The why.
Today at work, one of my colleagues found out I was running the marathon during a surprise bagel and doughnut birthday breakfast for me and a teammate. It escalated to them wondering how my 20 miler went last week and then another chimed in about my adventures in triathlon and the half Ironman earlier this year and it pretty much capped off with a supervisor calling me an Ironwoman. Which made me giggle considering I'm not there...
...........yet.
But one gal in particular had a difficult time wrapping her head around why I do this. Why I enjoy getting up before the sun to run whatever ridiculous distance is on the calendar. And why put myself through such an agonizingly long race that will, inevitably bring some indeterminate amount of pain by the end of the course.
My first instinct was it's fun. And something I like doing for myself.
But after I got back to my desk I really started to think about the why.
Sure, my instinctual reasons are valid. If it wasn't fun, I wouldn't do it. Sure, not all of the tough workouts are enjoyable, but I like the way I feel about myself when it's done.
I think what it really comes down to is that each race is its own light at the end of the tunnel. I like to push myself to prepare for a race that is months and months away. It grounds me and keeps me moving. Without a race on the calendar, I slack and lack focus. And amazingly, I find myself a bit unhappier without an event looming on the distant horizon.
Perhaps that's why I plan on doing races a year out. In fact, I've got my '09 race calendar almost planned out (it's a bit thin considering the current state of the economy and a girl's gotta eat).
But in a life that makes me overwhelmed with stress more than I'd like to admit, the training becomes a rock and provides some sanity and balance. It gives me something to look forward to during the tough times. It is one of the few truly dependable things out there...you know it's coming and likely isn't going to change. It doesn't matter if I've had a bad day at work, a fight with a friend, or a pathetically depressing amount in my checkbook...I just have to lace up my running shoes and take my frustrations out on the pavement. It makes me okay with the things I can't control or have frustrations over and fuels a pretty damn good run, too.
But yeah. Some people look forward to that relaxing vacation in the Caribbean. I look forward to the next start line.
Whatever makes you happy, right?
And for me, challenging my limits rather than limiting my challenges makes me one happy jayhawk.
...........yet.
But one gal in particular had a difficult time wrapping her head around why I do this. Why I enjoy getting up before the sun to run whatever ridiculous distance is on the calendar. And why put myself through such an agonizingly long race that will, inevitably bring some indeterminate amount of pain by the end of the course.
My first instinct was it's fun. And something I like doing for myself.
But after I got back to my desk I really started to think about the why.
Sure, my instinctual reasons are valid. If it wasn't fun, I wouldn't do it. Sure, not all of the tough workouts are enjoyable, but I like the way I feel about myself when it's done.
I think what it really comes down to is that each race is its own light at the end of the tunnel. I like to push myself to prepare for a race that is months and months away. It grounds me and keeps me moving. Without a race on the calendar, I slack and lack focus. And amazingly, I find myself a bit unhappier without an event looming on the distant horizon.
Perhaps that's why I plan on doing races a year out. In fact, I've got my '09 race calendar almost planned out (it's a bit thin considering the current state of the economy and a girl's gotta eat).
But in a life that makes me overwhelmed with stress more than I'd like to admit, the training becomes a rock and provides some sanity and balance. It gives me something to look forward to during the tough times. It is one of the few truly dependable things out there...you know it's coming and likely isn't going to change. It doesn't matter if I've had a bad day at work, a fight with a friend, or a pathetically depressing amount in my checkbook...I just have to lace up my running shoes and take my frustrations out on the pavement. It makes me okay with the things I can't control or have frustrations over and fuels a pretty damn good run, too.
But yeah. Some people look forward to that relaxing vacation in the Caribbean. I look forward to the next start line.
Whatever makes you happy, right?
And for me, challenging my limits rather than limiting my challenges makes me one happy jayhawk.
posted by Iron Jayhawk at 2:48 PM
11 Camper Comments:
Amen, sister.
I think these two comments are so true, and I feel the same way...
"but I like the way I feel about myself when it's done."
...AND....
"But in a life that makes me overwhelmed with stress more than I'd like to admit, the training becomes a rock and provides some sanity and balance."
Great post, Barb! :)
"I think what it really comes down to is that each race is its own light at the end of the tunnel."
Thats a very good "why"!
Do you ever sometimes feel as if someone else might be sharing your brain?
If so, it's me. I share you sentiments completely.
Couldn't agree more.
You look forward to a job in the Caribbean ;)
Rock on.
werd!! people can have their sunny vacation spots while i plan to ride across the rockies on mine!
You go girl!
Perfect!!
I was going to saw "Amen Sister" and just saw that dawnie said the same thing in the first comment.
But that's what came to mind, so ... AMEN SISTER!
I love hearing about others' reasons for doing this crazy endurance sports thing. Glad to know yours :-)
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