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August 16, 2006
Being Selfish
A few months ago, on the way to a race, one of the guys from the club said to me that if I wanted to do a marathon or Ironman, I'd have to be selfish for a year. I'd have to train when Andy wanted to go to the movies and restaurants. I'd have to dictate when we could do anything together and I'd have to be the one to make sure that I was doing the training required, when required, where required, with no interference from anyone else. And he knows, since he took part in triathlons and marathons for years.
I didn't realise how true that is until recently. Well, yesterday.
Andy joined me for my 1 hour run and we were holding a conversation all the way. It was so relaxing having him there, running at a comfortable pace and being able to do it within the heartrate zone I had to be in. Afterwards I was sitting in the lounge, updating the logs and he asked me if I'd like to go see a movie tonight.
That's when I realised that I had to be selfish. Wednesdays are a great day to go to the movies, but it is also the day that I have to go swim and run and probably won't get home until after 9pm. So I had to say no and although he looked a little disappointed, he understood that it wasn't because I didn't want to go, but because I have to make sure that I'm disciplined about doing training. Normally I'd be able to schedule my training times so that I am able to go out at night, but on Wednesdays there is only one lane swimming session at the gym.
I feel awful about having to do it, but at the same time I know that if I make an exception now, soon it'll become the norm and in the end I'll have a really horrible experience if I start the Ironman race next year.
I'll just have to take him to see something on Friday or Saturday :)
Posted by karinm at August 16, 2006 6:27 AM
Comments
snakes on a plane. take him to see sammy jackson kicking reptile butt.
i completely understand...that was me last year. my focus on the boston qualifier had me running very selfishly and shunning everything that could be a distraction. the payoff was worth it, though!
Posted by: jeff at August 16, 2006 2:44 PM
It's completely true - long distance racing is completely a drain on the others in your life.
Which is why I'm putting it off for a couple of years after my experience last year.
Posted by: jank at August 16, 2006 6:03 PM