Thursday, February 08, 2007

I think...

I'm signing up for the Mt. Si 50K. This is the relay I missed last year due to gall bladder surgery. I was there supporting my team and crewing for Eric and Rob, and I left there dreaming of doing the 50K this year. It was a dream at the time - because I hadn't yet done a marathon, and I didn't know what changes the surgery would bring to me, and 31 miles seemed so far out of my reach. Then I ran my first marathon, and I dreamed of it again. Eric and I went back and forth between Eugene and my desire for Mt. Si. But though I'd pulled off a marathon, I hadn't yet done two, and I hadn't done a 50K. And, it was Eugene's inaugural year. We signed up for Eugene.

Now I have four marathons and one 50K under my belt. In the last post I expressed doubts about doing back-to-back weekends. I've been thinking about it non-stop. I've talked to Eric, Rob, Melissa and Jenny about it. I've visited the sight umpteen times. Tonight I decided I should just go for it. Run Mt. Si, make the daydream happen. If it means a slower time at Eugene, so what? I'm in it for the thrill, the accomplishment, the challenge and the fun. I'm doing it.

I also said in my last post that I felt my normal energy level coming back - wrong! I was okay on Tuesday, but so tired Wednesday I could hardly move at day's end. I ran a little over five miles that morning, and took a 20 minute nap before work. I was still tired and cranky all day. Today I ran just under four miles and though I am still tired, it's not as bad as yesterday. I stuck to my plan and skipped the track workout tonight - I went grocery shopping and met everyone for coffee after. Rob and I were talking at coffee and I commented that I didn't know how I could think about a back-to-back as tired as I feel right now - and he told me (again) that I have to stop thinking I can't and start thinking I can. Basically, admit I'll be tired, but acknowledge that I can do it anyway. So, there you go. Words of wisdom and words of influence, and an entry form in my printer tray...

19 comments:

tryathlete said...

Go for it!

Thomas said...

I knew you would.

Say, when is your first 100k going to be? And your first 100 miler? And once you get tired of the short distances, what are you going to do next?

Wes said...

I agree 100%. If you say you can't. You are already mostly, defeated.

Anne said...

You have such a terrific running community and location for all these races. And great friend in Rob. He's absolutely right. Just keep expectations in check and you'll fulfill that daydream.

JustRun said...

I would have guessed you'd do it. It must be something you and I have in common. Get rest now and you'll be in a good state (mentally and physically) for both, I'm sure.
Thanks again for the inspiration to keep going!

Sarah said...

You'll never know if you don't try!
: )

Olga said...

It's an easy course, if anything, this is the one to go for.
And you know you already signed up the application:)

Anonymous said...

I don't tell myself what I can't do, I tell myself what I can.

Way to Go Michelle! You'll be tired...AND you'll do it!

Sarah Elaine said...

Hey Michelle,

Just catching up on blogs. And I have to say that any day I can get up to 5 miles is worth celebrating (Starbucks, anyone??) Hell, that's a minor miracle in my world!

Take care and stay strong. Missed you while I was gone.

Unknown said...

Send that puppy in! Just think of how exciting it will all be. It's shaping up to be a great Spring.

IronWaddler said...

Go for it!! You'll do great.

Banking Miles said...

you CAN do it! Would you have thought that you would be MM #402 a few years ago? If you did, then my point is lost. But try and see.

Anonymous said...

Whatever will she do????? :) Whatever you decide, be happy with your decision. And, get caught up on that rest - sounds like you need it!

Darrell said...

I wouldn't have expected any other choice from #402. You can always rest in May.

Joe said...

Listen to your legs/knees ankles/ heart rate, Michelle...you will learn much, whatever happens!

Jenny, Maniac #401 said...

Now I'm feeling the pressure! :) It's all good. I think....wait, I know I could do it. I just need to see how the calendar looks and what any other family plans might be as I'll be out of town the very next weekend in Eugene!

psbowe said...

I think you already got your mind made up so go for it! You're a master at this ultra thing already.

When you get a chance, I have a scary tale for you, seriously! I guess that's what you get living in the PNW and jogging alone!

Taunya said...

Listen to your body--epecially after the 50k. Good luck with your decision.

Jenny, Maniac #401 said...

Michelle- 4 stars now???? Do I need to schedule and intervention? Really, you know I'd join you if all the family schedules worked out. I am content with one star and if another one came along, that would be cool too. I'm not out for them though! You are one tough cookie. I know you can do it!
Jenny