Only 53 weeks until the Umstead Marathon!
I hope to actually be healthy and well trained by then.
The one next week I am sitting out. It was not an easy decision to make, because Umstead Marathon is my absolute favorite race. Shannon and I have run it 6 times (out of 8). If I only did one race a year, that would be it.
But my desire for wooden animal plaques and awesome pint glasses has been eclipsed by a desire to be healthy. So no more running-myself-into-the-ground race reports for while.
But I am not going to be missing Umstead, because I will be there volunteering. I'll be on one of those mobile-aid-station bicycles, doling out water, Gu, salt, and taunting insults. It might actually be more fun than running it.
My bike has lots of storage space, so if anybody has any special items you would like me to stock, let me know. See ya all out there!
What? Not running Umstead! Anthony, say it isn't so! Is this just your version of the ultimate I-doubt-I'll-be-well-enough-to-run-the-race pre-race post? Guess I'll find out on race day.
ReplyDeleteAny chance you'll be carrying boiled potatoes with you on your bike?
Nope, I have officially dropped out of the Umstead Marathon and the Umstead 100 too. I simply have run out of ways to write the "I ran until I hurt myself" race reports. 26 miles is really far, and I am just not in that kind of shape right now.
DeleteI'm really looking forward to volunteering though.
And I will have boiled potatoes! Red skin? White? Small ones? Big ones? Skin on them or off? Salt? Pepper?
Dude, I wouldn't dream of actually requesting that you carry peeled, boiled new potatoes seasoned with a bit of salt for me during the race. No way. Just seeing you ride by with an encouraging smile on your face will be enough for me! :)
DeleteThat is truly sad, Anthony! If you do change your mind and decide to run it, I have a whole library of creative "ran until I hurt myself" anecdotes in my quiver that I will gladly loan you for your report. Besides, who says you have to be in shape for a marathon? Wait, never mind that last sentence...
ReplyDeleteTotally understandable though. I'm glad you will be out there on your bike. My only request is that you give me a lift back up Wheels Fell Off Hill on your bike. ;-)
So, are you going to be volunteering at the Umstead 100 as well?
I think you'll have a blast volunteering, and this is a great opportunity to "give back (hate that phrase)" to your favorite race.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I'll need a fresh water bottle at mile 16.
You got it! When you get to mile 16, wait there for me. I should be there between 11am and 9pm. Bring a headlamp in case it gets dark. And $2 for the water.
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ReplyDeleteWait, does your bike still have those crazy cranks? Maybe the volunteer report will be the debut of the "I helped until I hurt myself" race report. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteHa! Your prediction may come true! Yes, I still have those crazy(or stupid) cranks, and I am actually worried about it. I am used to riding with them now, but starting and stopping is still really difficult, especially on hills. I'll make sure to count how many times I fall over
DeleteBummer to hear about the injury status, but it will be so encouraging to see you riding out there! Thanks so much for volunteering. Hope you heal well and I'll look forward to seeing you guys on Sat!
ReplyDeleteIt will be good to see you out there! And I totally get it. I haven't registered for any more races this year on account of Uwharrie. So after Umstead, it's a month or two of soul-searching before signing up for more.
ReplyDeleteIf it makes you feel any better, and I doubt it will, because let's face it, why would it...I'm still hurt too.
ReplyDeleteAhh, sorry to hear about you dropping out. All the best for the recovery, looking forward to seeing you out on your bike. Hoping that my piriformis won't be too bad of a pain in the ass. If I'm curled up in pain on Cedar Ridge feel free to put me out of my misery.
ReplyDeleteHeiko