Like anything done for several years, running has its ups and its downs. I’ve experienced both in the last few weeks. Thankfully, I am ending 2012 on a HUGE up in running.
Before we get to that, let’s get the down over. Almost two weeks ago, I had a race first. It wasn’t anything terribly exciting – no new shiny PR or strong finish to write home about. I had my first DNF (do not finish) at the Rocket City Marathon. What started out as an amazing day ended at mile 12. My hamstring cramped at mile 9. By mile 12, I knew that running through the pain would lead to a long-term injury. Having suffered from an injured hamstring before; I knew I wasn’t going to purposefully injure myself.
To be honest, although I knew I was doing the right thing, my ego was seriously bruised for dropping out. I don’t quit things I start – it’s not how I was raised or how I do things. I’ve run a full marathon with a hamstring while taking a nice chunk of time off my previous marathon time. I can grin and bear it like one very stubborn Cajun.
This time, I thought about my long-term running goals. Nothing in my goals for 2013 (more on that later) involved taking several months off of running. I remembered the promises I made to myself and those who love me that I would never push myself to an injury. I remembered that running a marathon is not a check it off the bucket-list item endeavor. I want to run until I am a very old lady, I want to coach other runners, I want to run faster and race harder than ever in 2013. All those things stacked up to making me confident in my DNF decision. Not an easy one but the right one for me.
Now that we have addressed the down, let’s get to the UP.
Several months ago, I won a giveaway for some Oiselle gear from Jen of The Local Elite. I had heard about the awesomeness that is Oiselle through the running blog world and was excited to check it out. Little did I know; winning the giveaway was the start of something amazing. I fell in love with Oiselle gear. I started following Oiselle. I saw not only the passion the Oiselle team had for running but the comraderie and support they expressed to the women’s running world. I applied for a spot on Oiselle’s race team last month and found out last week that I had made the team. The Oiselle HQ ladies and the Team Oiselle ladies have been so welcoming already. This is by far the most exciting running happening of 2012. I cannot wait for all that is to come in 2013!
Congratulations on being part of the Oiselle team! I recently came across them as well and was noticing the lack of Nashville representation. Fantastic that you’ll be their connection to this great running community!
Thanks Betsy! Excited to start representing Oiselle on the Nashville running circuit!
That’s amazing… congrats. I can’t wait for when they let boys join the party. I wanna be a bird, too!
Thanks! I’m sure there are others wanting some Man-zelle apparel too!
Congratulations on the Oiselle team! I’ve just recently heard about them and am curious to try their stuff now.
Thanks Heather!!
i agree with all of your long term wants for running and sometimes it is about making a decision that hurts now for the great good
Thanks Amanda! Definitely best to think long term even when it hurts short term
A wise woman – Joan Benoit Samuelson – once said “there is no finish line” meaning you want to be a runner for life. While I do want to get PRs, run marathons and other races, I just want to run till I’m 90.
Congrats on Oiselle! I love, love their products! I applied too late this year but am hoping for next year. Have fun!
Thanks so much for the kind words – it was definitely a hard decision, but I know it was the right one!
Congrats and welcome to the team!
It is great to have someone else in middle Tennessee. Or Tennessee at all for that matter! Let me know if you’d like to get together for lunch or something (not a run at this point, stopped running at 35 weeks pregnant and at 39.5 weeks am ready to pop any day)!
Thank you so much! Congrats on your soon to be new addition!! That is so exciting. Would love to meet up with you once you get settled with the new little one! Will keep in touch!
Welcome to Oiselle Team! Great to have you!!
Thanks Jen! Excited to be a part of Team Oiselle!
Congratulations! You are such an inspiration!
Congratulations on Team Oiselle! So sorry about Rocket City.