Monday, November 13, 2006

Oh, it is SO on, baby.

I'm starting to get a little excited about this weekend's endeavor. I know that I've been running well, and hitting all the splits that Coach Kara suggested I hit for the tempo runs, long run, and 400s.

I just need to do the opposite of what Flava Flav and Chuck D tell me to do, and TRUSS' IT.

I just...I dunno...I think this is the thing that fascinates me about running. For me, I really feel like it's mostly mental. Now, let's get one thing straight--I ain't gonna head out there and tear up a sub-3 marathon or anything like that. What I mean is, for what I know I'm capable of, it's mostly mental. And I know that the splits I'm holding right now are more consistent and faster than anything I did when I did my last stand-alone half marathon in 2003. So...relax, self. Chill. Deep breath. Go with it.

As in life. I'm just going to have to trust that the chips will fall where they may, and that's OK. Had a nice long conversation with my girl Wil last night and yet another man-is-this-creepy-or-what realization that we share quite a bit of that in common. Sooner or later, you just get freaking tired of worrying about it all, and you have to let it go. You just pass out in the middle of everything, because you have to. And when you're done, you get up. And you go with it. And you're fine.




And this is pretty much an established pattern of behavior of mine, since, oh, 1977.

So, before I get to said pass-out-with-my-toys-around-me phase, I'm going to REALLY work hard on letting life be life. In pencil. Although my life has been mapped out for me exactly as I have planned for the past three years (literally--every workout, every day, every backpacking trip, every wedding, every degree), I need to accept that this is an anomaly.

Real life usually doesn't have an iron-clad workout log and a race schedule.

And that's....O....K....

There, I said it! *shaking slightly*

Whew.

And now, back to my race on Sunday...hey, THAT one's in Sharpie.

So sue me.

26 comments:

Rae said...

You are going to do GREAT this weekend!!

j. said...

"Let life be life. In pencil"

Brilliant.
Tremendous writing, Sara.
Thanks for sharing!

J.

Tracy said...

You just pass out in the middle of everything, because you have to. And when you're done, you get up. And you go with it. And you're fine.

THAT...is my girl ;)

JeffM said...

Good luck on the half marathon this Sunday!!
Catching up on the last few posts- did I miss something- are you pregnant?

Kate said...

I'm looking forward to the race report. And thanks for the insight into life after IM!

jbmmommy said...

I love pencil. For me it was kids that made life to live, not schedule. Enjoy.

RunBubbaRun said...

So what did "Forest" used to say, sometimes "Life is like a box of Chocolate" or was it gummy bears. But you know what I mean (I hope). Go with the flow I alawys say and enjoy every moment. Good luck this weekend.

Jodi said...

Can't wait to see how it goes for you on Sunday! With your attitude I'm sure that you will rock that run!

Jodi

Trisaratops said...

Oops, I'd better clarify here...NO baby here, but a lot of other life changes in store! That kid is me, passed-out in the middle of playing--my Mom says I used to do that all the time, just playplayplay until I literally couldn't function anymore. Hmmmm...sounds oddly familiar :)

Wes said...

You Iron Teachers are all such cool writers. There is a certain amount of satisfaction when life follows the straight and narrow. However, its the bumps and curves that provide us with the spice of life.

Have fun this weekend.

:) said...

Have a great race this weekend!!!! I smell a PR...

Kurt said...

When is the last time you just ran for the joy of running without a watch, no distance planned or anything?

Sometimes the plans are needed but remember as a friend of mine says, this is fun. Keep it fun.

Cliff said...

TriSaraTops,

I like it when life is less rountine and schedule. Makes things way more interesting :)..

u will do great.just let it fly...

Triteacher said...

Pencil, Sharpie, pen - they're all mightier than the sword. I'd say we could add your blogging words to the list too. Enjoyed reading you again!

LoneStarCrank said...

Good things come from those who have Sharpie and pencil lives. Rigidity is great until you start missing out on the great moments that just "happen."

Good luck this weekend! Crank it up!

Michele said...

I am doing my whole '07 schedule in pencil!
Good luck Sunday.

Lloyd said...

*chuckle*

No rigid plans? Great idea. Sounds like you're ready for an ultramarathon. Just wing it, and run. :)

I sense you will rock the Fall Classic. Your slowtwitch muscles are just bursting to get their run on. Good luck.

Habeela said...

Hey, a little Sharpie never hurt anyone. Enjoy it.

Fe-lady said...

Have a great race!
It's never too early to learn that "the sooner you realize you have little control over much of your life, the happier you will be with living it!"
Letting go can be somewhat fun!
Have fun...

Iron Jayhawk said...

Aww...LOVE that photo!

Good luck this weekend, you'll be brilliant!

Joe said...

Good luck in the race!

Lisa said...

Best of luck this weekend! You'll totally rock!

I never use pencil, and I've started to learn that I should...not only in the crosswords and my planner, but in everything. My races and vacations? Always in Sharpie. :)

Afternoon Tea With Oranges said...

You are so right...everything doesn't have to be all planned out...and if it is...that doesn't mean you have to follow it or the sky starts falling. You are going to do great this weekend...- I have no doubts that you will blow that 1:54 out of the water!!

The Blights said...

Your post made me laugh! I'm the total opposite. In fact, this is the first year I actualy have to have a schedule I can't change much and it's scaring me to death.

Years before, I would "plan" things like starting my junior year of college and then somehow end up in backpacking in Africa. I guess I just love never knowing what happens next. This planning/training/scheduling thing is pretty foreign to me.

Anyways, have a great race this weekend!!! I'm sure you'll have a blast!

TriSonq said...

Coming in late her, but just like everyone else, I want to wish you luck this weekend. Remember to have fun.
Patrick

Scott said...

OMG - I just had a flash of you as Monica in Friends!

Why do you always remind me of people on TV?

Best of luck this weekend.