Mostly Fit Mom asked what races I am planning to do this year. Now that is a great question! I need to put it in writing to commit myself to what I want to accomplish this year. I find myself with a tentative racing schedule but haven't exactly settled on what I'm going to do. I am still debating whether or not to do another marathon this fall and then there's the whole second kid thing that Phil and I have been talking about. So close to being ready, but not quite there.
Speaking of that, I have to say that Phil and I are all about waiting until we are ready! We waited 5 years to have Jake, and though we wouldn't trade him for the world, we really enjoyed 5 years of just us! I'll be honest, it was tough when my friends were having kids after 1, 2, 3 years of marriage and it was still just us, but that didn't last long when they couldn't do this or that because of the kids - I decided to continue to enjoy our time of being together! We were as "ready" as you possibly can be for a kid (it TRULY changes your life - for the good, of course, but it's so different). We are using that same mind set for our second - making sure we are really ready and not just doing something because everyone else is. I know some think my running is holding us back, but believe me - family comes first! We just have to do what's best for us. Okay, I'll get off my soapbox. I learned quickly after having a child not to judge people for their parenting decisions or for when they decide to have kids. One of our favorite phrases is "to each his own!"
Anyway, back to racing! Here is my tentative plan. I have done all of these races before except the Publix half marathon, so I'm excited to see if I've made any improvement in a year!
Greenville News 5k - Jan. 22nd
Green Valley Road Race 10 miler - Feb. 12th (may do the 8k if I'm not feeling the 10 miles)
Reedy River 10k - March 5th
Publix half marathon - March 20th
Cooper River Bridge Run 10k - April 2nd
Greer Earth Day half marathon - April 9th
So as you can see, I have only thought as far as April. Okay, that's not true at all. I dream about doing the Chicago marathon (October 9th). I have family there so it would be great to have some cheerleaders! If we can't do that (we'd most likely have to fly - it's a long trip), then I'm thinking about the Savannah marathon (November 5th). I also would love to do the Army Ten Miler in DC (I have family there, too!). That's also on October 9th, so if we can possibly get awesome tickets to fly somewhere it would depend if I'm up for 10 miles...or 26.2. :) I guess even though they are far away I need to decide soon...I have been burned before on trying to register too late!
I am so excited for my race on Saturday! We have some awesome cheerleaders to come cheer us on too, so that's always fun!
You go, girl! And, Southwest is coming in 2 months, so you can get a cheap flight to Chicago for your dream marathon. I personally can't imagine dreaming of running marathons, but more power to you! :)
ReplyDeleteSeems ambitious in a good way. :) I'd love to do Chicago one day, but not yet. I'm still thinking about this year's race plans. I had it all planned out, but since I've been struggling with an injury, I'm second-guessing myself. Still, you're right - so many races fill up quickly that I might have to decide soon on what I want to register for.
ReplyDeleteWe waited 5 years before trying for our first. And then our 2nd came 22 months later. Some of our friends had kids closely spaced like us, others further apart, while still others were good with one. Pretty much everyone I can think of was happy regardless of their decision, so I think you're onto something with "to each her own."
Good luck Saturday!
You have some great plans. I love going back to races I've run before and seeing how I've improved. I bet there will be some PRs in your future!
ReplyDeleteI love planning races!! I actually for the first time started to feel overwhelmed with all of the planning I have to do to make 2011 work. I only have one more 1/2 to register for (Vegas) and then they are all officially set in stone. The part I'm stressing on is the travel and $$$$. Of my 5 half marathons, I'll be racing in 4 different states! But planning and registering is so fun!
ReplyDeleteNow this leads me to baby talk! My plan that I created last year was to do all of this big racing in 2011, so then at the start of 2012 I can get moving to have my sperm donor baby. All of these points you made in the beginning of your blog hit home with me! Is it the right time for me? Am I moving forward because my mom wants to be a grandma? I love LOTS to think about!! Besides, I'm already eyeballing Chicago for a half marathon in 2012!
Oh I LOVE planning race schedules! It looks like you have a good start. Sometimes it is hard to know where you will be at the end of the year but with these big races they sell out. Chicago would be a dream.
ReplyDeleteYour baby talk really hit home and I am happy to hear you guys were another couple who waited until the time was right for you versus feeling outside pressures. I have friends in varying stages of life (married with 3 kids to single) but my husband and I have been married the longest and of course constantly get the kid question. I am very excited to have a family BUT on my time. I know there is no "perfect" time but I still have a few things I need to do before I feel ready for that commitment because I want to give everything I have to my child and not feel any regret.