Miami had a cold front this week and I was ecstatic to get out tomorrow and complete my last long run, 20 miles which was going to get done in 60 degree weather. It was going to be perfect. A perfect way to end a long training. Unfortunately, my son got sick this week and now this cold made its way to me. I can not begin to tell you how bummed I am. At the same time, the idea that I am bummed to not have to do 20 miles is amusing.
When did this Mommy turn into a badass running Mommyathlon? Was it the day I decided to do a full? Or perhaps the day I crossed the finish line of my first half and started thinking I had to do another? Maybe it was the day I looked in the mirror and wondered where I had gone. In the midst of diapers, homework, dinner, chores and life, I was missing the person I was. Perhaps it was the day I told my husband I needed something that was all about me and the day I decided I was going to make the time for me. Or maybe it was during all those runs with friends where running became the funnest part of my week. The happy hour that I looked forward to that included running shoes, friends and a heart pounding long run. I can't quite pin point it now, but I love the feeling of it. I love who I am, a combination of the woman I was and a newer, stronger version of the woman I have become. I am a Mommyathlon - mother, wife, runner, strength, beauty, perseverance and joy.
So yes, I was ecstatic b/c tomorrow was going to be the first time I would have gotten some cooler weather but it ends up being that I'm sitting this one out. I know better than to run through a cold and make myself worse. I have learned to balance recovery with training, another lesson learned in all these months. Listen to your body. Something that running has taught me and that I pass on to all new runners I meet and may train one day. I decided to see this as God's way of telling me to taper since I have the Miami half marathon next week-end, then Ragnar and then my full. So instead of being upset, I''m going to enjoy taper time and take the time to get rid of this cold before the fun begins next week. I'm also going to revel in my achievement of finishing my journey to 26.2. One run short does not diminish the hundreds of miles and hours of running I have done.
I am a Mommyathlon, I am a mother, a wife, a runner and strength, beauty, perseverance and joy. This is the woman that will line up at the start line in 3 weeks and the woman that will cross that 26.2 finish line several hours later adding the word marathoner to all she already is. If you ever wondered if you could get there, I'm here to show you that you can and will.
Dear 26.2,
See you in 3 weeks and one day.
