Tuesday, March 22, 2011

I get you, Kara Goucher.



I read this today:


I just really mentally decided I'm not trying to run the Boston Marathon and be the best woman with a six-month-old baby, I'm trying to be the best woman period, so I have to stop giving myself that out. Just do it.


It's Kara Goucher in RW, talking about her training for next month's Boston Marathon (she ran an awesome 1:09:03 at the NYC half on Sunday). 


I totally get what she's saying. 


My half marathon is in less than two weeks and while a) it isn't the Boston Marathon and b) I am not gunning "to be the best woman period" in the race, what Kara expressed applies to me. When I first returned to running two weeks after having my son, I gave myself a lot of outs. When I ran my first race, I kinda had the attitude of being the best woman with a two-month-old baby. I don't think I ever verbalized it but that's where I was.


A month after that race I started training for the half. I brought that attitude with me into training. I'm doing great for having a three-month-old baby. I'm kicking butt on no sleep! I should probably run a little slower, considering I just had a baby. Shouldn't I take it easy since I have a four-month-old baby?


Having a baby gives you tons of built-in excuses. 


Fortunately, like Kara, I determined that I don't need them. Yeah, my son will be just under six-months-old when I race the half marathon on April 2nd. Yes, I trained during a period when he was (and still is) nursing around the clock and only occasionally lets me have a decent night's sleep.


So what?


So, does that mean I can't train hard? Does that mean I can't strive to run a fast race?


No, no it doesn't.


For the past month or so my training has reflected my change of attitude. I am not going into the half marathon thinking I want to run a strong race for a woman with a six-month-old baby. I want to run a strong race period


This will be my first half marathon so I'm guaranteed a PR. And that's nice. But what I really want is a kick-butt time. I really want to finish in the low 1:50s. That's my Plan A and I'm all about living your Plan A


There are a million excuses out there, if you want them. I don't. I'm with Kara: Just do it. Isn't that some kind of slogan?


~ Felice

23 comments:

misszippy said...

You go Felice!

Unknown said...

you're awesome! I always say that to myself too - I just had a baby, or I have two kids, I work full time, and I am just doing good considering that...which is true - but I need to push myself and get out of those comforts that I have given myself to be mediocre! Great post and I love KARA!!

Unknown said...

Oh wow! So well put. I also read the RW article, but you really drove it home. I find myself giving excuses for why it's alright if I haven't trained as hard, met my weit loss goals this week, etc. I've been thinking a lot about needing to let them go. They've almost become crutches at this point. You've given me much to ponder. FYI.. Loving your blog!

Jessica (Pace of Me) said...

what a great and very inspiring post. thank you! my baby is 7 weeks old and i am just returning to my running...everything in my body sort of feels "weird" right now but my hope is that i can start setting running goals in the next couple of months (beyond just getting out there). your journey through pregnancy and beyond has been so great to follow, good luck on your race - i can't wait to read all about it!!

Anonymous said...

I get you Felice.
I have a five week old little boy and I will be running my come back race will be when he is 11 weeks old...an 8K. I'll have a half marathon when he is three and a half months old. I have no hope (or desire) to be the first woman period, but I do want to be the best that I can be...even though I'm not sleeping, nursing around the clock, and currently in the hospital with my infant who is sick with RSV.

Amanda@runninghood said...

This quote by kara has also been in my mind today since I read it this morning. Great reflections...you go girl!

CCJade23 said...

Great article!! I have a similar situation, although I didn't just have a baby, I was in a severe car accident in December. I was training for my first marathon and was hoping to run one this spring. Now my goals are a bit different. I have recently began running again and would like to run a few half marathons this summer. While running, sometimes I think to myself that I should just be lucky that I even can run, and that time and distance don't matter. Of course that's not how I think any other time of day and I need to stop making excuses for poor performance.

Megan said...

I love this! That's one of the things I am worried about for when I have a kid. I don't want to just be full of excuses.

Anonymous said...

Awesome article, even better reflection!

Unknown said...

Awesome quote. Awesome post. Awesome attitude.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Samantha said...

Kara is so awesome. I love that every-day runners can relate to her.

You are awesome for being so determined to have a great race regardless of circumstances...I hope you have a wonderful run!

Diana said...

Great for all areas of life! thanks...needed to hear it :)

Steel Springs said...

Great post! I loved the quote and your take on it.

Anonymous said...

This post was very inspiring to me, and I'm posting a sign at my desk, treadmill, etc. that says "Live your Plan A." I don't have a child, but I've been injured for awhile and letting myself get super lazy (just because you're injured doesn't give you the right to be lazy). Thanks for the kick in the but!!

Darlene said...

You are inspiring! I've used the "I am too old" excuse many times. Not today, I just went out and ran 1.5 miles as fast as I could.

Anonymous said...

Awesome Post! Way to keep yourself and all of us motivated

J said...

Attitude is everything! Love this post! Even though I don't have a kid, I find myself making excuses. Work was hard today or I am just tired from wedding planning. But honestly I need to just get out and there and not let anything get in my way! Obviously my life is nothing compared to you and having a kid. So every time I feel like not doing something or making an excuse I just need to remember there is someone else out there with more responsibilities who is doing more!

Being Robinson said...

i love this, it's so true no matter what in life! i don't have a baby, but i come up with plenty of excuses. fantastic reminder to be our best no matter what. thanks for sharing it!

Marlene said...

Go for it! You don't need those qualifiers! You aren't just running and training well "for a mom to a 6 month old" - you are doing well PERIOD. Own it!

Unknown said...

I absolutely LOVE Kara's advice and attitude. You go girl!!!
BTW I'm your newest follower! Check out my blog and follow me back! ALSO if you're ever looking for a guest blogger, I'm your girl! Cheers!
Liz

Marci said...

Great post, no kids myself, but I think I am guilty of making excuses often. Good luck with your first HM!! You will do great!

Anonymous said...

Kara is such an amazing role model! No wonder you get her!

Kara said...

I love the quote!

Although..I do enjoy being faster than other women and then telling them I have a baby and they don't, lol.

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