A lot of thought into whether or not to run a 5K
Usually, when I am making a “life decision,” I just follow my gut. I stick to whatever my natural inclination is.
That’s a luxury, I know – a selfish one – to be able to make decisions solely for myself.
(And unfortunately, it’s not always THAT easy. I’ve learned that the big life-changing decisions take me a LONG time to sort out)
In my gut, I knew that I really wanted to participate in the WonderGirl 5K this Saturday. Like I mentioned before, I read about the organization in a magazine, and felt like it really called out to me.
But there were a few logistical barriers: the race is about a zillion and one miles away from my home (okay, 60 miles), I would have to wake up at the crack of dawn to run it (okay, Data is waking me up that early every weekend anyway), and I would have to run it alone (okay, I’ve done that before – no biggie!).
And the big one – I felt guilty asking Steven to get out of bed that early on a Saturday, to drive me halfway across the state (slight exaggeration) and watch me run a 5K – possibly in the snow – with a bunch of young girls and families.
But you know what? I really wanted to do it, so I signed up for it first thing Monday morning, and have been excited about it ever since then.
It struck me as odd this week, that I felt so much excitement simply by signing up for this race. I usually don’t feel this excited about a race.
Yesterday, I found out there is a chapter of Girls on the Run in the county next to mine. From the content on their website, it sounds like they are just getting started.
I found myself getting excited again, imagining myself becoming a running buddy for a young girl in the program, or helping the program set up their first 5K. I was fantasizing about volunteering.
This feeling of excitement helped me get through the day.
But for some reason, I am kind of embarrassed about it.
I am kind of embarassed about being hopeful!
What a weird reaction. I am attributing it to my natural skepticism. Inside me, a voice says, “Yeah, it sounds like a really cool program. But maybe on Saturday you’ll find out it’s totally lame and a big waste of time!”
I can’t go to the race feeling that way, so I am going to continue to be excited, positive and upbeat about it. I am going to continue to look forward to it, and hope that I’ve found a good organization I may like to give some of my time to. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Themocracy
I am really sad I can’t make it this weekend. It would have been fun to do it together! If I figure out how to swing it, can I give you a call Friday night? Maybe we could ride together? If it is still possible to sign up. What time are you thinking of leaving? What time do you think you’ll be back? I really really want to do this, can you tell?
I don’t think I have ever done a race in the cold…what do you wear? (I am such a girl wondering about that!)
YAY for you deciding to run the marathon!!! isn’t it funny what embarrasses us?? i was thinking about something last week and got really embarrassed and then thought, why am i embarrassed about that of all things??
keep the good attitude, see how things go, and if you decide you want to volunteer, give it a try!!!
=^..^=
Wahoo – get excited 🙂 It sounds like it will be fun!
That’s an awesome feeling! Being hopeful is sometimes hard work but it’s worth it. It helps shape your perspective so you can see good rather than bad. And volunteering is a great to keep that hope alive. (So says the volunteer coordinator though I was in no way paid to give you that information.)
😉
I think Girls on the Run is an amazing organization. Well worth an early-morning, 60-mile drive (and so much more)!!!
i continue to be super impressed by your drive. i mean, running a 5k in general? YOWZA. getting up at dawn and driving 60 mi to run a 5k!??! UBERYOWZA 🙂
Oh God, I LOVE feeling hopeful but also totally understand that embarrassment. I usually have to just shake it off and move forward even if there is an eventual disappointment.
Yay you for deciding to race, btw!
tori – I sent you an email with the details. Let me know if you figure something out! I would love to go with you.
CourtneyInControl – So you were embarrassed about something as goofy as me? I feel relived now 😛
suze – It’s gonna be!
sizzle – You’re right though. Letting myself be excited and hopeful makes me have a happier outlook overall.
Nilsa – Have you done some work with them? I am so excited to learn more about the organization!
Alice – Thanks! Your “uberyowza” totally cracked me up!
Hilly – Maybe I am trying not to be hopeful to avoid disappointment? That’s silly. 🙂
I’m excited for you! Have a great race. One of E’s friends volunteers for a similar program…might even be the same one…I am seeing her tomorrow night so I will be sure to ask about it!
diane – Thanks! Let me know if that is the one! I would love to hear more about the program, or if there is a similar program that I may like!
Ok, I know that you have already ran the race (I am trying to comment in chrono order but I read everything already LOL)!!!
I think it is awesome that you are involved and just think he got to get up early to drive you that far and run too 🙂
Felicia – Thanks 🙂 I am using doing these things just to get exercise, but I really care about this one.