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July 3, 2008
The Gift of Time and Distance
So I never updated my blog "tomorrow" as I said that I would. It turned out that I needed some time and distance away from the race. I needed to let it breathe and simmer - to climb out of my mind and hibernate in my heart and soul for a while. Salty hit the nail on the head with her post race analysis. Almost two weeks after that 2:57 and my body is BROKEN. I have visited the physical therapist a few times and she has reminded me of that fact. I cannot even pronounce all of the muscular ailments firing in my body like a round of ammunition in dire need of some ritalin (illegal dosages, mind you). Needless to say, it's going to take a while for my body to calm down, heal, and rebound. While I originally set my sights on Chicago this fall (with a vengeance), I have now edited my fall plans. My new mantra is one day at a time.
Aside from running (or lack thereof), there have been some significant changes on the home-front. I resigned from my lectureship at my university last Thursday. I won't divulge the details here (plus, they are not exciting), but I finally realized that I was slaving away in a job with little room for advancement or life fulfillment. While I love teaching, I do not love faculty and administrative BS. I do not strive to continue on for my doctorate at this time, and without it, I am nothing but virtually free labor. I have several ideas cooking for what might be to come . . . I will keep everyone posted as I navigate the unemployment geography! However, I do not think that I will be unemployed for very long - I have a good feeling that I will be working around the clock soon enough :) I am really excited about diving into the unknown, taking a few risks, suffering some rejection, enjoying some acceptance, and, of course, RUNNING (and, for that matter, sleeping more than 3-4 hours/night)! Life is very good right now.
And aside from running and job hunting, I have been glued to Eliterunning.com! I am a sucker for Track and Field - I have been since the day I turned my first circle in 1986. I absolutely love the USA Olympic Trials, and I cannot wait to see how it all unfolds today, tomorrow and Sunday.
I plan to keep updating this space even though I might not have the most inspiring training to dish about.
Posted by bridget at July 3, 2008 9:41 AM
Comments
I don't know where you'll be four years from now, but I highly recommend that if you can swing it, you come watch the Trials in person next time around (after running in the marathon Trials in April or so :-) ). I think you would love it here and you'd fit right in.
Good luck moving forward. I'm glad that you're doing what's best for you, and I have no doubt that you will land on your feet and do wonderfully well. I can't imagine that I'd be able to help you in any way (after all, I am essentially unemployed too!) but please let me know if I can.
Definitely keep us posted on everything and good luck with your healing!
Posted by: Alison at July 3, 2008 1:01 PM
forget working around the clock - relax! love to you as you start this new chapter.
Posted by: carrie g. at July 7, 2008 1:53 PM
Come watch the trials in person? She may be in them in 4 years!! :)
I am sorry to hear you are "broken" but frankly not surprised. You ran hard and you were already somewhat "bent." But, you will recover and be stronger than ever. Why don't you consider taking a month or 2 of serious rest then targeting a December or January race? Food for thought... And frankly only time (and your body) will tell.
Good luck with the life changes. I applaud you for taking a leap. It is tough and uncomfortable, but too many people get stuck in the unpleasant for fear of change. Good for taking your life into your own hands. I'm sure you will be happier for it!
Rest, recover and happy trails these next few weeks in finding "what's next."
Posted by: mindi at July 9, 2008 8:51 PM