I can't believe it's almost here. By this time tomorrow, I will be a marathoner. I will have completed the NYC marathon, thus popping my "marathon cherry."
How am I feeling? Well, you name it, I'm feeling it. I'm incredibly excited, unbelievably anxious, a bit scared, a bit sad that my family can't be there, but very happy that my babysitting families will be on the route, and just overall in disbelief that this is actually happening! I have to say that already, this has been a life changing experience. I can only imagine what tomorrow will bring.
This week has been quite an eventful one! It seems unreal to me that less than a week ago, I was still performing at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. In one week, I have completed my favorite professional acting gig, packed up all of my belongings, said goodbye to friends, moved away from my boyfriend (without knowing when we will be in the same city again), moved back to New York, and prepared to run a marathon. Needless to say, I've been rather emotional this week! I've cried both happy and sad tears more times that I can count. In a strange way though, I'm grateful that all this has happened at one time. It has reminded me how human I am, how strong I am, and helped make me so conscious of all of the emotion that comes with running a marathon. I love that I teared up with excitement when I walked into the marathon expo to get my number. I love that I tear up with a bittersweet recognition that my boyfriend and my parents aren't here. I love that the sheer smell of city air gets me excited to run right now! I have to say - I wouldn't trade this emotional ride for the world.
Now, as I sit and type this, I'm only 14 hours away from the start of my race. All of my hard work, the races I ran, the long training runs, the discipline - is going to be put to the test tomorrow. And it's going to be worth it!
I promise a full update within 48 hours after the marathon. Thank you to everyone who has been following this blog. Thank you for your support, your encouragement, your advice, and for celebrating with me along the way! This has been an incredibly journey - and I cannot wait for it all to come to fruition tomorrow.
Signed,
Your-about-to-lose-her-marathon-virginity-runner,
Kelly
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Doing the "taper"...
For the past week, I have been on what is commonly called "the taper." The taper is the portion of my training where I taper down my overall mileage, including my long runs, for the final weeks leading up to the marathon. It is supposed to allow my body to rest, recover, and store up energy and strength in preparation for the upcoming 26.2 miles. How is it going? Well, here's the truth:
- I missed my mid-week runs the first week of the taper. Performing four days a week, combined with absolutely terrible, cold and rainy weather... I just kept finding reasons not to run. Truth be told, I actually just flat out forgot to run one day. This concerned me.
- I ran my first "long run" of the taper - which was only 9 miles. (I know - ONLY 9 miles... but when you just ran 20 the week before, 9 is almost laughable.) Luckily, even though I had not actually completed a run since one week prior when I ran 20 miles - this run went well and felt easy.
- I am back on track this week, running 3 miles yesterday, 5 miles today - and I'm all set for 3 miles tomorrow. In a normal training lifetime, I would have a day of rest between these three runs, but as I perform all day Saturday and Sunday, with Monday as my long run day and Tuesday as my day of rest... there's really no other option. As Nike tell us... I "just do it."
Now here's the thing that I don't think anyone tells you about the taper... It feels WEIRD. I've been working my brain, my body, and my spirit up and up and up this past month and a half. I've been constantly breaking personal records in distance and in overall ability! I have always gone on my long runs with gel packs, and back up water bottles, and my Starburst... and now I only need one water bottle, and maybe one or two Starbursts for good measure. I run 3 miles, and I feel TIRED - because I'm pushing too hard. When I know I have a longer distance to go, I seem to pace myself better. These short runs are troubling me a bit!
Interestingly enough, I have only been able to run in the evenings this week. By doing so I've discovered that running in the evening is HORRIBLE for me. I'm either hungry - or I'm too "full" from the snack I had in the afternoon. I cramp more, I feel sluggish, and I just want the run to end. If I run in the mornings, I feel refreshed, ready to start the day, and I'm only hungry after running long distances. The lesson? As much as I hate getting up early - the morning is DEFINITELY my time to run. Good thing the marathon is in the morning! :)
So, here I am... "tapering" away. I'm not sure how I feel about all this just yet. I suppose I just need to keep my mind focused on what lies ahead. After I finished those 20 miles, I knew I could do this marathon. I still "know" that - but right now my body is having a hard time feeling that way. Encouragement is welcome. I've got less than 10 days until this marathon - so anything that helps me mentally prepare is worth it.
Thank you all again for joining me on this journey... I can't believe it's almost D-Day!!! Or should I say, M-Day!!! :)
Signed,
Your-anxious-to-run-the-marathon-runner,
Kelly
- I missed my mid-week runs the first week of the taper. Performing four days a week, combined with absolutely terrible, cold and rainy weather... I just kept finding reasons not to run. Truth be told, I actually just flat out forgot to run one day. This concerned me.
- I ran my first "long run" of the taper - which was only 9 miles. (I know - ONLY 9 miles... but when you just ran 20 the week before, 9 is almost laughable.) Luckily, even though I had not actually completed a run since one week prior when I ran 20 miles - this run went well and felt easy.
- I am back on track this week, running 3 miles yesterday, 5 miles today - and I'm all set for 3 miles tomorrow. In a normal training lifetime, I would have a day of rest between these three runs, but as I perform all day Saturday and Sunday, with Monday as my long run day and Tuesday as my day of rest... there's really no other option. As Nike tell us... I "just do it."
Now here's the thing that I don't think anyone tells you about the taper... It feels WEIRD. I've been working my brain, my body, and my spirit up and up and up this past month and a half. I've been constantly breaking personal records in distance and in overall ability! I have always gone on my long runs with gel packs, and back up water bottles, and my Starburst... and now I only need one water bottle, and maybe one or two Starbursts for good measure. I run 3 miles, and I feel TIRED - because I'm pushing too hard. When I know I have a longer distance to go, I seem to pace myself better. These short runs are troubling me a bit!
Interestingly enough, I have only been able to run in the evenings this week. By doing so I've discovered that running in the evening is HORRIBLE for me. I'm either hungry - or I'm too "full" from the snack I had in the afternoon. I cramp more, I feel sluggish, and I just want the run to end. If I run in the mornings, I feel refreshed, ready to start the day, and I'm only hungry after running long distances. The lesson? As much as I hate getting up early - the morning is DEFINITELY my time to run. Good thing the marathon is in the morning! :)
So, here I am... "tapering" away. I'm not sure how I feel about all this just yet. I suppose I just need to keep my mind focused on what lies ahead. After I finished those 20 miles, I knew I could do this marathon. I still "know" that - but right now my body is having a hard time feeling that way. Encouragement is welcome. I've got less than 10 days until this marathon - so anything that helps me mentally prepare is worth it.
Thank you all again for joining me on this journey... I can't believe it's almost D-Day!!! Or should I say, M-Day!!! :)
Signed,
Your-anxious-to-run-the-marathon-runner,
Kelly
Monday, October 12, 2009
The long runs are complete!
I was unable to update the blog last week - but I cruised right on through my 18 mile run! I even had a running buddy, who managed 17 of the 18 miles with me! It was awesome :)
And today... I RAN 20 MILES!!!!!
I honestly can't believe it. Well, no - I can believe it. It's just so surreal still for me to say (or type) those words out loud. Never in all my years prior to this one did I ever think I would have stories of workouts (especially runs) that lasted more than an hour. Today? I ran 20 miles in 3 hours and 27 minutes. I actually ran for 3 hours and 27 minutes!!! I didn't even hit a "wall" as I was expecting. I kept fueling myself with water, PowerBar Gels, and Starbursts - and everything just worked. It was amazing!
What I am realizing is more amazing than the quality of the runs, or what happens during my runs... is my overall feeling of self-worth. I feel so accomplished, so elated, so PROUD with each run that I complete. Training for the marathon has proved not only to improve my physical fitness - but my self esteem too. Many of you who read this blog have told me "I could never do that!" and I'm here to tell you that you can! More importantly, I'm telling you that YOU SHOULD. It doesn't have to be an actual marathon that you train for, but find some goal that may seem just outside your abilities at the moment... figure out how you could "possibly" accomplish it... and GO FOR IT. You will not regret it!
From here until marathon day, I taper down my mileage. The science behind it is that I have now trained my body to physically handle the distance, and now I need to scale down the distance so that my body is well rested and ready to tackle the 26.2 miles of the marathon. Next week my long run will only be 9 miles, and then 8 miles the week before the marathon. My mid-week runs (which have been 5 miles, 8 miles, and 5 miles) go back to 3 miles, 5 miles and 3 miles. I will spend the coming weeks really honing in on my mental training as well as my diet. I don't want to be overindulging in carbs, as any weight gain would be detrimental to my knees, but I need to make sure that just over more than 50% of my calories come from carbohydrates. With protein, good fats, fiber, and all my vitamins and minerals included in correct proportion - I should be ready to rock and roll come marathon day! :)
In exactly 20 days, from this very moment, I will have just finished the biggest goal of my entire life. I look forward to my personal experience and to sharing it with all of you. Thank you all for joining me on this incredible journey! :)
Signed,
Your-physically-ready-to-run-a-marathon-runner,
Kelly
And today... I RAN 20 MILES!!!!!
I honestly can't believe it. Well, no - I can believe it. It's just so surreal still for me to say (or type) those words out loud. Never in all my years prior to this one did I ever think I would have stories of workouts (especially runs) that lasted more than an hour. Today? I ran 20 miles in 3 hours and 27 minutes. I actually ran for 3 hours and 27 minutes!!! I didn't even hit a "wall" as I was expecting. I kept fueling myself with water, PowerBar Gels, and Starbursts - and everything just worked. It was amazing!
What I am realizing is more amazing than the quality of the runs, or what happens during my runs... is my overall feeling of self-worth. I feel so accomplished, so elated, so PROUD with each run that I complete. Training for the marathon has proved not only to improve my physical fitness - but my self esteem too. Many of you who read this blog have told me "I could never do that!" and I'm here to tell you that you can! More importantly, I'm telling you that YOU SHOULD. It doesn't have to be an actual marathon that you train for, but find some goal that may seem just outside your abilities at the moment... figure out how you could "possibly" accomplish it... and GO FOR IT. You will not regret it!
From here until marathon day, I taper down my mileage. The science behind it is that I have now trained my body to physically handle the distance, and now I need to scale down the distance so that my body is well rested and ready to tackle the 26.2 miles of the marathon. Next week my long run will only be 9 miles, and then 8 miles the week before the marathon. My mid-week runs (which have been 5 miles, 8 miles, and 5 miles) go back to 3 miles, 5 miles and 3 miles. I will spend the coming weeks really honing in on my mental training as well as my diet. I don't want to be overindulging in carbs, as any weight gain would be detrimental to my knees, but I need to make sure that just over more than 50% of my calories come from carbohydrates. With protein, good fats, fiber, and all my vitamins and minerals included in correct proportion - I should be ready to rock and roll come marathon day! :)
In exactly 20 days, from this very moment, I will have just finished the biggest goal of my entire life. I look forward to my personal experience and to sharing it with all of you. Thank you all for joining me on this incredible journey! :)
Signed,
Your-physically-ready-to-run-a-marathon-runner,
Kelly
Monday, September 28, 2009
17 miles... check!
I had the best long distance run today! Not only did I set a new personal distance record of 17 miles, but I ran at an overall quicker pace, I did not have to stop to walk, and I finished feeling as though I could have run longer!! How great is that?!?
Interestingly enough, I actually finished this week's 17-mile run in the same amount of time as it took me to run last week's 16-mile run. I didn't necessarily run any faster, but I didn't have to stop for the bathroom, or to stretch, and I never hit any kind of "wall" - as I did last week. I finished my 17 miles in 2:57:15. Under 3 hours!!! :)
So, for both my own record, and for those who are interested, I want to break down the aspects of the run (both before and during) so it can be seen as to what might have been helpful.
- I went to sleep at a decent hour the night before, and slept nearly 9 hours before waking.
- I had a PowerBar approximately 2 hours before beginning my run. (Typical, but usually it is only 1 hour for me.)
- I ran not only with Starburst this time, but actually had 2 PowerBar Gel packs with me, and I ended up using both of them. Since I had not any other food besides the PowerBar that morning (and I went running at 12) - I found myself feeling hungry very early on in the race! So, I took a gel pack just after mile 3. Though my energy stayed high and strong... I do not attribute that to the gel pack, as my energy typically does not dip until around mile 9. I then took another gel pack around mile 11-12. I do think this choice was crucial for me, as I experienced no major struggles during this section of my run, as I did last week.
- It actually started to rain around mile 6, and rained for the remainder of my run! I found this very funny at first, then was actually quite grateful for it, as I realized I had yet to run in the rain until today! (I mean, what if it's rainy and gross on marathon day?? It's possible!) I ended up enjoying the rain quite a bit, as it kept me cool. However, by the time I had hit mile 17, I was quite grateful, as it had become a bit irritating running in a soaking wet shirt, bra, shorts, socks, etc...
- I started off the run using my mantra "I am a marathoner. I love to run. I am strong and I can do this!" but found that my mind quickly went to songs. At first, I found myself singing the German Oktoberfest songs I heard all weekend - but setting them to the rhythm of my feet! :) Then, about 5 miles in, I found myself thinking of "Dona Nobis Pacem." We are currently singing that song for Finale, so it's been on my mind. I found I could perfectly sing it to myself to the rhythm of my feet, and still stay focused on my running. Before I knew it, the miles were just passing by! It was the most spiritual, beautiful experience I have had while running. I ran the 12 remaining miles just thinking "Grant us peace.... grant us peace.... grant us peace...."
- Due to my peace mantra, when I finished the run, I found myself thanking God for just about everything: the successful run, the rain, my strong body, my feet, my shoes, the trees, the sky, my life, my boyfriend, my parents, my family... the list just went on and on. I teared up as I uttered these words of gratitude aloud. No matter what your spiritual background is, I'm realizing that pushing your body to and PAST it's previous limits just puts you in a more wonderful and surreal place than you could have ever imagined. It's incredible - and I encourage and support anyone else who would try this venture.
So all around, the run was a HUGE success. I now know, beyond all shadow of a doubt, that I will finish this marathon! I look forward to the soreness, to the stomach that turns in knots, to the sweat, to the tears.... to all of it! What an exciting adventure this has become!
Signed,
Your-dona-nobis-pacem'ing-it-up-runner,
Kelly
PS - Next week? 18 miles!
Interestingly enough, I actually finished this week's 17-mile run in the same amount of time as it took me to run last week's 16-mile run. I didn't necessarily run any faster, but I didn't have to stop for the bathroom, or to stretch, and I never hit any kind of "wall" - as I did last week. I finished my 17 miles in 2:57:15. Under 3 hours!!! :)
So, for both my own record, and for those who are interested, I want to break down the aspects of the run (both before and during) so it can be seen as to what might have been helpful.
- I went to sleep at a decent hour the night before, and slept nearly 9 hours before waking.
- I had a PowerBar approximately 2 hours before beginning my run. (Typical, but usually it is only 1 hour for me.)
- I ran not only with Starburst this time, but actually had 2 PowerBar Gel packs with me, and I ended up using both of them. Since I had not any other food besides the PowerBar that morning (and I went running at 12) - I found myself feeling hungry very early on in the race! So, I took a gel pack just after mile 3. Though my energy stayed high and strong... I do not attribute that to the gel pack, as my energy typically does not dip until around mile 9. I then took another gel pack around mile 11-12. I do think this choice was crucial for me, as I experienced no major struggles during this section of my run, as I did last week.
- It actually started to rain around mile 6, and rained for the remainder of my run! I found this very funny at first, then was actually quite grateful for it, as I realized I had yet to run in the rain until today! (I mean, what if it's rainy and gross on marathon day?? It's possible!) I ended up enjoying the rain quite a bit, as it kept me cool. However, by the time I had hit mile 17, I was quite grateful, as it had become a bit irritating running in a soaking wet shirt, bra, shorts, socks, etc...
- I started off the run using my mantra "I am a marathoner. I love to run. I am strong and I can do this!" but found that my mind quickly went to songs. At first, I found myself singing the German Oktoberfest songs I heard all weekend - but setting them to the rhythm of my feet! :) Then, about 5 miles in, I found myself thinking of "Dona Nobis Pacem." We are currently singing that song for Finale, so it's been on my mind. I found I could perfectly sing it to myself to the rhythm of my feet, and still stay focused on my running. Before I knew it, the miles were just passing by! It was the most spiritual, beautiful experience I have had while running. I ran the 12 remaining miles just thinking "Grant us peace.... grant us peace.... grant us peace...."
- Due to my peace mantra, when I finished the run, I found myself thanking God for just about everything: the successful run, the rain, my strong body, my feet, my shoes, the trees, the sky, my life, my boyfriend, my parents, my family... the list just went on and on. I teared up as I uttered these words of gratitude aloud. No matter what your spiritual background is, I'm realizing that pushing your body to and PAST it's previous limits just puts you in a more wonderful and surreal place than you could have ever imagined. It's incredible - and I encourage and support anyone else who would try this venture.
So all around, the run was a HUGE success. I now know, beyond all shadow of a doubt, that I will finish this marathon! I look forward to the soreness, to the stomach that turns in knots, to the sweat, to the tears.... to all of it! What an exciting adventure this has become!
Signed,
Your-dona-nobis-pacem'ing-it-up-runner,
Kelly
PS - Next week? 18 miles!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A test of speed...
As I did not have time to get in a full 5-mile run today, I chose to do a speed 2-miler. Not sure if that was necessarily the smartest decision or not... but I wanted to make sure I ran SOMETHING! I honestly was just curious as to how much I could increase my speed while still being able to maintain a steady pace.
Well - my first mile, which included two steep hills, finished at approximately 8:40! (If only my physical fitness test coach could see me now!) I finished the 2 miles in just under 18 minutes. Crazy, right?
I'm certainly NOT running the marathon for speed, but it was rather encouraging to realize that I'm in much better shape than I was a year ago!
We'll see how the next steady, easy paced run goes...
Signed,
Your-Speedy-Gonzales-runner,
Kelly
Well - my first mile, which included two steep hills, finished at approximately 8:40! (If only my physical fitness test coach could see me now!) I finished the 2 miles in just under 18 minutes. Crazy, right?
I'm certainly NOT running the marathon for speed, but it was rather encouraging to realize that I'm in much better shape than I was a year ago!
We'll see how the next steady, easy paced run goes...
Signed,
Your-Speedy-Gonzales-runner,
Kelly
Monday, September 21, 2009
New personal record!
Long runs. They bring pleasure and they bring pain. Either way, it is amazing to realize that one can set new personal records EVERY week!
Today, the goal was 16 miles.... and I OWNED IT! :)
The run was definitely an improvement overall... and what was exciting about it was that I actually had a running buddy! :) Ashley Rubisch, a friend of mine from college and a former PA Ren Faire actor, was in town and willing to run the long distance with me. We set a good pace, right around 10 minute miles, and did not stop or slow down until I had to stop for a bathroom between miles 8 and 9. We immediately picked back up with our pace and continued on.
What I have learned now, is that once I stop on a run - whether it is for a bathroom or to stretch, or for a quick relief for my heart rate - it becomes much more difficult to get back into a nonstop running groove. Case in point, after picking back up with the run after the brief bathroom stop, I was only able to run 2 more miles, then had to stop to stretch. I then picked up running again, but half a mile later, started walking due to muscle discomfort. This is where the running buddy SAVED me. She ran right up next to me, encouraged me to run, and I picked back up with the pace. I made a super brief stop again as we passed the parking lot between miles 11 and 12, only so I could grab my extra water bottle from my car.
As I picked up the run again at that point, I was really hurting. My arches were SO sore, one of my shins was really hurting, my hip joints were sore, my butt was even sore from the inclines I'd just finished... and I felt ready to puke. As I was running, Ashley had dropped just behind me at this point, I decided I was just going to make myself puke and get it over with. Then, something changed. I stopped myself from gagging, and made a decision: If I was going to puke, it was going to be because I EARNED it. I was only going to puke if my body had worked so hard that it had no other option to expel whatever was inside of me. (I apologize for being so blunt about all this.) I then visualized my coach (the man I work for in NYC) look at me straight in the eye and telling me to GO. Just go - run - move... earn the discomfort, earn the soreness, earn the puke if it decides to show up. And I did! I was able to continue running miles 12-14 at a full stride, quicker pace, and felt great!
Then, at my turnaround point, when I had 2 miles left... I felt the need to stop and walk. I mentally convinced myself to keep going. What happened next was truly surreal. My experience was based on what Pat, my NYC coach, told me: Pat said that my mind and my body were two different things when it came to running. No matter how much I train my body, it's possible, like a car engine that it will run out of gas. However, more gas can be added. If the mind runs out of gas... it's like a computer crash... there's no quick fix. So, if I can keep my mind active and fresh... I can fool my body into feeling the same way.
I took Pat's words to heart... and for the last two miles, I focused solely on my mental state. I made my mind "run." The surreal part was that I felt almost "out of my body." I was still conscious of my stride and my foot placement and breathing... but I still managed to feel like the only thing that was doing real work was my mind! My mind was refreshed and active... I didn't feel the pain or soreness in my body... but rather the excitement that my mind was running toward the finish! I got teary eyed when I saw the final mile marker just yards ahead of me. With Ashley running by my side for the last half mile, it made all the difference. It was so nice to have someone to celebrate with! I know I will carry that feeling with me on my next solo long run. :)
So all in all things are GREAT! I can't believe I completed 16 miles today... I'm still scared of the idea of the marathon... but I know believe with all my might that it is do-able! Next week: 18 miles! New York City marathon, here I come!
Signed,
Your-longer-and-longer-distance-running-runner,
Kelly
Today, the goal was 16 miles.... and I OWNED IT! :)
The run was definitely an improvement overall... and what was exciting about it was that I actually had a running buddy! :) Ashley Rubisch, a friend of mine from college and a former PA Ren Faire actor, was in town and willing to run the long distance with me. We set a good pace, right around 10 minute miles, and did not stop or slow down until I had to stop for a bathroom between miles 8 and 9. We immediately picked back up with our pace and continued on.
What I have learned now, is that once I stop on a run - whether it is for a bathroom or to stretch, or for a quick relief for my heart rate - it becomes much more difficult to get back into a nonstop running groove. Case in point, after picking back up with the run after the brief bathroom stop, I was only able to run 2 more miles, then had to stop to stretch. I then picked up running again, but half a mile later, started walking due to muscle discomfort. This is where the running buddy SAVED me. She ran right up next to me, encouraged me to run, and I picked back up with the pace. I made a super brief stop again as we passed the parking lot between miles 11 and 12, only so I could grab my extra water bottle from my car.
As I picked up the run again at that point, I was really hurting. My arches were SO sore, one of my shins was really hurting, my hip joints were sore, my butt was even sore from the inclines I'd just finished... and I felt ready to puke. As I was running, Ashley had dropped just behind me at this point, I decided I was just going to make myself puke and get it over with. Then, something changed. I stopped myself from gagging, and made a decision: If I was going to puke, it was going to be because I EARNED it. I was only going to puke if my body had worked so hard that it had no other option to expel whatever was inside of me. (I apologize for being so blunt about all this.) I then visualized my coach (the man I work for in NYC) look at me straight in the eye and telling me to GO. Just go - run - move... earn the discomfort, earn the soreness, earn the puke if it decides to show up. And I did! I was able to continue running miles 12-14 at a full stride, quicker pace, and felt great!
Then, at my turnaround point, when I had 2 miles left... I felt the need to stop and walk. I mentally convinced myself to keep going. What happened next was truly surreal. My experience was based on what Pat, my NYC coach, told me: Pat said that my mind and my body were two different things when it came to running. No matter how much I train my body, it's possible, like a car engine that it will run out of gas. However, more gas can be added. If the mind runs out of gas... it's like a computer crash... there's no quick fix. So, if I can keep my mind active and fresh... I can fool my body into feeling the same way.
I took Pat's words to heart... and for the last two miles, I focused solely on my mental state. I made my mind "run." The surreal part was that I felt almost "out of my body." I was still conscious of my stride and my foot placement and breathing... but I still managed to feel like the only thing that was doing real work was my mind! My mind was refreshed and active... I didn't feel the pain or soreness in my body... but rather the excitement that my mind was running toward the finish! I got teary eyed when I saw the final mile marker just yards ahead of me. With Ashley running by my side for the last half mile, it made all the difference. It was so nice to have someone to celebrate with! I know I will carry that feeling with me on my next solo long run. :)
So all in all things are GREAT! I can't believe I completed 16 miles today... I'm still scared of the idea of the marathon... but I know believe with all my might that it is do-able! Next week: 18 miles! New York City marathon, here I come!
Signed,
Your-longer-and-longer-distance-running-runner,
Kelly
Sunday, September 20, 2009
When the going gets tough... the tough go running!
Question: What do you do when the job that you love unexpectedly comes into direct conflict with your planned marathon date??
Answer: You stay true to yourself and follow through on a goal that you have had for 2 years.
What has happened is this. My current job, portraying Queen Elizabeth I at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, has been extended for one week longer than its initial planned run. The Faire was scheduled to run for 12 weeks, but due to several financial losses as the season opened (poor turnout, bad weather, etc, etc) the decision was made to open for an additional weekend. The dates of that extra weekend? October 31st and November 1st.
Yup, November 1st. Marathon Day.
As you can see from my answer above, I made the decision to stick with the marathon... but it is killing me that I will be "abandoning" my job early. I know this is not the case, and NO ONE other than myself is making me feel guilty or wrong for making this decision. Nevertheless, I hate the idea of not finishing out the season. :(
Nevertheless, I press onward and continue to run. I made the decision to work toward this marathon during November of 2007. I will finish, holding my hands up high! I can only hope that my decision to stay true to myself will inspire those I'm leaving behind... rather than disappoint them that I'm gone.
Signed,
Your-sad-but-still-running-runner,
Kelly
Answer: You stay true to yourself and follow through on a goal that you have had for 2 years.
What has happened is this. My current job, portraying Queen Elizabeth I at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, has been extended for one week longer than its initial planned run. The Faire was scheduled to run for 12 weeks, but due to several financial losses as the season opened (poor turnout, bad weather, etc, etc) the decision was made to open for an additional weekend. The dates of that extra weekend? October 31st and November 1st.
Yup, November 1st. Marathon Day.
As you can see from my answer above, I made the decision to stick with the marathon... but it is killing me that I will be "abandoning" my job early. I know this is not the case, and NO ONE other than myself is making me feel guilty or wrong for making this decision. Nevertheless, I hate the idea of not finishing out the season. :(
Nevertheless, I press onward and continue to run. I made the decision to work toward this marathon during November of 2007. I will finish, holding my hands up high! I can only hope that my decision to stay true to myself will inspire those I'm leaving behind... rather than disappoint them that I'm gone.
Signed,
Your-sad-but-still-running-runner,
Kelly
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
