Daily Chatter

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

The wait is over

There are times when we set goals that are lofty.  The times when we really feel like we are ready to venture into a brand new level of challenging ourselves.  That is the place I found myself this year when I registered for the
Massanutten Mountain Trails 100

I felt like this new challenge was simply mine for the taking.  I was nervous but ready to push past that place where others stopped.  I wanted to see just how well I could suffer and still loved at the end.
Today I accept that I will not get to christen my 100 mile adventure in Massanutten.


#14 is as close as I got.   And while there wasn't anything I could have done
and believe I would have done nearly anything
to insure that I got it, I am sadden that all my planning will not result in my maiden 100 mile adventure happening as I celebrate my 2 year streak-iversary. 

But my drive to challenge myself is not dampened by a few tears.  Isn't that part of the reward?  The struggle to arrive at the finish line doesn't begin at the start line.  It begins that first moment when we think we can.  That first time I thought that I could go a little farther.  The moment when I told myself that I could finish a 100 mile trail race.  That is when I starting moving towards that finish line. 

And even though my trail just got a little longer, I will keep moving forward until I cross that finish line where ever it happens to be.

27 comments:

  1. So bummed for you. I know how much you wanted this. Have faith that there is a reason this 100 mile race won't be your first. You'll get to that start line.

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    1. Thanks. I'm already looking for other races to keep my training up and another 100 mile that fits what I want my first to be. It will happen when it's right.

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  2. The race doesn't happen for 10 more days...is there NO chance at this point..?

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    1. Nope. They closed the entrants list today. I'll get a bump up status for next year if I go to the wait list again. (If you stay on the wait list and do not get in then the next year you move closer to the top of the list since you already did time the year before.) I really thought I would make it in this year. Too many runners stuck with it. Good for them but not so great for me.

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  3. I'm sorry Shelly. Sounds like you are focusing on the right attitude - keep moving forward! That's all we can do. One step at a time.

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    1. Thanks. I'm keeping busy making new plans. I'll share them once I get them concreted.

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  4. Bummer! I'm sorry. Glad you have such a good attitude about it. Fingers crossed the next one works out for you.

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  5. I'm so sad for you! So sorry :(. Is there a backup?

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    1. Thanks. I am working on Plan B. I have a couple options. I just have to make our summer/fall schedule work with whatever racing plans I figure out. I'll keep everyone posted.

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  6. Ugh! So darn close! The right one will happen at the right time...

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    1. I knew that if it was meant to be I would get in. The way I am looking at it is that I just wasn't to run MMT this year. I'm sure to get in next year and make it my second 100.

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  7. Oh man, that stinks! Come to Annapolis next month for the Endless Summer 6 hour run. I'm volunteering and it's going to be a good time. It's not a 100 miles, but it's still all ultra people. :)

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    1. There are a few options in June of races and with summer comes a busy family schedule but I'm googling it now to see if I can make it work. Thanks for the heads up!

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  8. Oh bummer, I'm sorry! I know that was painful....at least you aren't Quinn though, right?? :)

    There's lots of 100ers here in Colorado; if you choose to come out here to run one, you can stay with me, I'll pace you and crew you and it'll be fun!!

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    1. Thanks Jill! I wish I could fly west. I'll have to sell it to hubbs that he wouldn't have to have the worry of crewing for me that way. One day we will get to race together one way or another!

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  9. Shelly, I'm so sorry you didn't get in. Dang! Lots of good suggestions above. You're a darn good runner, you'll get it!

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    1. Larry Thanks. I was pretty bummed for about a minute but I have learned that pity parties are not well attended and I'd rather spend the time making new plans than crying over unsuccessful ones. Next year I'll get MMT. Any suggestions for a trail 100 this year in PA, MD or VA? I've got a bunch of 50k, 50 mile options to keep my training up. I had one suggestion of a 70+ mile trail race that sounded interesting and a WV 3 day race that I'd love to see if I could handle. So as you can see I'm open to any ideas. Thanks again!

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  10. Shelly, you can come to Ohio and run Burning River 100 in July, great race and beautiful scenery. http://burningriver100.org/

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  11. Sorry Shelly, but there are many you can choose from and plan for. Your time will come sooner than later.

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  12. Alright, well, guess I'll put on my big girl panties and take your lead on this. Positive thoughts, plan B and big things in the works. Good for you. I was hopeful. Maybe the timing will be better later. Life changes first, then running goals next.

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    1. I already am eyeing a 71 mile race that looks like a nice challenge and a Megahike event that has some serious climbing for fall and several 50ks and maybe another 50 miler so at least I will stay in 100 mile shape while I figure out which race to aim for.

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  13. I started feeling sad for you until you gave me a kick in the butt and pointed out that this is indeed a small step in the journey to success. Although I feel it should have been reversed....me saying words of wisdom to cheer you up....and I was holding my breath waiting to find out what the conclusion was.

    You are still going to have an awesome 2-year streak anniversary....I know you are going to celebrate with an awesome run one way or another!

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    1. Thanks. I doubt my streaking anniversary weekend will live up to the dream I had for it but maybe I can scramble and get something worked out. Either way I'll find a great race for my maiden 100 adventure.

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  14. Well, not the desired outcome but at least you know. :o( I always try to go back to "everything happens for a reason". I know its an old and tired saying but I actually believe it and try to focus on that when things don't go my way. Hugs!

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  15. So sorry you didn't get in. It's got to be heart-rending, being so close. That said, this frustration, this disappointment will only stoke the fire and you'll REALLY WANT that 100 miler. And that burning desire is a must.

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