What Now?

June 2, 2011

I think I'm tired of running. Either that or I'm just wandering around like a lost, little lamb. It's pretty much the same thing I do after every big race I finish--or don't finish, I guess.

I'm just so inclined to find another marathon to run. A fall marathon, or a summer marathon, or an I-don't-care-what-season-it-is-just-give-me-another-marathon marathon. Maybe I need to accept the fact that I'm a marathon runner.

But here's the thing, I'm so much better at the short distances. Actually, now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure that with the exception of one half-marathon, I've either won my age group, or placed in the overall top three of every shorter race I've run since Maggie's been born.

Wait. Before you get impressed, please remember that I live in Maine, where everyone's chunky, very few people venture out of their recliners, and our winter lasts for 9 months out of the year. This isn't exactly a running Mecca, and actually, the competition is usually wearing summer sandals or Ugg boots. But still, when you're a trophy ho like me, a win is a win is a win is a win.

So these races are a little less than fierce, but hey, they're a good time and it never feels bad to have some success. But it's not just that, they're so much more manageable in every single way:
  • The training is 1,000,000% less time consuming.
  • There's pretty much no travel time to get to a little 5k.
  • Jared doesn't have to wrangle the kids for 4 hours while he tries to see me at 6 different spots along the route.
  • The entry fee is usually $15 instead of $893.
  • If you fall on your face and fail, you can try again next week.
So, for the first time in years, I think I've maybe convinced myself to stick with the shorter, faster stuff for a while. But more importantly, I've decided to focus on other people for a while. I'm just so damn sick of myself. So sick of me.

I'm coaching a beginner's 5k training group this summer, and it's shaping up to be an awesome group of women--about 10 so far. And let me just say that if you're local, you should totally think about joining. Mostly because I'm fun, and also because I will personally guarantee that we have the dopest t-shirts in all of Central Maine (as long as you think lime green and jogging smiley faces are the dopest).

Then I'm running the Disney Half Marathon in January with my most awesome friend, Megan. She hates running more than any human being I've every known, and this will be her first, and she says I'll probably have to carry on my shoulders for the last 5 miles. So blam, there's another act of selfless service.

I have so many heaven points, that it's almost starting to get unmanageable.

So I guess I have a plan. I'll run some shorter things for me, and help some other people get started.

Either that, or I'll sign up for another marathon. Because I'm an idiot.

14 comments:

Laura said...

Remind me to come up to Maine for some races - I never win anything! (And don't worry, I'm not in your age group so I won't be taking any of your trophies).

BrianFlash said...

I think physiologically I'm better suited to short races (except I never win in those either). But I stupidly decided that I'm running a marathon in all 50 states so now all I can do is keep going.

What a dummy.

Karen said...

I so wish I lived in Maine so I could run with your 5K group.....or in my case, walk fast...uhm, kinda slow.

paige said...

ugh - i wish i were local!! i'm just finally starting running short distances (like 2 miles) since breaking my kneecap last year... it hurt so bad for so long.
i love your running posts - it just makes me wanna get up & try again.

Charlotte said...

The only thing that turned me off from marathon running was the training time.

I loved the half marathon distance though. I think that will be my bread and butter for the rest of forever. Considering most people can't run to their mail box and back, I feel pretty good about that.

I think your 5k group is a fab idea.

Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point said...

A reader just pointed me to your blog because your kids are named Maggie and James and my puppies are Maggie and James :) hehe!

Michelle Glauser said...

Yeah, I always said I was short-distance, but it was mainly laziness. The fact that you have the motivation to run so far amazes me.

Jenny P. said...

My first triathlon is next Saturday... I'm totally pumped, and yet, so excited for it to be over because training for this thing has totally taken over my life. I have so many other things that need to be done. Book revisions due in a few months. A class that must be completed THIS month. Oh, and five kids that need to eat and stuff. I'll be glad when I'm not trying to casually work in two hours of exercise everyday.

Megan said...

hey now! I now live in Maine and I'm not chunky! I'm pleasantly plump. actually working on changing it, (down 20 pounds) with your 5k class. and you know what? you're right it's got some awesome ladies, bc I'm obviously totally awesome! yay! I'm ready for class now.

lauridawn said...

I'm with Karen as far as running with your group, but I wish you lived in Utah instead. I could use your kind of motivation.

Vince A. said...

And sign up for another Marathon.

Melissa said...

Should I tell you to pray about it? Uhhh...no.

It always amazes me what a good person you are! The group you started is a great idea, and I havw no doubt you would carry your friend across the finish line.

In the next life, please come down from the CK to visit me!

Team O'Connor said...

Amy, before you give up on marathons, I might not be able to run the Mad Marathon July 10th. I already paid and yeah it was $893 so maybe I can transfer it to you? Then I'll be selflessly making you run 26.2 miles instead of me. Yeah, that sounds selfless. Anyway, if you're interested email me and I can give you the details. I'm probably still going up with my friend Christy so I can cheer you guys along or whatever. Let me know!

Tari Anne said...

Girrrl....I SO feel you. Ever since spring popped up here in Dallas...the allergies have become my most awesome excuse to not run. And it's really gotten me down. It's good to hear I'm not the only one. What an awesome idea to start a 5K group!! HOW did THAT come about? I have been toying with the idea of joining the local running group (Plano Pacers).

I USED to live in Maine...of course that does me no good now...I wish I could join your running group!