The phrase in the title of this entry is also the title of a song by Don Henley from 'The End of the Innocence' CD about 15 or so years ago. And it's been going through my head during my runs this week. The second line in the song after, "How bad do ya want it?" is, "Not bad enough!".
I took that unsolicited message in my head as a challenge regarding the marathon. I know lots of people who had unsatisfactory experiences in the Chicago marathon are signed up for other races. One of the big ones that sounds great is the Grand Rapids, Michigan race this weekend. I have scoured the calendar, and found lots of runs that look really fun. Nothing, however was calling my name.
My friend Rick aptly described my situation as "Runner's Purgatory". I was caught in the middle between feeling like I should run a marathon, because I did all the training, and the other feeling that I would rather just take it easy for a few months, and regroup in the spring.
Adding to my decision is the fact that my family is really busy right now preparing to move and to welcome a new baby. After going back and forth for weeks, however, I have finally jumped off the fence and decided to run this weekend in Chicago at the 50/50 race. This is an Ultramarathon along the lakefront starting in Hyde Park. They added a marathon distance to accomodate those runners who were left feeling like they wanted more after Chicago.
It's a small race, with only a few hundred runners. It's sold out as well, so I needed some help from a friend to get in. But it reminds me of what running is all about in the first place. I'm told they will have no mile markers along the course, and limited hydration stops (sponsored by Fleet Feet Sports). I don't expect crowds of people lining the course cheering. And the website sums it up wth the exhortation "No Whining!". No problem. I'm sure the ultramarathoners running 50 or 32 miles will set a good example for us merely running 26 miles.
It also reminds me of the first time I ran a marathon. It was a snap decision made the night before the race, with no training. I was a year removed from running college cross country at the time, so I was in pretty good shape, but the spontaneousness of it was pretty fun. I was able to avoid all the pressure and drama that comes with training for months and pointing toward the big event.
In this case, I believe my training over the summer should be sufficient to get me through it, even though I've taken it pretty easy over the last couple weeks. I will probably lower my goals a bit, but that's fine.
Another reason I want to do it is because of the fundraising I've been doing for the Respiratory Health Association. I feel like I can't accept the generous donations to the organization if I don't hold up my end of the bargain By the way, if you would like to make a donation, the deadline is 10/26. The link is: http://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=226982&lis=1&kntae226982=98F051DC3012424697860B4B25F20264&supId=14678625
If you feel like coming out to watch the run, please do. I plan to enjoy it! I hope to answer the challenge of "How bad do ya want it?", with, "Bad enough to do it!" Good luck to everyone running this or one of the many other races coming up!
Comments