Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Running toward the horizon

I finished the Martian Invasion half-marathon. BODYPUMP instructor training is over. And while I am registered for the Columbus Marathon, training doesn't officially begin until late June.

Like it or not, it seems I've found myself in a "what's next" kind of phase.

[insert gratuitous self portrait of me looking perplexed here]

I have been scoping out a small half-marathon here in Fort Wayne that marks the end of the city's Smallest Winner program. Despite hearing horror stories about the course (loops, hilly, out and back), I'm drawn to the race by its low entry fee ($30) and the timing. The half marathon falls on July 7, Miles' one-year birthday, and I can't help but love the idea of celebrating this past year and all we've gone through by running 13.1.

But I'd be alone. Literally, I'm sure. The field is small and the event is fairly new. While I'd love to celebrate the birth day with 13.1, I'm not so sure I want to do it on any empty road.

And that's exactly how L is tempting me with her most recent race registration blitz. In one morning, she registered for not one, not two but FOUR half marathons. I'm already participating in two of the races - just different events (Columbus Marathon and Fort-4-Fitness 4-miler) - leaving Chicago Rock 'n' Roll and the Indianapolis Women's Half Marathon open. RnR is out if only because of the registration cost but the Women's Half ...


Oh, the Women's Half. It is only $10 more than the Smallest Winner, and it is a quick drive to Indy. I could share a hotel room with L, run with my friends and kick off Labor Day Weekend in a healthy way. Its September date gives me a chance to have a bit of fun working on some other running goals this summer and might be a nice break during marathon training. And, most importantly, it's just for me. Or so they promise.

So you see, I'm in quite the pickle. And not in the good "there are fried pickles waiting for you on your desk" sort of way. (Don't knock 'em till you try 'em: Fried pickles are ah-mazing and I might kiss you on the mouth if you showed up with some right now. Girlfriend is hungry.)

Anyway, I am a bit torn as to what race to do. I can go for sentimental or I can go for fun. I guess there is a third option and go for cheap and do nothing.

Wait. That's not really an option.

What would you do?

13 comments:

  1. I would do the girly half with friends and have fun....and celebrate Mile's bday and the past year in a different family fun way!
    Good luck with your choice!

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  2. I agree with Liza, ditch the race on his b day and do the fun run with your friend :)

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  3. Races with friends win EVERY time! :)

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  4. Race with friends! That gets my vote.

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  5. Go for fun! And then go for fried pickles. Those things are the bomb! (Does anyone still say "the bomb"?)

    There's also a cool 10-mile race called the Crim in Michigan in August!

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  6. Um... I would do nothing but I can't run 3 miles. You're amazing girl.

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  7. I vote for running the Indy Women's with L. It's supposed to be a blast. I've signed up for that one too, it looks to be fun!

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  8. Well who am into disagree with everyone else? There is another option but instill think Indy with me. Parlor city has a beautiful half and is cheap in my town the same day as the women's half.

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  9. I would do both! But a half marathon with hardly any people in the heat of July doesn't sound as much fun as the Women's one in Indy! i would go with Indy.

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  10. I signed up for my first 5K! My goal is just to finish it :)

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  11. I just signed up for the women's half in Indy - you should do it! :)

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  12. Nothing better than running with friends.

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  13. The Women's in Indy with L!! You two seem to have too much fun together!

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