If IVF#3 doesn't work, I'm going to run a half marathon. I'll probably DIE doing it - cuz I've never run longer than a 10k - but I'm gonna do it anyway. Partly because I'll need something to focus on if IVF#3 doesn't work, partly because I've gotten so back into my running recently this seems like the next logical step, and partly because it's been in the back of my mind to run a half for YEARS, so why NOT now? Why not give myself something to be insanely proud of in a time where I'm bound to feel like complete shit otherwise?
And at first when the husband planted the idea that with how much I've ramped up my running lately (hit 60k in Nov, and 72k in Dec in spite of Mother Nature's best efforts to de-rail me), I could TOTALLY swing a half, well I just thought he was crazy. I thought he was just being the good ol' encouraging husband that he's so well-trained to be, and he was again feeding my big-headed ego. But then when I started thinking about ACTUALLY running a half, and about how good I'd feel TRAINING for it, and about how much better I'd feel having COMPLETED it - I'm pretty sure I'd signed up within about three days of him having suggested it. Cuz honestly, what the hell?
If I'm pregnant and can't do it, oh well, it was 70 bucks well-spent on a very good distraction for December and January (I can train right up to transfer). And if I'm NOT pregnant and CAN do it, well, it was 70 bucks even BETTER spent because I can go straight from BFN back into training.
And the weird part? It's that I'm excited about BOTH prizes - BOTH prizes are things I've wanted for a very VERY long time, and BOTH prizes are things I'd be totally wickedly giddy over. And while I'd prefer that IVF#3 was the one that worked, and that I have to sign up for NEXT year's half instead, I've very much come to terms with the fact that IVF#3 may NOT work, so having another prize at the end of that ride? Well, it makes me quite happy.
Because training for a half? For me, it's not just about exercising like a FIEND, it's about doing something for ME. It's about setting a goal, and ACCOMPLISHING it. It's about tracking milestones, and ticking them OFF. It's about doing something I absolutely LOVE to do, and I THRIVE on when I'm doing it.
It's about doing something I know when I do MORE of, mentally and emotionally, I'm actually just plain old happier all 'round - there's something about running that balances ALL the bad for me, that gets it out of my head better. So at a time when there really could be a lot of BAD in my head, training for the half couldn't be a better backup plan.
Wednesday, 31 December, 2008
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22 comments:
I like your attitude. I think I need to find myself a "consolation" prize too.
I'm so on the same page as you in terms of needing a very solid plan B incase plan A goes to shit (again).
I'm working on the details of mine too.
I undertsand that to do another cycle and have to just soak up another negative is just not on. It seems a good way to approach it, the outcome is this OR this, not all or nothing (no matter how much more desireable one is)
That said I'm still hoping your running shoes are hanging up for a while.
that's a great idea - and I'm glad you're excited about both possibilitiies. And you won't die, by the way! A half marathon is a great distance. Just train slow and steady and you'll be fine!
Running is so cathartic.
Mo
I really hope you won't be running that half marathon this year. . .
I think focusing on you is a good thing right now. Great idea.
Wow that is a long run. I have always hated running so I am very impressed by you. I do hope you are unable to do it this year though.
Happy New Year!
Great idea! Though, as someone who loathes the idea of running anywhere, ever I'll be praying for your sake that IVF #3 does the trick. :) Wishing you a very Happy New Year! ((HUGS))
Love this idea. I've been thinking about a similar consolation prize, but more like a 5k fun run, less like a half marathon.
That said, like Carrie, I still hope the running shoes get hung up for a while.
Happy 2009.
I'm hoping IVF #3 works, and you won't be able to run the half marathon. :)
Love the idea, i too was contemplating something like that... still need to do more thinkin'.
Wow. I knew you had fortitude, but a half-marathon? Wow.
It's nice to be able to make something that's almost unreachable happen.
Wishing you success with both of your finish lines.
Sounds like a good plan. Running somehow makes things better. Hoping that the $70 is well spent - either now or later (but I'm really pulling for the later!).
Good luck with both (or either, I suppose)!
Happy New Year! Compared to IVF, training for a marathon will be a cinch! You will be victorious, no matter what happens!
What a wonderful idea Chicklet! I've dusted off my running shoes as well and am starting back slowly this week - I'm also plannign on training for the Soweto 21km in November if our Feb IVF does not work...
Here's to the ultimate prize - no 3 being the jackpot!!!
xxx
You are way braver than I am lady. No matter what happens in either scenario, I will be cheering you on very loudly. Here's to a new year and new successes!
*Read your comment on my post - not trying again, just pissed that the old gal is back around.
Cool. You're making me feel like a slothful fatso. I'd better go do something similar, like, um...put one foot in front of the other and walk into the kitchen to get more coffee. Not a long term distraction, but counts as exercise (I guess).
You know you're the reason I'm getting my fat lazy ass to the gym again, right?
If there is anyone who can run a half marathon, girl - it's you. You can TOTALLY do this.
And if I have to say "aw too bad, you'll have to train for a half marathon some other time..." well... I'm not going to be too upset about that either.
xx
Well that sounds like a plan!
You can train up to transfer? Really? I was told to start limiting exercise three weeks before retrieval.
Which for slothful me, was really no problem. :P
That does sound healthy though, both mentally and physically.
I think that is an awesome idea!
I have always wanted to run a race, but my fibro has kept me from being able to exercise at that level. Now that I'm on meds, I think I'll actually try this year.
Of course, I hope you'll end up doing something more low impact this year ;).
What a fantastic plan B.
Thats awesome. I just purchased my gym membership again so i can get right back to running.
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