Actually asking myself that very question & not sure I can ?
I have battled through 3 editions of the Bratahy 10 in 10 (10 marathons in 10 days) & have had 26 fantastic days in the Lake District meeting some amazing people & life long friends along the way.
The problem I have is those final 4 days in May of this year, I have been offered a place for the 2012 edition of the 10 in 10, bt the problem is not sure I still have the mental capacity to get it done ?
When I think back, I feel proud of myself for battling through that final 4 days but the thought of putting myself through it again frankly scares me to death, why would I want to hammer my body like that again, what do I have to prove - nothing to myself that's for sure.
I'm enjoying my running at the moment but I'm not running marathons these days, in the past 5 days I have really enjoyed 2 x 5km races & winning my clubs 3.5 mile handicap in a PB time on Thursday. The thought of running 26.2 miles in such warm weather really does not appeal.
For alot of folks the 10 in 10 is a once in a lifetime event & if my first one had gone the way of my third one that would have been true for me too & I'm happy that I've got round 3 times but think now is the time to say goodbye to such a fantastic event ?
The problem I have is the the quest for history, I've never really achieved anything substantial running wise & whilst not one to go chasing records (I certainly can't from a time perspective - a 3.09 marathon PB puts me somewhere in the middle of the pack I would guess ?) only one person has ever completed 4 in a row & I would still like to add my name to a very exclusive list containing the name of just one person "The Godfather" - "Sir" Steve Edwards.
I really am torn at this moment, If I had to make a decision at this moment in time I would wish the other 18 well on their epic challenge & bid a fantastic event farewell.
I don't want to rush a decision & have to say whilst sad to see Rosemary have to pull out Matt "Emdee" Dunn's elevation into the team did give me a lift a couple of days back.
This madness is killing me mentally :(
Foxy
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Foxy - don't be so silly. You certainly do have the mental capacity to do it, and the physical ability. You sell yourself far too short - you are a 10in10 legend already and a great performer. Of course during the 10in10 you can always get injured and then it becomes hell. But look at what you did - you still ran excellent second halves even after tough first halves.
ReplyDeleteWhy not enjoy a summer and autumn of running just for pleasure and set a date for starting 10in10 training towards the end of the year. So you feel like you have a plan rather than the prospect of the event overwhelming your thoughts all the time. You can then forget about it for a while - with confidence and a clear conscience.
Chris
I fully agree with Chris, you accomplish so much. The physical and mental strength you have proven over and over again you posess. Thinking this through is only going to consume your thoughts. Take a breath, know that you can do this once again, I have all of the faith in the world in you.
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