Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Boston thoughts, Jewish bread and a little running:)

So, has anyone heard about the changes for Boston.......Probably not, it hasn't been discussed in Blogland or on FB or on Runnersworld at all today. (I was obviously hard at work, minimizing my work computer screen constantly) Anyway, I'm going to refrain from writing a complete post on this but I have a couple of things I just want to throw out there. First of all, changes needed to be made, I respect the B.A.A. and their decisions. Also, these changes really don't even affect me personally. If anything, they make it easier for me to register so I have little to argue about. What does affect me would be the fact that my husband qualified with only a one minute cushion. There is quite a fair shot he would not get in with that time. Boston 2012 was supposed to be part of our 15 year anniversary trip. Am I upset about this? No, and neither is he really. His response "I guess I better go get me at least that 5 minute cushion!" Now, just because I am likely not at risk for being one of the "on the fence" qualifiers doesn't mean I don't understand how difficult or frustrating it might be for those who qualified and really want to run this race but feel it slipping out of reach. With the rolling registration, many "qualifiers" may not get that chance. I haven't yet processed my complete thoughts on this so I'm not going to fully address it. I am thankful for the opportunity to have run Boston-it was an amazing experience for me! I want one more shot at that course and then I think I will actually be content and remove the "need" to run Boston from my list. So in essence, there may be one more opening in 2013.

Here is what is eating at me today. I don't feel like I demean the efforts of others based on race times. I truly believe several people who qualify just barely, have poured their heart and soul into their training, pushed their limits, and made countless sacrifices for this achievement. In the same token, I feel I deserve that respect for my efforts. Not praise, not a pat on the back but just simple respect from one hard worker to another. I received a FB message today regarding this issue. A "friend" who was VERY frustrated with the changes made a "friendly" comment via PM to me about the fact that she was not a natural born runner like me (whatever) and she had to run 6 marathons and had to work VERY hard to qualify(I didn't?). Perhaps, I read into this too much as I really don't feel she was trying to take a shot at me, but I was instantly offended and I felt my efforts were being demeaned. NO ONE can judge how hard another has worked. I have run a 3:18 marathon. Is that because I'm naturally a runner (elites would disagree as this is practically walking to them) or because I never missed more than 2 consecutive days of training in over a year prior to Boston, got up last winter at 4 frickin' 30 in the morning sometimes or spent hockey travel weekend evenings on the treadmill at 10 pm while other parents were socializing in the bar. I run for myself, not for the approval of others, but I guess if I'm bein' real, my feelings were hurt. Moving on....

So, now that I've got that off my chest....I should have kept it on my chest. Nothing added to my chest could possibly be bad at this point...

I am having a fantastic week. I feel very organized, things are going so smoothly and the weather is just beautiful. Add to the fact, I fell asleep at 9:50 last night and didn't wake up until 5 am and I was practically hugging people at work today. Speaking of work, I had an extremely interesting patient today. He was filling out his medical history and explained how he had stopped taking his meds because the govt. is now putting mind control agents in prescription drugs. Yes, I kept a straight face. His kind wife brought the office potatoes out of their garden and this loaf of bread.



NO, I DID NOT KEEP A STRAIGHT FACE! Bahahaha! Apparently she made it in a tomato juice can. Hmmm-I think it's Jewish bread.

Running is going very well this week. I'm loving being outside in the beautiful weather on the dry roads. We have plenty of snow but the ice on the roads has melted! I love running under the streetlights in the dark. Dark makes me feel less tired, more relaxed or maybe I just actually fall asleep when I'm running.... I did my first outdoor speedwork session in awhile on a 4 mile loop. It was literally a square and so I made up my workout on the thing instead of following my plan once again. Very unorthodox as I did 800, 1600, 2400, 400, 1200, 2400. (I don't think you will find this one in a running book...) I felt better than I have felt since I returned from my hip. I literally felt like I was flying during the first 2400. My confidence level was the highest it's been in awhile. I needed that.

Anyway, my time allotment for the computer is now up! I'm stickin' to my plan here! Hope you're all having a great night!

25 comments:

Amanda@runninghood said...

Okay, I have not read this yet but I was laughing because all I saw was a big penis looking thing show up on my blog roll. I'm off to read it now. :)

Stephanie said...

You 100% earned that respect. It doesn't matter if you are born to do something...it goes away if you don't work.your.azz.off. I respect the way you expressed yourself about it too.
O.m.word on that penis loaf. Hahahaha.

Amanda@runninghood said...

Well written! Now that I'm past the penis I can make a decent comment. I just posted the Boston thing on FB but I doubt I'll even get a comment on it...people on my FB are sick of my running related posts. But I agree, that sounds hurtful and I would have my feelings hurt and have a hard time not saying something about it. Did you say something?
I agree with the Boston decision...it had to be done in order to keep Boston what Boston is. I think those faster runners deserve to get in first if Boston is to stay an elite event.

So glad you are feeling confident. I have nothing but the highest confidence in you! Thanks again for your supportive words tonight.

Jill said...

First of all, why the hell are we not friends on FB?? How long have I known you? I think you and I were like the only ones who left comments on ech others blog way back in the day :). Anyway, friend me...I couldn't find you??!!!

I had to post that Boston thing on my blog because I honestly don't really care that much but I was really curious what others thought. I'm not going to get anyone upset with me over a Boston comment again - bahahah. NEVER! :) But I do feel sorry for those as you do. I knew this was actually coming; I'm not sure how but the XC coaches at school knew about this change a couple weeks ago but I keep mum as I didn't want to be wrong. Anyhoo...I hope to see you there in 2013 :). Maybe my heel will work by then!

I need to email you. My heel hs been uber bad again. I did get to talk to a guy who is an "expert in the field" who teaches at a university here in town and he's going to meet me next week. But he said, "I really am not sure there is much I can do for you." Whatever, I still wan to see him, he had some wonderful things to tell me.

Anyway, this comment isn't suppose to be about me...I know, hard to believe - ha! Totally brought a smile to my face when I heard what a great day you were having. And what a lucky girl you are to get penis bread, totally not fair!
Chat soon!
xo

Anonymous said...

So glad I'm not the only person who questioned the giant phallic baked good in my blogger dashboard this evening. Apparently the government is now putting (Jewish) penises in (tomato juice) cans too?

Geez, now I have to take 11.4503817 seconds off per mile to BQ (in addition to the 1 minute and 27.022900763358778625954198473282 seconds per mile I needed to take off per the old qualifying times). Now what did I do with that BALCO Labs catalog?

I'm in awe and envious of anyone who is fast enough to qualify...regardless of their "natural" talent or how many times it took to do so. You worked your ass off and dedicated yourself to the training. And it payed off. Be proud! I gotta quote the movie SWINGERS, a 3:25 (and 3:18 AT Boston) is "SO MONEY!"

PS Please extend a big BOO WHO to your "friend" for me. And check her diaper, I think that baby needs a change.

middleagedrunner said...

BWAHAHA! Look at that big giant bread penis!!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!
Sorry. Im 12.
You go ahead and vent, woman! It's your blog!
Sorry, but anybody who does any marathon at all works damn hard but it is clear to me that you work harder than pretty much anybody. No magic involved, just blood sweat and tears...

Running and living said...

OK, the bread...I need to get my husband that recipe... his bread never comes out that way:)

So you did not know that the gov puts stuff in prescription pills? Where have you been?

This Boston thing is tiring me. Life is not fair. Some people are better athletes than others, or work harder, or whatever. It is what it is. BAA makes the rules. Don't run the race if you don't like their rules. Boo to the FB "friend".

Awesome about your running and your confidence. Mine is...a little nowhere to be found. I need to work on that a bit these few days.

Glad the sleeping is going so well:)

Anonymous said...

Boston has a marathon? huh. Who knew...

Raina said...

Boy, I lose the internet for a day, and look what happens! They tighten Boston up!

Well- I haven't even been to look at BAA yet as I don't do that everyday =D, so I will have to now!!!!

You have some very kind patients there. Looks like there was some yeast in that bread though. It got quite a rise...

As always, I love your pure, uncesored, gritty posts! Keep up that tough training. And have a great day, Jenn

Teamarcia said...

I totally hear you on the Boston thing. Natural runner or not, you earned your right to be there and should not be judged. Qualifying is HARD work for all who do it.

Nice loaf!

The Hungry Runner Girl said...

I am so happy you got so much sleep and you are enjoying the beautiful weather!! Definitely Jewish ha:) Girl, I totally would have been offended. I think kenyans are the only born runners. YOU WORKED YOUR BUTT OFF TO GET THAT TIME!! Seriously, people are so funny and so quick to judge that you are just 'naturally' fast because you kicked their trash. Have an amazing day gorgeous girl!

Unknown said...

I ready into everything - so I can totally understand you getting hurt over that. i would have. I have no dreams of every qualifying for Boston - I'm slow...but I will say - there are no born runners in my book. It all takes lots of practice and sweat and pain and lots of hours spent preparing. You are awesome and don't let anyone make you think less of yourself!

And I just ditto Amanda's first comment...love the penis bread!

Lisa @ Eat.Pray.Run. said...

penis bread--now that's funny!! i'm gonna lock that little idea away for use at a later time...

i have to say, i consider myself a runner, but i've never had dreams or aspirations of running Boston, or any marathon for that matter (*gasp*). so, from my perspective, anyone who can even FINISH a marathon is amazing. the level of training you do...well, i'm not sure there's a word in my vocabulary for it. i certainly have great respect for what you do, and i use it as a source of inspiration to push myself further...just not as far as a marathon.

i'm not sure if i've ever commented on your blog before. hi! i'm Lisa. i'm new to this blogging/blog reading thing. i've loved reading your posts and really appreciate your honesty and writing style. so, nice to meet you!

Heather said...

I don't think anyone is a natural born runner. I think to be great at running (or anything for that matter) takes hard work, determination, passion and a love of running and you've got it!

I'm loving the weather right now too! That bread made me laugh!

Velma said...

HA HA HA - love the bread.
Glad you are having a great week :)

Lindsay said...

Well I do think some people have a little more nature helping them, but anyone can work to run a certain time. It is frustrating to me when people think I am a snob or something because I agree with/like the tightened standards. I don't understand why you would be upset about it - Boston is an elite race, do people wantto be given an entry? I mean come on. Run harder. Train harder. Maybe I can light a fire under my own butt - I need to requal and now run a better time :)

Anyway, I kinda rejoiced over the new standards. Bring it on!

Caroline said...

wow that bread is hilarious!!! they brought that at your work place?! that is crazy!!!! ha ha!
I get your frustration 100%. In school I got really good grades and I used to get comments like "oh but it is easy for you" No it is not. I used to study a lot Over prepare for tests. It is the same thing. Not because someone is good at something that they don't put the effort into it.

XLMIC said...

Who do you think performed the bris? Able Baker Charley? Did it taste good? Did you EAT it?

Your husband has a GREAT attitude! Like!

So glad your running is going well this week!

Carlee said...

I think they should give that bread out at the finish lines of races. I'm usually slightly grumpy at that point and a penis loaf might fix that.

Bethany + Ryan said...

haha, love the x-rated bread! It took me 8 tries to BQ and my first 2 marathons were 4:54 and 4:58...i love when people say I'm a natural runner. I've taken almost 1 1/2 hours off my time! that's far from natural, it's called hard work! Its easier to say you can't do something than it is to try really hard and make sacrifices and do it. Even people who BQ on their first try, it's still hard work and requires a lot of sacrifice!

ajh said...

I have a colleague who works hard to keep in shape and eats right. One day another colleague told her how lucky she was to look like she did. I commented for my friend that luck had nothing to do with it. She ate right and exercised! Just because it works (your running/her eating) doesn't mean it wasn't a lot of effort!

ajh said...

I just laughed out loud at your comment on my post. I am such an unlikely person to write a post entitled TIT! Wonder who else will think that!

Muncher Cruncher said...

I have an accent!?!? hahaha I read your comment and got so excited. I've wanted an accent my whole life!!
It is amazing to me that outsiders (who don't realize how much sacrifice you put into achieving your goals) are so quick to try and write off your success. I think that some people may have the mental toughness or the desire of a runner, but without putting in they physical effort that means NOTHING. So, well FREAKING done. You're amazing and you're a speed demon. Umm...and the bread?? BAHHAHAHAAHAH

LindseyAnn said...

You know, I'm probably one of the people who would be cut by the new registration system, but I agree with it. And, now I just know I need to work that much harder if I ever want to BQ. But, you worked hard, natural talent or not, and you earned your spot. You're also 100% right--NO ONE can judge how hard another has worked.

FYI--coffee out the nose hurts. I know this because that's what happens when I saw the, ahem, Jewish Bread.
I wish I would have ran outside while the weather was warm. I feel like I wasted it.

Lisa said...

I haven't read about all the changes, since I'm never going to run Boston, but your point of view makes complete sense to me and you definitely deserve respect. I imagine your friend was blowing off steam because she's upset and didn't take a few deep breaths before hitting send. You continue to inspire me, and I imagine many other runners. (Whether you intend to or not!)