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Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Decision Time

Thanks to everyone for your wide variety of comments on yesterday's post: your advice, comments, and support help me and my running in many ways and they truly help provide me with a wide variety of views and ideas about running.

But, I am feeling much improved today; thus, I have decided to continue with training and am still planning to run Chicago in October. Last night, I went out for an easy-going 3 miler and simply getting out there helped clear my confused mind and helped me to think about and focus on why I want to do this. I do think I still have time to get back on track and train better, and yes, I agree, I think most of a marathon is mental -- so perhaps some training on that end will be helpful as well. And while I was looking around for inspiration yesterday, I came upon this quote, which seemed apt:

"Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired in the morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired."
- George S. Patton, U.S. Army General, 1912 Olympian

Clearly, my mind has been tired lately. Having my family here for 8 days was simply too much. Even though I love them, and I enjoyed much of their visit, it is wearing to have company for that long, and to be honest, along with them comes a certain amount of drama -- drama that I have been pretty successful at putting to rest in my own life. So their departure today is a relief, and it will be nice to have my house back and my time back, and I think that will afford me the opportunity to relax some and re-focus my running. And I think I'll be able to sleep better -- a Jess who isn't well-rested is just not an effective Jess.

So, again thanks to everyone who commented: Lisa, I'd love to run with you in Chicago -- I'll have my people contact your people; Wendy, we'll have to find something convienent for us both and find time to get a few runs in together; Junebug, you are always practical, and I appreciate that; but final thanks go to Keith, whose succinct comment "sorry, you can't quit" really said exactly what I think I needed to hear. But again, "thanks" go out to you all: You RBFers are the best!

20 comments:

MNFirefly said...

YAYYYYYYYYYY! You go girl! Nice job! Yes, the damn mind plays dirty sometimes, but always comes back.

Erin said...

Glad you made your decision. I was hoping you would chose to stick with it :) I figured it would take you a few more days though to realize it.

L*I*S*A said...

YIPPEE!!!

I have a running partner!!!

I knew you'd stick with it. You couldn't deal with the shitstorm of verbal abuse that would be slung your way upon hearing that you would quit.

Love the quote by Patton, too. I'll have to remember that.

Marcy said...

I LOVE that quote. I actually came across it when I was browsing for HM plans a couple months back. It's very true.

I'm glad you got your head cleared a bit and choose to stick with it ;D ;D

miss petite america said...

yeah! i knew you wouldn't quit! glad you're back in the saddle.

Wes said...

We blog in lofty comopany :-)

Wes said...

errr. company :-)

Mendy said...

Ahhh... Jess. If my stupid modem/wireless shit wasn't messed up at home, I would've commented on your previous post earlier on.

I feel your pain, literally. I haven't said much about it, but have been feeling exactly what you described, every point! (weird, I know) We could be running clones... Anyway, I've been questioning whether I want to put my body through it, or just quit and go visit Chicago that weekend. That along with some leg pain, almost got me there... Until my long run Saturday. I had told myself if it didn't go well, then I might hang it up. It did, and let me tell you it was ONLY 1 mile longer than your 11. So, we are soooo right there together for the distance in training so far. You are NOT behind at all.

I too have been thinking about the "enjoying" it part. I haven't lately, and have been stressed about it. Until this week and I actually feel back again. You WILL be back too! You helped me, Jess, indirectly and I truly appreciate it.

Someone said it best in your last post, and it is exactly what I told someone yesterday about my training - 1 run at a time. I want to smile at the end on one again.. and I think it's around the corner. You too!

Looks like we possibly may be the same pace - so, if you're up for it and maybe want some running company in Chicago (Cause we're both GOING to be there), I'd be happy to run along side you, a Marathoner.

Don't worry about the missed runs, you are not behind at all. Hang in there, girl!

ws said...

Glad to hear you are sticking with the plan. I can imagine that having the family around for 8 days can make life difficult. When I come back from trips if I don't get right back into my plan it gets harder and harder.

My knowledge of South Florida west of I-95 is limited and my easy suggestion would be meet in the middle and run there (I think Boca is probably about halfway...) Let me know...

Lori said...

That quote is right on. Glad to hear that you have gotten a chance to clear your mind and decided to stick with Chicago. I am sure you will be so glad you did!

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear that you're back on track and happy with your decision. You'll do great!!

Anonymous said...

yay. keep up the running.

David said...

Good, I'm very glad to hear it! You were sounding almost exactly like Mendy did recently, and I had to make out with her for a long time to make her feel better. Luckilly you broke out of the dumpy dumps without me having to make a road trip.

But seriously, I'm glad you found your mojo. You had it all along, really. And I can't wait to meet you in Chicago.

Alison said...

I didn't read your last post until now and I'm so glad you decided to stick with it. I love reading about bowling and beer and poop, but I also love reading about your training and can't wait to hear how the marathon goes.

Tom@RunnersLounge said...

Good decision. I continue to enjoy reading your posts. I'm a former English teacher. Teaching college was my dream, but didn't happen. Chicago is my favorite marathon of them all. I've posted about it several times and will post a few more times before race day. Keep up the great running and posting!

brunettechicagogal said...

I'm glad you are going to do it and that your head feels clearer! It's such a great course, and the city is so beautiful and fun!

And I love the Patton quote. (It's quite appropos considering that I just spent two days at West Point. Did you know Patton died in a car accident? After all those battles, he dies in a car accident. And he also took 5 years to get through West Point.)

Scott McMurtrey said...

Roger that. (over)

Junie B said...

woopee!!!!!!!

I am glad you decided to go through with it. and I too laughed at Keiths comment and thought "well i guess he told her!"

Now get your mind straight and kick some ass sista!

Brooke said...

Glad to hear you are going to stick it out. You won't regret it.

Mom tried decaf once said...

I am sorry I missed answering your last post when it was up...you need to call me when you have burning topics like that!

I am proud of you for fighting through it and getting back to it!!

Cheering for you girlie!