Disappointment

I don't run for time.  I run because it feels good (except when it doesn't).  I run because I want to set and reach goals that seem ridiculous at first.  I'm training for a marathon because I want to run 26.2 miles, however long it takes me.

So I signed up for the Rock and Roll Marathon because it was being held on my 30th birthday.  I convinced several of my friends to sign up for the race.  Courtney's family is coming to watch her run the half marathon.  It was to be an excellent event weekend.

And then one day I got an e-mail that made me cry.  There was a time limit on the race that was previously unannounced.  The race course closes at exactly 5 hours and 30 minutes.  For those keeping track at home, that's a 12:30 min/mile pace.  And you know what, these days I can run about 6 miles at that pace or faster.  But when I put my recent 5K PR into a race calculator, it had me finishing the marathon at best in 5:45, at worst in 6:15.  Like I said.  Crying.

I have over two months to train.  Maybe I could get my times down and my speed up.  But remember...I don't run for time.  I'm not in this program to get faster, to pressure myself with time goals, or to worry about speed.  Everyone says your first marathon goal should be to finish, and that's my goal.  So sadly, I am bowing out of the Rock and Roll Marathon to avoid unnecessary anxiety.  But don't fear...I am bowing (?) IN to the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon, to take place the day AFTER my 30th birthday. 

The bright side:
- I'll get to actually cheer for Courtney and my friends, instead of thinking about how they are already done with their race and I still have 13 miles to go!
- I'll get to return to my original half marathon course and kick it's butt x2!
- I'll get to finish my race along the beach, and my mom loves the beach so she'll come watch!
- The finish line festival is filled with delicious Irish stew and beer!

Good ol' silver linings...