12/7: Where’s my race face? Friday Faves
I’ve been debating back and forth about my half marathon.
If I do it, I want to DO it. I’m not sure I have it in me right now. We haven’t been sleeping well lately -Liv’s been sleeping great, but the Pilot and I have been going to sleep past midnight every night, which is silly- and I destroyed my legs with that CrossFit workout I talked about. I know that if I get out there, I’ll be so happy and proud of myself for doing it, but at the same time, thinking about riding the shuttle to the race start at 4:30am makes my heart cry.
I’d like to blame this on the fact that I’m a mom now, “I must be getting older” and wah-wah, but let’s be real: I would have said the same thing 4 years ago. I like my sleep 😉 Soooooo we’ll see how my legs feel tomorrow and if I brave it up to go register…
Thank goodness I have you all to motivate and inspire me! Usually I like to hope I’m spreading motivation love around, too, but your tweets, Instagram pics and workout check-ins help light a fire under my booty 🙂
Here are some of your awesome pics from the week:
@akilar05 ‘s salad beast
@nattagepatch ‘s salad and veg
@whitdienger ‘s beautiful yarn wreath
And just for fun: two little dogs who are already the best of friends.
(Caroline actually chews her chicken treat, unlike Bella who swallows it whole and instantly begs for more)
They’ve been chasing each other -I’ll try to get it on video- and I first heard Caroline’s howl this morning. Bella and Caro had quite the symphony going on when the postman came.
Hope you have a very happy Friday!
See ya later.
xoxo
Gina
Something to talk about: What do you tell yourself when you’re doubting or feeling unsure of your abilities? Have you ever decided to drop out of a race or event last minute? Usually when I doubt myself, I end up surprising myself. You’ll never know unless you put yourself out there <3
A great read: You need to go after the things you want
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You’ve done the hard part – all your training!! Just think how proud you will feel after you complete the race. Other than the shuttle ride at the butt-crack of dawn, the race is the fun part!!!
Hope you still run it!
Aw, Bella and Caroline look so cute together! I’m happy they’re already friends 🙂 Good luck if you go through with the race – I’m sure you’d do great, especially with all of the long runs you’ve done lately!
You’ve GOT this!!
…and I’m definitely going to need the recipe for the cranberry orange amazeballs. Going to tweet her now…
here ya go! http://fitnessista.com/2012/10/pumpkin-party-new-amazeballs/
Just don’t think about it! I find the anticipation is the toughest part–but when you’re actually out there doing it–it’s not so bad. It’s like jumping into cold water at a pool or pulling off a band-aid. I find this similar with really tough workouts. The more I think and anticipate the harder it is. But when I just don’t think about it–and just DO IT–I’m ok. In the beginning it’s like–I can’t do this–but then it’s over and you’re like–that wasn’t so bad. Of course-listen to your body number one though!! I think you can def rock it tomorrow! You got this girl! 🙂
I’m doing a Bikram challenge and today I just didn’t want to go. Yesterday’s class was a minor bummer. But I told myself to go and if, after I did it, I wasn’t glad I did, then next time I didn’t want to go maybe then I’d play hookie. But of course I had an awesome class and feel like a million bucks for going. It seems like the classes I dread the most wind up being the best and vice versa.
So maybe this might be an amazing race for you, who knows? It might also be an amazing sleep-in, it’s just up to you to see which you need/want most! Good luck either way.
oh my gosh gina i am battling the same thing today. i have a half on sunday and i have stillnot signed up. i have not been feelin it this week and actually feel achy. hmmmmmm what should we do?
I had to drop out of the full marathon I trained for because I got the flu a few days prior. You’ve already done the training, so get out there and have fun with the race. You’re going the do awesome!
I would say go for it unless you are sick or there is weather that would make transportation or the race dangerous. I have dropped out of a couple races the morning of. Once when I woke up for a triathlon and it was crazy lightening out there. I didn’t want to pack up and drive all the way out there in case it was canceled. Other than that, I try to just go for it. You will be so glad you did! I’ll bet your legs will loosen up after a few miles!
Just think of how glorious the post run shower and feast will be!
Do it! You know very well you never regret a workout, but you will regret not doing it!
I’m running my fourth half marathon tomorrow, I have to be there at 6:30 and it’s an hour away, it looks like it’s going to rain AND none of my friends will be there to cheer me. The more I think of it the more I want to drop out, so I refuse to think about it. I’ll deal with everything as it comes tomorrow. Right now all I know is that my alarm is set and I have a few more chapters to study for the finals before I turn on the TV and watch whatever’s on abc family.
Good luck tomorrow, whatever you decide to do!
I think you should do it if you’re physically ready and all trained up. I find a rarely regret it when I say, “Yes,” to something. I’ve done a couple of half marathons and they were great fun. I’m pretty slow, but I made it. 🙂
Good luck to you!
Gaye
I assume you are debating on the Tucson 1/2 on Sunday?! I’m going to be out there!! I’m dreading that shuttle as well but nothing beats the energy of us runners waiting for the start! And additional motivation is the fact that its a mostly downhill race…and can’t beat crisp AZ mornings (or delish tacos after!!) Hope to see ya out there!
aww I hope you’ll do the half! But, to be fair, I just did your crossfit workout, so I TOTALLY understand if you don’t, b/c I won’t be able to lift my legs tomorrow. Thank you for posting it… even though I was sweating like a pig anddddd ran into the guy I’m dating. So attractive. 🙂
Here’s some motivation:
My hubs is a firefighter and there was a young boy who had a very horrible car accident a few days ago. He was barely alive when they got him out of the car. The doctors prepared his parents for his death. My husband said they found out that the boy came out of coma and actually took 30 steps yesterday, which is huge considering not even a week ago his funeral was being planned.
I’m sure that boy would love to be running!
Probably not the type of motivation you were looking for but when I’m feeling blah about something I think about others that would love to be able to do what I’m dreading. It got me through the rough times during my pregnancy and also through my current “teething” times with my son. Maybe it’ll get you through your run! 🙂
I just did my first half last weekend so I still have the post-race high, but I really believe in taking advantage of your body and health while you have it. Whenever I don’t want to work out, I always remind myself that I don’t want to be in bad health one day and regret not making the most of my health when I had it. Also exercising for all those that can’t is a great way to approach it. That being said, if you don’t do the race, that’s okay! If you don’t think you’ll benefit mentally or emotionally from it, then rest assured that you are still committed to your body, and it just happens that a race that day isn’t the way you want to. Personally I think races aren’t something to think too much about because they are such a great time, but if you aren’t going to enjoy it, then don’t do it! Everyone (and your body) will still love you!
Honestly, what motivates me if I’m ever thinking of dropping out is how disappointed I’ll be with myself (and what a waste all of my training was!) Do what you feel comfortable with, but think of how amazing you’ll feel when you reach the finish!
I try to remind myself of all the hours and work I’ve already put into the race because that is always the hardest part of the race, at least for me. If I dropped out at the end, I would feel like I’ve cheated myself out of something.
And honestly, I think people that look forward to getting up at 4:30 to run 13.1 miles are a little crazy! Haha!
Yeah, does anyone? “I’m really looking forward to my alarm going off at 3.30 a.m.” said… nobody, ever.
Not to be the devil’s advocate here, but I’m a mom as well. I know how much energy it takes to keep up with a little one all day, especially when low on sleep. Make the decision that is beat for you AND your family. There will always be races to run…
I agree I’m a mom And its tough when you are sleep deprived do what YOU want not others!
Oh, come ON!! You have trained. You are READY! You should have already registered…I find that if I spend the $$ on the registration fee, there is no freakin way you won’t run it. Get up and run already. You will be awesome!!
I usually sign up for a race impulsively and then when the time rolls around for the event, I feel like I *have* to do it since I already paid for it!
I never have done a race without registering so I wouldn’t count it dropping out if I hadn’t registered. There was one race last year that I didn’t do. A race in February with sub zero temps and wind chills. I totally bailed on that one.
Is Bella a bichon?
As a mother of three who works full time, the thought of waking up early to run makes me cringe as well. What I do know is that I have never regretted completing a race. What I would regret is not doing one I planned on. I did my eighth half last weekend with bronchitis. I originally planned to PR on that course. Sometimes things change from what we originally planned. Still…no regrets.
The race is the fun part for me! I’ve dropped out of races after not training properly… or at all. And once because I missed the start. But if I put in the training, even if I have to walk part of the race – I’ll be there. And I doubt myself all the time. I ran the Chicago Marathon in October and there is probably not one day of training I didn’t doubt my ability to finish it. I was even doubting myself at the start line – my legs were sore from too much expo walking the day before! But I completely surprised myself with how strong I ran (for me) and had a really great run. It went better then any of my training runs. I know I’ll look back on that race in the future when I start doubting my abilibty to finish what I started. Probably the only thing that kept me training when I wanted to drop out was the thought of how much money I’d already spent on entry for me and my husband!
I just didn’t make it to a race. My first race, I woke up early and faced an hour of traffic! It wasn’t worth it, especially since I don’t like running much.
Good luck! I’m sure whatever you choose you’re happy with your decision. There’s always plenty more half marathons remember! It’s hard though when you know this is a goal for you and something you want to accomplish. Don’t get psyched out.
Omg Bella and Caroline are so cute together! I’m loving reading about Caroline’s adjustment to a happy, loving home!
You can do it Gina! As long as you are not sick, I say go for it! I PRed in a half a few weeks ago after many months of training and the high still hasn’t really gone away- every time I run now I think about how inspired and proud I felt! The best part was knowing how hard I worked to do something positive for myself and by the time race day rolled around, I could just enjoy it. I bet if you run, you will feel that same way!
I LOVE your blog and just wanted to say thanks for all the inspiration and general positivity that I get when I visit. Best of luck!! Also I like your new dog’s name 🙂
If you “would have said the same thing four years ago,” perhaps it’s time to admit that running races isn’t your thing? Or perhaps you just need to have faith in yourself. Are you just nervous? Trust in your training. If you’re not prepared, it’s okay to admit it. If you just don’t feel like running, it’s okay to admit it. If you’re totally prepared and feeling lazy…kick yourself in the butt, girl! Get up and own it! Wouldn’t you dish out this same advice to other people? We fitness professionals are good at that, right? But don’t play the motherhood card. I have a daughter a few days older than Olivia. I know how crazy life gets. But that’s life. That’s motherhood. Don’t tarnish that by turning it into an excuse when it needn’t be one. Know what I mean? Ultimately, only you know what’s right for you and your family, so make a decision and live with it. You don’t need your readers to validate any decision you make. If it feels right to you, then it’s right. Right?!
I meant that even 4 years ago, I would choose sleep over anything 🙂 that’s why I said I’m not blaming it on motherhood- it isn’t and shouldn’t be an excuse. Being a mom is the best thing that ever happened to me. Even though it takes some flexibilty and time management to do extra things like races, they’re more of a special treat and I train and workout more effectively than I ever have
I always doubt myself before races… Just keeping it real
Doooo it! I used to get up at 4.00 a.m. or earlier, every weekend over the season, to attend horseriding trials. To be honest, it’s only the moment that is awful. That getting out of bed moment. After about 15 minutes, you are over that. I’m sure my horses used to wonder what crazy thing came over me when I’d go and wake them at such an hour too.
Heyyy… remember to caff up like I told you in an earlier comment. It reduces the perception of fatigue and can help with endurance. If there is any day of your life to fall off the caffeine wagon big-time, it’s race day. 😀
Where did you get the name ‘Caroline’ from? I love that name. Hopefully not from a Neil Diamond song? Haha.
My first half is on Sunday… And I am dreading it! Normally, I LOVE race day, but my buddy can’t run it with me and I am beyond nervous… AND it’s going to be in the 80’s here in TX. I specifically signed up for a December race in hopes of cooler weather. Sigh… Looks like I’m going to have to put my game face on and just run! It’s nice to know I’m not alone in the pre-race bahumbugs :-p
You’re a constant source of inspiration Gina, but you’ll have to go with what feels right in your heart – and legs – on this one!
Perhaps imagine the feeling of crossing the line VS the feeling of not having done the race and reflecting on it later that afternoon.
In the end you’ll make up your mind on where you feel between “If we did everything we were truly capable of we’d astonish ourselves” and “Listen up your body, it’s smarter than you are”. Only you can choose where you’re at on the spectrum.
Whatever you decide you’re a beautiful person and obviously loving wife and mother and your choice doesn’t define you.
All the best x
a year, month, even a week from now you wont be thinking about how hard it was to get up that early, you’ll be thinking of what a memorable time you had doing the run!
Gina,
Whether or not you choose to do the half, you are an inspiration! I linked over to your blog over a year and a half ago (from the Glamour website) and have followed ever since. I ran a half marathon in August, have fallen in love with yoga, and am now tackling “Insanity” partially due to the fact that I’ve had someone as amazing as you to look up to.
Good luck!
Am I the only one who thinks it’s a GOOD thing to follow the hunch that it’s good to skip this one? Training can’t be undone. You have trained and you have gained fitness, speed, endurance and all the benefits that exercise offers.Those can’t be taken away from you.
But when my legs are sore and I try to run a race? Not a good idea. When I’m tired, or just don’t want to give my whole day away to it, I don’t!
I believe it was RunningTimes magazine that wrote: “I’ve never regretted a rest day or a break from the schedule I’d planned when my body told me to but I have MANY times regretted pushing through it and the injury, overtraining or just plain “hated it” feeling that I got from it!”
I really liked that. And if you wanna go out and run 10 miles, 13.1, 8 or 2 for HEAVENS SAKE tomorrow instead, you can and you will! I say listen to that part of you telling you what it is. You have my blessing on taking a pass on this one 🙂
There are plenty of times I feel like giving up on things.. I usually call my mom and she will inflate my head about how strong and awesome I am, and then I have to do it! Mom’s are super encouraging and your biggest fan!
I’d stay home and cozy under the blankets and if a certain sweet babe happened to wake up… I’d bring her in the bed too. Running a race isn’t that big of a deal! Sleep >>>>> sweating , huffing, puffing . It’s a no brainier 🙂
my cavalier is almost 7 years old and any time we leave her in her big doggy pen whether it is going to the grocery store or gone for a few hours she still howls before we leave the garage to go! hehe then we come back she is fast asleep , dont feel sad because she will do it her whole life hehe
I’ve never dropped out but I’ve entered some very last minute (like one I was volunteering at and my shift finished 10 minutes before the race – I entered and ran)