On My Way!



It's here, it's finally here! Tomorrow I will be on my way to Big Sur California!  For those of you who don't know, Big Sur is part of the B2B challenge ( Boston 2 Big Sur).

 Last year I was so excited to go out to California to run the Big Sur Marathon after running Boston to complete this challenge. Even though I didn't run Boston again this year,  I am heading out to Big Sur again for round two but with slightly different feelings. 

I remember running the course last year and saying to myself well I can check this off my bucket list for a one and done. I didn't have a desire to come back. Although the scenery was beautiful it was by far the hardest course I had ever run. How could this be when I even ran Boston? 

But when registration opened for 2014, my feelings changed. Like many other races if you don't sign up the day it opens (like the disney challenges), you miss out. I remember talking my sister into going out with me to run it. She agreed. I thought to myself well maybe it won't be so bad this time because we can conquer the hills together. But more importantly we would be doing it for the experience. So I began to get excited about this race again. I had already committed to the Shamrock full marathon in March and I knew that would be the race I would try and run for time, since I'd be running by myself. The Big Sur would be more relaxed and no pressure running with my sister.
 

Since then, things have changed and I'm beginning to think that those hill sound like too much now and a part of me thought I don't even know if I want to do this again.  Maybe I'm just being lazy, I don't know.

So now, like the Shamrock I will be running this race by myself. What do I do? Do I race it and see if I can beat my time from last year?(3:51). Or do I just enjoy the scenary and the race itself and still not worry about time. I feel like you are the only one that puts pressure on yourself. Because I'm running by myself,  I think "I better do well". But at the end of the day does it really matter what the heck my time is? It's not like I'm going to win. I feel as if my only goal is to just enjoy myself.  If you put too much pressure on yourself it definitly takes the fun out of it. And isn't that why we all do it?

So here I am AGAIN, talking about time ( I know, I know). If I beat my time from last year, great! If not, I'm sure it'll be within miniutes and that's just fine by me. For me it's consistency.

 
What are your thoughts?
~L

If you don't already, you can follow along with us on twitter @fairytalesnfit  and @lacers02

36 comments:

  1. If you are unsure now, maybe don't make a decision until race day. If you happen to be feeling great and want to go for a new PR, then go for it! If not, then just enjoy the scenery :0) (actually enjoy that scenery no matter what because it is gorgeous)! I can't wait to run Big Sur for the first time next year - I LOVE that part of California!

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    1. Also, best of luck this weekend and have a blast! I'll be cheering you on!

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  2. Thanks! Yes, I will be enjoying the scenery no matter what my pace my be. I don't ever bring my phone during races, except for this race. It is too beautiful not to. Maybe we will see you there next year, although our calendar is filling up quickly.

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  3. This looks like such a beautiful race! It definitely makes sense to do whatever you need to do to enjoy yourself. That is a great goal to have al by itself. I think sometimes we get so caught up in constantly improving (in all areas of life) that it's hard to fully enjoy where we are in the moment. I hope you have a great time and I can't wait to hear about it :)

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    1. Thanks! Yes I plan on enjoying myself, regardless of my time.

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  4. Good Luck this weekend Lacey! I know you will do fabulous! You always do :) Enjoy yourself, the scenery and the beauty of the race.... try not to sweat the time (I know I know,,, easier said than done :P) We will be cheering for you down here in Louisiana!

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    1. Thanks for the confidence! It should be a fun race taking great pics along the way.

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  5. I can't imagine a more scenic place to run a race than Big Sur! If you're uncertain about whether to run for time or enjoyment and its only days away, I'd opt for the enjoyment option. Trying to not focus on time is of course easier said than done, but there will be other races to closely watch your time during. Regardless of what you choose to do, I hope you have a fabulous race and I can't wait to hear all about it!

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  6. I agree with Lauren: see how you're feeling race morning and take it from there. I watched video of the course and it looks very challenging. Either way, enjoy it and kick some booty :)

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  7. Thanks. Yes, I will enjoy the race regardless of my time. Even though, races are more fun when you're are happy with your time. I just think of it as enjoying the scenery more, if it take me bit longer this year

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  8. That one seems so gorgeous, I'd probably keep stopping to take pictures and completely mess up my time. Whatever you decide, good luck and have fun!

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    1. Thanks. I will definitely be taking pics along the way. I did last year and didn't think it affected my time but much.

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  9. I sometimes make a game time decision based on how I feel in the beginning of the race. I can't wait to hear about your experience...maybe over a run in Va Beach and some brunch? :) Have fun!!! -C

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    1. Yes we will have to get together again. I can never seem to get a weekend off. This is the first one I have had since Shamrock

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  10. See what your mood is on race day, but either way make sure to enjoy the BEAUTIFUL views I know you'll have to whole time. At the end of the day you're lucky enough to be able to complete a marathon in a gorgeous setting. Good luck!! Can't wait to hear how it goes.

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    1. Yes it is gorgeous. It is probably the most beautiful course I have ever run. Let's hope the scenery distracts me from all those hills.

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  11. Go for it, set your expectations high and see what race day brings, why not! I always like to head to a race with my mind fully focused on the absolute best I can achieve, and if that doesn't happen I don't beat myself down for it. Of course, you can still aim for your goals and enjoy the beauty and scenery of it:)
    I absolutely love this marathon, its one of my favorites (yes, I even love the hills.) Good luck this weekend!

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    1. Thanks for the inspiration. However I try not to put my expectations up too high that way I don't get too disappointed in myself.

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  12. Just do what you can and enjoy the scenery! I wish I'd have thought to do B2B in the years I ran Boston. I think you'll love it!

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    1. Yes it was so fun to do the B2B last year. You got the additional medal along with a jacket that had the B2B logo on it as well. And of course for the experience. You should put it on your bucket list.

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  13. The clock... it chases us, doesn't it? Just enjoy yourself, be safe - no matter how you choose to run. You're still amazing, a minute or 2 ahead or behind :)
    Cant wait to hear about it!

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    1. Thanks. I know I need to stop looking at the time and just look at the beautiful scenery.

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  14. See how you are feeling on race morning and go from there. Do what's best for you. We all support you, regardless of your finish time! Good luck and have fun! Look forward to seeing how it went.

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    1. Thanks for the support Heather. I will let you know how it goes.

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  15. Good Luck!!!! You will rock it regardless! I say you should just run it for you!!!!!! :)

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  16. Big Sur is a dream race....don't worry about time! Go have fun and enjoy incredible scenery, knowing many would want to be in your shoes. GOOD LUCK!!!

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    1. Thanks. Yes I need to keep reminding myself that some people would love to be there while im tackling those hills.

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  17. Ahhh good luck! Look forward to reading about it. This one is def on my bucket list (although not sure the full) :)

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    1. Thanks. You should definitely do it. There are many race lengths during that weekend which makes it so nice.

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  18. Big Sur is one of my DREAM races! I would love to run it someday. I will have to start saving $$$ for the airfare though! Maybe in a few years my hubby and I could go to CA for vaycay and I could run the race. Lots of luck and ENJOY!

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    1. Thanks. Definitely on a bucket list. Wish I had more time out there to enjoy a vacay afterwards.

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  19. You're so speedy, you'll do great either way! My vote would be to just take it slow, turn off your watch and enjoy the scenery. Stop for lots of photos and maybe even find someone who needs some encouragement and help them finish strong. Good luck whichever approach you choose!!

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    1. Thanks. Although I don't think I could ever run a race without my gps. Especially running by myself. I remember last year running beside a guy and he said we are doing good we keep this pace we will be at the four hour. I thought to myself well I better speed up because I thought I was going faster than that...lol. Either way I will still enjoy myself and take pics.

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  20. The fact that you are running Big Sur for the second time is awesome in itself! No matter what time you finish, it will be a big accomplishment no matter what! I hope you have a great race!

    By the way, just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for the Liebster Award in my last blog post!

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    1. Thanks, I hope to have a great race! And thanks for nominated us. I will check it out. Yes I do feel very fortunate running the race for the second time when it's such a hard race to even get into.

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