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Friday, April 5, 2013

Playing It Smart: Deciding Not to Race

I've been sick since Monday. Not very sick, but sniffly-headachy-swollen throat-generally-under-the-weather sick. I've gotten in several good strength workouts, but I find I have a hard time running or doing cardio when I feel this way. I've also been feeling a slight tug in the hamstring for 3 days. So I haven't run since two slow miles on Monday.

Unfortunately, I have a race this Sunday. I'm heading down to DC with Abby, Kim, Steph, and Beth for a runner girls weekend. We were supposed to run the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, but the rest of our group isn't doing too well either. Beth has been battling a fever and Abby has a stress fracture. Thankfully Kim and Steph are fine!

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I really wanted to run this race since the cherry blossoms in DC are supposed to be blooming this weekend so it would be a gorgeous course, going past the white monuments of DC with pink blossoms reflected in the tidal basin.

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However, my goal race right now is the NJ Long Branch Half-Marathon. After getting sicker post-NYC Half, where I ran while I still had pinkeye, I don't want to jeopardize my performance at NJ by running a race that's really just for fun now, then being sick for another week or two.

So, basically, here's my plan: run Cherry Blossom as a long run if I feel ok. Cheer on the sidelines with Abby (and possibly Beth because we're a bunch of invalids) if I don't feel ok. DO NOT RACE.

Yes, CUCB... if I run you, you will be a 10 mile RUN, not race.
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I really enjoy races -- they're probably my favorite part of running. As much as racing hurts, it's also the time when I truly see what I'm capable of doing. But racing on Sunday would be a bad idea. So I'm going to play it smart.

Cross your fingers I feel well enough to run my long run during the race on Sunday!!


Have you ever pulled back from a race due to sickness or health concerns?

12 comments:

  1. Smart (and tough) decision to make! Having a great weekend in DC regardless :)

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    1. Thanks, Julianne! Hope I can still run it at least

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  2. Here's hoping that you are feeling well enough to run, you are making the best decision in the long run to not race. I went to University of Maryland and one of my favorite times was cherry blossoms. Enjoy, running or not!

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    1. That's so awesome that you got to enjoy the cherry blossoms a lot! They're so beautiful, I remember them from the year I worked in DC and can't wait to see them again :)

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  3. VERY smart decision, friend. There's no reason to push things, especially since it isn't your goal race. The Cherry Blossom 10-miler is definitely a bucket list event, so I hope you feel well enough to run it! Have so much fun this weekend! :)

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    1. Thanks, Carrie! Have a FANTASTIC time in Miami and kick some tri ass!

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  4. You're making a good decision! Whether or not you race, your health is more important.

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    1. Thanks, Emily :) I know that's true, but it feels so hard!!

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  5. First, I'm super jealous that you are going down there for the race. The cherry blossoms are ACTUALLY blossoming this weekend!

    But, second, I applaud your decision. It's not worth totally knocking yourself out.

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    1. I know, it's crazy good luck! Not that this nasty winter has been worth it, but it's a small consolation that we get the blossoms this weekend :) And thanks, I hope I can at least run the race, but if not, at least I get the blossoms!

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  6. I haven't been running in a month due to injury and it's driving me insane. I might have to drop out of the Chicago half marathon in July if I don't get better soon. But really, I'm just happy to get better and start running just for fun again.

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    1. I'm really sorry you've been injured! It's so tough being out of the game.

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