I’m not running 100 miles this May.
I’ve made the decision to withdraw from the Keys 100. Maybe one day I’ll sign up again and attempt the great 100. Or maybe I’ll never see the starting line of a 100-mile race. And either option is just fine to me.
Getting injured and dropping out of the 50-mile race created a lot of new space in my relationship with my body and what I choose to do with it. My body wasn’t okay during that race and forced me to remember I am more than just a runner. I made the decision to drop out at mile 36.4, having just given eight hours of hard work to a lost cause. It was a sad loss, but it was also refreshing to honor my body, my comfort and my health.
I’m still an endurance junkie at heart, but right now I’d rather explore Asheville with my love or play with my new puppy than do a 40-mile training run on a Saturday. And that is okay!
I am successful if I challenge myself and follow my life’s passions, even when they’re constantly changing. Those passions still include ultra marathons (I will complete at least one 50-mile race in place of the 100) and Ironmans, but they also include family and this blog and getting adjusted to my new life in Asheville.
To be completely honest, this enlightenment came after the realization that I didn’t have a choice whether or not I wanted to do the 100. It isn’t possible for me to train to be prepared to run 100 miles by May: I had to take time off after the 50; I was in pain during the 50k weeks later; and I’m only working with short runs four times a week now. Even with the simplest training plan I couldn’t be ready in time- plus the fact that I still have pain now.
Nonetheless, this decision feels good and goes on to prove you don’t need to win (or even start) a race to get the benefits of it. Strength isn’t in how far, long or hard you go; it’s what you make of it.
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Love this! You also bring up a good point that we shouldn’t fall so in love with our goals that we forget whats important NOW. Goals are awesome but it’s really the journey that counts, its easy to forget that when all we focus on is the end result….sometimes the journey changes the goals and that’s okay. : )
It is so difficult to admit that you can’t do something! I am proud of youuu!
Making babies > 100miles
Yes!
Good for you to do what you think will be best. 100 mile run is a lot of wear and tear on the body. I’m still contemplating if I want to actually run a half marathon. LOL. In my spin class I can clearly bike over 13 miles in 35 minutes, but I’m scared to know how long it take me to run it.
You could also bike the 100 miles in one of those cycling events.
Half marathons are awesome! It’s pushing your body, but not quite as scary as a full. Let me know if/when you decide to sign up for one!
Such a beautiful post! I love how you said your previous race created space in your life.
Good for you for making decisions based on what will make you happy and keep you healthy!
Sounds like you are loving times with the man and pups!
Good for you for being honest with yourself and what you need! And please post more puppy pics. Asap
XOXOO
S
I think given the reasons, it’s a great idea to not to do it. You’re brave for even considering one! Think of all that time you’ll save that you can spend with your man
My favorite part of that whole post was:
“Strength isn’t in how far, long or hard you go; it’s what you make of it.”
Well said Ashley!
Sounds like the right decision. You’ve achieved so much already, and listening to your body is the most important thing.
I’m glad you made the right decision for your body and your life. In my opinion, sometimes it takes more courage and strength to say “no” than it does to say “yes”.
Good you are doing what is right for you. Keep yourself injury-free and happy!
Thank you for posting this! I’ve been debating following through with training for my first ever half marathon. I go back and forth between doing what I know is best for my body (and sanity) but hard on my ego. I know I should take it easy and put it off because I’m still working on how to make the (nearly a year long in duration) shin splints go away, as well as hoping to move to our favorite island soon, but dang it I said that I was going to train for it and run it, and it’s hard not to! Knowing that I’m not the only person doing the “should I, shouldn’t I” game is reassuring.
Smart girl! You certainly don’t need to prove anything in the world of endurance training or accomplishments – this life is yours, and that body will be ready for whatever challenge you bring up next, whether that’s a short/long race, or not.
Don’t worry about it. I decided to quit training for the marathon I signed up for when I realized that I didn’t want to be running at all! I was exhausted all the time and struggling at work….so I went back to simply walking my dogs. I’ve lost 3 pounds already and feel much more calm and happy. Healthy living doesn’t mean constantly pushing yourself to the max!
Running is a hobby, but it really can take away from life’s little pleasures. That’s why I doubt I will ever try to do more than 50K (which would probably only be once!). Too much of a time drain… I have people to entertain, lol!
Love the pic – know the spot well – it’s one of my favorite quick hikes in Brevard!
Proud of you, Ashley. Esp with planning a wedding (but really with life as a non-single person), it’s just hard to fit in super endurance stuff. You’ll get it back . . . but at the same time, embrace the other stuff in you life going on. It’s a lot of good stuff, so you need the time to enjoy it!
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