trying to wean myself off prednisone and I wanted to do everything I could think of to one day be completely prednisone-free. It's working! Although, I sometimes have to take prednisone for a week or two, I am officially weaned off prednisone and my adrenal glands have started working on their own again (no small feat). As wonderful as that is, that's not all I got from running. As is often the case, there was a ripple effect and my husband (Uber H), started running with me. After 30 years of marriage it was amazing to find something that we share a passion for. It has brought us closer than we had been in a while and given us even more to look forward to together. Then my brother and sister-in-law joined us on this journey, and friends, and my SIL's brother...and the ripple continues to extend beyond my own circle.
So, the idea of running my marathon out in Florida, perhaps in the heat, by myself, or in Hyannis in the cold and again, by myself, seemed anti-climactic. My family has been there with me through this whole journey, from my first minute of running non-stop to my first full month off prednisone to my first half-marathon to my first 4 consecutive months off prednisone to now. I want them there with me to celebrate my big goal of running a full marathon. What should I do...
I slept on it and decided to go with my gut and listen to my heart. This is an important milestone in my life and I want to experience it with my family. Believe me, I did not take this decision lightly, because I knew that Melinda (the author of the book I mentioned above) could have chosen someone else, but she has chosen me. Still, no other decision felt right. If that meant that I could not be part of the book, then I would have to accept that. However, I am very happy to report that with Melinda's blessing (thanks again for understanding), I have decided to register for the...
Ottawa Race Weekend on May 29th, 2011!
Where family and friends will join us as "Les Lacets Rouge".
Where my Super SIL will be running the marathon with me :)
Being surrounded by family and friends for this big day feels so right. Add to that the fact that I can take my time, heal properly and prepare fully, increasing my chances of success. I'm ready to take it nice and easy as I help my body prepare for my Victory Lap!
Thanks again for all your support!
Cheers!
40 comments:
Good luck to you! I'm excited for you!
I don't think there's any way I could have undertaken something of this magnitude without knowing I'd be surrounded by my family. Great job following your heart!
And good luck in your journey :)
Ottawa will be a great event for your first marathon! Sounds like it was a tough decision but the right one for you, right now.
I'm so happy for you!!
Ottawa will be amazing! First marathons are THE BEST!!
This is great! Mine was done with my family, Team Torres, with their matching shirts and noisemakers kept me going, my bro ran the half and then after getting a PR came back and ran my last 4 with me. You will love it!
Wonderful!
That's cool that you will be in a book too.
Best of both worlds and the BEST DECISION for you. Isn't it wonderful when everything works out.
HALLELUJAH!!!!
Congratulations on making the decision, sounds like the right choice, good luck, surrounded by family and friends has to be the best way to run a marathon!
Aw, I was going all misty reading about how running has brought you closer to friend and family... what a great fringe benefit! Glad your decision worked out with the book project & you get the best of both worlds. :)
Congratulations for the right choice Anne! Good luck to you!
Good for you on going with your heart! I think you will be so happy to have everyone with you on the big day - so glad the writer was willing to wait for you!
Sounds like the PERFECT choice :).
Way to listen to your heart! Wahoo!
What an awesome choice! You'll have a blast surrounded by family and friends!
That is great news! Wow and what an amazing idea. Very inspirational too!!
The prednisone stuff stink and I am only rounding out week 1 of 3 . . . ugh.
Doesn't it feel good once the decision is finally made? Now you've got a focus - you'll do great.
I'm going through some testing right now for all the things related to asthma (and a few other things), and when you talked about it just now, I found myself nodding my head thinking all the good things running has brought, including being an asthma deterrent. :) It's good to be off the pred!
Good reasons for your choice! I voted for Hyannis, but the race in Ottowa seems perfect, plus family and friends will be there!
Sounds perfect! There is nothing like a race with family!
Well done. I was being selfish in my suggestions for your marathon a couple posts ago because I was thinking that it was just a destination marathon. Little did I know it was much more.
Ottawa is going to be awesome and I'm jealous, again, that you get to stay in Canada for your races. Texas is a big state and I don't often venture out for races.
That's so great! So fun to make a decision and have something to look forward to! I haven't had the opportunity to race with family yet but I think it sounds amazing! Now you can take your time and build up and be healthy! You're gonna do great!
Wow, that's great! I'm so happy that you went with what you felt was right and that it worked out. It will be amazing. Thank you for the kind words and hugs on my blog. I felt them and they are much appreciated. You are an inspiration to me and are a wonderful example of how a person can accomplish their goals and overcome obstacles. Thanks!
Always listen to your heart!
That sounds like the right decision to me! I look forward to following you along your journey!
Great choice and good luck!
As far as the Vibrams, the feel a little funky around the toes, but the biggest difference is how well you feel the ground.
It looks, and sounds like you made the right decision. You want the timing to be right, and to be able to share it with family and friends. I'm excited for you!
That is all just perfect! Your family should be part of this. I think it gives you the right amount of time to get ready as well. All the best for your journey ahead.
Bravo ma soeur! Family is a top value for me also, so I understand you so well. Good luck!
Love you!!! ♥♥♥
Can't wait to run with you in Ottawa next year :)
You are awesome. Thank you for the always kind words!
Have a great weekend!
Bummed that you didn't pick Florida, but totally understand going with your heart and being with friends and family! You're going to do great. :)
Sweet! I have run many marathons alone and there is nothing like family and friends on the course to motivate and support!
Great decision and post. The support/crowds in Ottawa are awesome.
I think that sounds just fabu. and love that your journey will be in a book.
inspiring;-) thx
Great choice. GREAT. Ottawa will be awesome. Always go with your heart with these things.
Wow, what a great opportunity. You're very lucky.
As far as the book, I'm pretty sure you're gonna have plenty of inspired people read about your first marathon, book or no book.
You made the right choice. There is really nothing like running your first marathon and being able to share it with family will only make it all the more enjoyable
Seems that you made the best choice available to you! very cool
sounds the best choice! nothing beats being around family and friends for your first marathon.
I'm excited for your decision. And to run with family is even better! As you prepare, I give you the advice I learned after this weekend's marathon - do more than one 20 mile run. One just wasn't enough. Good luck in your training!
Congrats on your choice!!! have a great marathon journey!!! We'll be cheering you on along the way!
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