Saturday, November 7, 2009

Running or Racing?

On Halloween, my 13 year old daughter's XC season ended. It was a successful season for her and you can best figure that out since she has been talking about continuing running. Her team doesn't practice anymore and there were some local events (road and XC) I thought she was considering. I came home from work one night a few days ago and this conversation was held around the kitchen table:

Rockstar: Are you looking to race this weekend? There is a 4k XC race on Saturday.

Daughter#1: I don't think so. Why?

Rockstar: Because if you race that race it will make me adjust my plans. I hope to do a half marathon on Saturday.

Mrs.Rockstar: You're running a half marathon? I didn't know that. Where?

Daughter#1: You're racing this weekend?

Rockstar: I just expect to run up and down the Bethpage trail until I get 13.1 miles done. If you are racing I'll go in the afternoon after your sister's soccer game. If not, I'll go in the morning.

Daughter#1 (rolling her eyes): Dad, there is a big difference between running and racing.




This morning, I ran 13.1 miles. Even though it wasn't a race, this was the second fastest that I've ever run this distance (yes, I know I'm slow and I only have finished a handful of half marathons but second fastest is still second fastest).

Maybe there isn't that much of a difference between running and racing? In that case, I won!

Where's the trophy? No trophy? Then again, maybe there is a difference.

5 comments:

Mel-2nd Chances said...

there's not much of a difference for me either... but kudos to you for doing it, that's what matters, right?!

X-Country2 said...

Oh I spent many weekends this summer hosting races with just me. I always won!

Denise said...

You don't need a trophy to mark a big accomplishment! It's a big deal what you did, be proud!!

JAllgood said...

Running, racing...there's a difference? Wow! It's all the same to me, but I'm new to this. It's always wonderful when you see an improvement. Be proud, and keep at it!

Jess said...

Haha I tend to think there's a difference between running and racing....racing has some kind of fanfare usually...running doesn't. That's the biggest distinction in my mind.