mom: it's supposed to rain on sunday.
me: i know. i'll have to run in it.
mom: well don't push it, you don't want to get sick. so how long will it take? an hour? i don't want to get home too late. and your brothers. they have to drive even further.
me: uh, no mom. it'll take me at least 2 and a half hours to run 13.1 miles. (thinking to myself, you mean i have to speed things up just to accommodate other people's schedules, when the reason we're in santa cruz in the FIRST place is so I can run MY race?)
mom: that long?!?! well don't push it. i mean if you can't finish it, then you can't finish it.
me: (seething under my breath) mom. i. can. finish. it.
problem is, my leg/hip/groin isn't 100%. so i don't know if i have what it takes to prove her wrong. i was fine about not finishing it BEFORE she said this comment. but now, i want to run and finish even if i have to cut my damned leg off. even though i know my mom loves me and is proud of me in many many ways, i almost think she just wants this "running thing" to blow up in my face. just because it's something she can't do. something she wouldn't even conceive of doing. an accomplishment that she is in a way jealous of my having. i think in this aspect, she relishes any sign of my weakness. i hate to say that about her. but i honestly, that's how i feel.
just another reason i am going to burn in hell...thinking ill thoughts of one's perfectly wonderful mother.
16 comments:
This is too funny. My boyfriend's dad says the exact same thing to me all the time. Complete with "We are so proud of you no matter what. It's ok if you can't finish" The non-runner's of the world will never get it. This would be one of those times when mother doesn't know best. So, get out there, do your best, and kick some half marathon butt!
Haven't you heard? Momma knows best! I've seen too many runners forced to stop running because they didn't let an injury heal properly. I'm not saying don't run. I'm saying listen to your body and respect yourself. They have another Santa Cruz Half scheduled next year. And a bunch of other's before that.
All I'm saying is don't jeopardize a lifetime of running for one race.
You will make the right decision!
Damn. I was gonna be all "You can do it, girlfriend! Show that race who's boss! Kick ass and take names!"
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And then I saw Journey's comments. Those are some good points.
So I will compromise.
You know your body better than anyone. If you think you can make it, then You Can Make It!!! If you're feeling good enough to run the race, Kick Ass And Take Names!!!
You are too funny - I think bad thoughts about my perfectly wonderful mother too. Ha!
Even if you have to slow down to finish the 1/2, I know you can do it!
You know, if you finish in 2.5, that means that I'll have to finish in 2.5 just to stick with you. :)
After Disney when I told my mom I wanted to run another marathon, her response was as follows: You know Jess, there's a fine line between a hobby and an obsession.
Yeah. Who said this was a hobby?
Doubters come from all walks of life.....even mothers.
flashback. ugh..
your mom sounds like my mom.
"you mean they still have the race(s) if its raining?" "i think you should stay home, what if you get sick?"
you'd think we were 12.
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!
As the Fresh Prince said "Parents just don't understand." And, it turns out they never learn. Don't let her questions/doubt change your mindset. When I left for college, my mother said "If you fail out, you can always go to community college." My father, who rarely has anything to say to me, said after my 23:26 5K "I thought you should be faster than that" and asked what took so long at the end of the marathon.
If your leg hurts during the race, walk through water stations and get 45-60 secs of rest - this will help in the long run, in my opinion.
I say nurse your injury and run as slowly as possible so they all have to stay FAR longer than the hour they were planning on!
Don't worry - I also am surrounded by non-runners in my life and none of them get it. You'll kick ass.
Your post made me chuckle! Maybe your mom just doesn't get it! hehehe
Hilarious!
What do you think your mom's reaction will be when you cross the finish line? For that matter, what will YOUR reaction be? Are you going to shed some tears?
It's so cool how our circle of bloggers are all running a half marathon in the next few weeks.
Of course your Mom has no idea why you run or why you would ever consider running in the rain. Next time, don't try to get her tied up with the details that she can't appreicate anyway. Just tell her you're going out for a run and will be home before now+2.5 hours.
I never tell my wife how far I'm running. Telling her I'll be back in 3 hours just sounds better than telling her I'm out for an 18 mile jaunt.
Maybe she's just worried about you. Only freaks like us think it's normal to run 13.1 miles.
Oh HELL to the no. You now have a point to prove. It's all principle. Go out there and kick some ass. ;)
I'll be cheering for you from afar!!
I've heard those same words from my husband! Crazy! You'd think those closest to us would be more supportive.
Kick some butt! :)
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