Thursday, December 17, 2009

1,500 and...

Last night I finally surpassed the 1,500 mile mark for the year!  Actually, I am now at 1,506!  Whoopeee!  I haven't ran that many miles in one year since 2007 and I am really proud of myself.  Last year I peaked at around 1,300 and I really had wanted to hit that magical number 1,500 this year again!  I am really proud of myself and the cool part is that I still have over 2 weeks left in the year to see that number get even bigger!  I know a ton of you out there hit the 2K mark and I am really proud of you all, too!  Next year, I am going to be attempting to hit 2K and I have a feeling it shouldn't be a problem :)

And...I signed up for the Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge!   I actually signed up on Tuesday night after all your awesome comments told me what a cool opportunity it would be.  I had sweaty palms as I hit the register button, not because I don't think I will be able to do it, more out of anticipation of what it is going to feel like when within 6 days I will have crossed the finish line at Boston and then the finish line on one of the most beautiful courses in the world!  Thank you again for all your encouraging words - I knew I really wanted to take on this challenge but needed that little extra push that you all gave me.  I know I will be able to complete this challenge with all of your support!  As for a race plan, well...I will most definitely be racing Boston and most definitely be just enjoying Big Sur.  I think it would be crazy of me to think that I would have the legs to be able to really race Big Sur.  I want to enjoy the scenery and the course and all of the entertainment along the way.  I am going to have to start practicing running with a camera :)

I know that I have been talking a lot about my crazy running/racing schedule for 2010.  I am committed to races through April (as in I have signed up and paid for them!) but I am not ready to really nail down the rest of the year.  Lots of things have been swirling around my head since I crossed the finish line in Fresno and got my BQ.  My husband and I had been saying over and over for the last couple of years that we would start a family as soon as I ran Boston.  That was the big "after we do this then..." that was holding us back.  And it was probably a really good thing since I know that neither of us have been really "ready" to take on another human being and all of those responsibilities.  I think that we both knew that I had Boston in me, but I think we both also thought it would have taken a little bit longer to obtain and that meant we didn't have to think about the whole "now we can start a family since you crossed that off your list."  It was kind-of an arbitrary date for us.  Not really concrete. 

We have been married for 6 years now and together for 10.  I think people, i.e. our families,  have given up hope that we would ever start a family since we don't get too much pressure from friends or family (excluding my brother who starts every conversation with, 'Are you pregnant yet because if you're not I don't want to talk to you!').  I think everyone thought we were married to our jobs and my running.  Everyone knows that Lilly is our baby and that we shower her with all the attention that most people give their new born infants.  When we first got married I was kind-of young (23) and we told ourselves that we were on the 5 year plan.  Then all of a sudden we were married for 5 years and the new plan became that we would start after I ran Boston.  Holy crap that came fast because Boston is in 4 months!  We have been putting these goals out in front of us to obtain before we would have a family and all of a sudden we have met them all!  And we can't even use the old stand by's like we need to own a house first - done, or we need to have school all finished - done, or we need to be financially secure - pretty done.  We are running out of road blocks to put up in front of us.

We talked a bit last night about the big pink/blue elephant in the room known as "baby time," but we didn't come to any resolution.  Yes, it's a huge decision that will not have an answer with in one night's conversation.  But the conversation has kind-of begun and that makes me feel a little crazy.  No, we don't have a gun to our head's really.  I am not even 30 until next month!  But I think that we should have some idea of when we are gonna get the ball rolling in that department 'cuz in all reality, yes, the clock is ticking.

I know that this is a running blog and that many bloggers don't share real intimate details such as this in their postings.  But this does boil down to me being  a runner.  I probably shouldn't try to plan too far out into the year if we are going to be serious about this.  It's funny, I started my list without even thinking or remembering what our "plan" had been.  I love planning and yet and I didn't even think about the "plan!"  I use my blog to work out some of my issues going on and to have a sense of community through all of you.  The thought of having to give up running for a while also makes me a bit sad.  I know what you are all thinking: she isn't ready yet.  Maybe I'm not...but maybe I am and I am just fearful like most adults who cross this bridge.  I have a feeling that all our fears are normal and that the "right/correct" decision will show itself in due time.  We do have a few months to really figure out what we want - and in the mean time I am going to look forward to April and Boston and Big Sur and get excited about that.  I just thought I would be honest with all of you.  This is where my head is at: getting excited about April and freaking out about babies!  I swear, when you are going through this, you see babies EVERYWHERE!  And prego women, too! :)

Thank you again to all of you who continue to read and support me through my blog.  You are all very special and important and I value you're thoughts greatly.  I have had a really good running week so far and this weekend I am going for a LONG run - so excited!
Have a wonderful Thursday peeps!
Happy Running!

14 comments:

Pining for Pinterest said...

Congratulations on the goal mark!!! When my husband and I decided that we were going to start trying for a family it was crazy and exciting at the same time! I got married at 22 and we waited until I was 25 to get pregnant. I am 30 now and my son will turn 5 in two days. I can't wait to hear what comes out of this :-)It is such a fun milestone in life!!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Congrats on 1500+ miles this year.

Yeah for you doing both races. I do hope you are able to compete well at Boston and enjoy Big Sur. It will be amazing.

Babies. I have 3 kiddos (spread out in ages, 19, 8 & 15mos). My husband is away far more than at home. I know that you are probably racing more than I have this past year. I only did one full marathon this year. But that was my choice not because I had kiddos or little support. When I want to race I do. I find a way to make it happen. Period. I have a feeling that you would be the same way. I think you have awesome goals but please don't think that you have to attain the these goals before you have children because you won't be able to reach goals after children join your family.
What an amazing time you are at in life! I do hope you enjoy the journey including all different aspects of your life. This love we have of running means so much more when you share it and pass it to others. Who better to share it with than your family?!
Thank you for sharing this part of your lives with us! I look forward to seeing how your choices progress.

Sarah said...

Wow lots of excitement in here! So excited for you going for it with Boston and then Big Sur right after. We will be cheering for you from home! :)

As for the great baby debate, I knew this was coming up for you two and I'm so excited for you. You will know when you're ready. Running and babies are not exclusive of each other, you will be able to do both. You can run through most of your pregnancy, and be back to running a couple months after you have the baby most likely too. And then it's all about jogging strollers. I take B with me all the time.

When you are ready, let me just say that being a mom is the best thing EVER! :)

Jess said...

Congrats on the mileage milestone! That's big time miles.

Anonymous said...

1500 miles - holy smokes! I am jealous

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

First of CONGRATS!!

Second, Thank you for your honesty!! You are so right that one conversation wont cover it. My advice, as a Mom of 2, is to wait until you are ready to give up being selfish..

"Selfish" not in the negative sense AT ALL. I mean when you are ready to give up your time with your hubby and Lilly. When you have met your Goals to travel, and be spontaneous, things that are harder to do with kiddos. When you are ready for sleepless nights and being a human incubator. You will know when you are ready...and until then just play with the Big Elephant :)

Sounds like 2010 is going to be AMAZING!!

Heather said...

Congrats on the 1500 - that's awesome!

My husband and I had been together for 10 years and were still on the fence about having a baby when I got pregnant (while on the pill). I wouldn't trade how things happened for the world . . . it just worked out. I'm glad it did, because I'm sure we would still be discussing getting pregnant otherwise. :)

Jill said...

Hey girlie...
Happy Thursday!
I think you can use your blog for whatever you desire to talk about that day; we're all here to support no matter what. Whatever your thoughts are, it impacts your running in some sense so technically, you are writing about running :).
I was in your shoes a billion years ago and for me, there just never was a "good" time to start a family because it was just so scary to me. But once we did, it was oh so sweet!
I can't get past April with my running plans either and it's not due to babies (thank God!) but just other issues. I think it's okay...you'll know what to do when the time comes :).

Anonymous said...

You and Ari will make the right decision. I'm not there, but I sympathize with the debate. Just FYI i have a few friends who got faster after having kids :)

Tricia said...

Congrats on hitting your goal!

And the baby thing is such a HUGE decision. We had a "surprise" baby so didn't have to make the decision, and I can't even begin to contemplate when we want another one. How do you decide? Good luck!

Teamarcia said...

Congrats on the big miles! I have no clue on my mileage this or any year...is that bad?
Sounds like 2010 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for you!
I have no sage advice on the baby deliberations...life will work itself out. Try not to overthink it and follow your heart.

Aron said...

woo hoo! congrats on the miles and registration.

eeek babies. scary!

Jenn said...

Congrats for 1500. I have no idea how many miles I've run. I'll have to keep track for next year! Babies, babies, big decisions. The bonus is babies can be future running partners!! My little 9 year old loves to run and always wants to go with me. I definitely think you need to be prepared for your needs to fall to the backseat for awhile so being ready for this is a necessity. I must say however, my greatest rewards in life have come from being a mother not being a runner! Just my two cents! I still can't believe you are doing Boston and Big Sur. This is unfathomable to me! You are a superstar!!!!

N.D. said...

This is a huge decision and your life will be forever changed and different 0 but in a good way! I can't imagine not having Nick - he brings so much joy to our lives. But at the same time, I miss my "old" life and time to myself. You'll know when you are ready. I love the dog shirt.