My confession

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I'm not sure I could have expected more. I had not trained with an ultra in mind. So, it's a good thing I didn't run one. I ran a stink'n ten mile road race instead. Too bad I didn't train for that one either.

So, why did I even run? Well, a bunch of my cross country kids signed up and my assistant coach was probably going to be in the top ten overall out of 1000+ runners. How could I not? "Oh, ten miles is such a short race for you," everyone says. Malarkey.

I needed to adjust my attitude before, during, and now after I ran. I was not looking forward to the effort it would take on that hilly course. I don't really like roads. In fact, I really, really don't like roads-especially when so many people are watching. And, anyone who knows I'm an ultrarunner expects me to be able to pull off the race in grand style. Sure, ten miles is nothing. Nothing, that is, unless you are trying to go fast. Then it's just like getting beat by a wet noodle.

I really did try to run smart. I tried to have a good attitude. I tried to enjoy the moment. I tried to keep my heart from exploding through my chest wall. I tried to take in the crowd and the bands that lined the city streets. I tried all this with varying levels of success. It wasn't always horrible. Sometimes it was worse.

I also tried to catch the woman in front of me in my age group. I won the grand master title last year and along with it, a new pair of shoes. I was running in those shoes and needed a new pair. A repeat win would be nice. But silly me watched her stay about 150 yards in front of me. I lost hope in catching her. I felt like a big fluffy wus-ball for not trying harder.

I suppose my time wasn't terrible. I was still in the top 20% of all runners. But I have to admit that I'm not satisfied. I'm disappointed in my bad attitude. I forgot all about the joy of running. I forgot that any run is good compared to not being able to run.

Perhaps next year I'll give some thought to train specifically and run with purpose. I need redemption.

Comments

Rick Gray said…
Confession is good for the soul, but what I find disturbing is that you kept this upcoming little road race a secret. Seems like you did this same secret thing last year, so I guess I will have to forgive you another time. In any event, I think you did great with literly no specific training taking place. Since you failed to share with your friends your time, I will do so. Folks she ran 1:21:18. Well done Rebekah!
September 27, 2011 at 1:56 PM
Rebekah Trittipoe said…
Ah, Rick. What a sneaky man you are but thanks. :)
September 27, 2011 at 8:23 PM
Rebekah Trittipoe said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
September 27, 2011 at 8:23 PM
Cristen said…
I have a confession too Coach T, i really enjoy you're blogs! :) you are an inspiration and I'm proud that you used to be my Coach! I hope I'm as good as a runner as you one day! Thanks for all the smiles! :)
September 28, 2011 at 1:26 AM
Rebekah Trittipoe said…
Well, thanks, Cristen! You made me smile.
September 28, 2011 at 2:23 AM
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