Every runner reaches this decision point in their career. The entry is paid for, the flights booked, and you have told everyone about your goal. Unfortunately, your body, mind or life has challenged you to the point where you may not be able to run on race day.
iRun Makeover runner extraordinaire, Chrystal, is dealing with this situation right now. Chrystal has been a tower of strength and maintained focus over the entire Makeover despite the declining health of one of her family members and biggest supporter. Now, in the week prior to Chrystal’s goal race, her loved one is failing. Chrystal is under immense emotional pressure.
Our life goals may be put in jeopardized in three different ways:
Physical – injury and medical conditions
Confidence – the belief that you can execute your goal
Emotional – life challenges which overwhelm us on occasion exact a heavy emotional toll
In the case of physical issues, if you chose to go race, there is concern that the extreme stress of a race effort may exacerbate an ongoing injury or medical condition. It is critical to pull in as much advice from trusted medical advisors to determine the right course of action.
Confidence in your ability to finish or to hold a target pace is built by following structured training program and completing targets as required over a 3-4 month period. Each runner has an intuitive sense of whether their goals are appropriate. Reviewing logs and diaries or consulting with coaches will help you determine if you are ready to go and attack the original goal.
When life throws you a tragedy or a high-stress situation, it often has physical manifestations. There are times when you just can’t run or run fast. Each person is unique and responds to such challenges in different ways. Some may want to keep life trucking along and maintain normality and chase goals regardless of peripheral issues. Others will have to focus on the life-event at hand and let the goals go.
There is always another race out there. If you just aren’t ready to go, you can come back and run another day.
Another approach to consider is goal modification. In Chrystal’s case, it is difficult to determine how her emotional roller coaster ride has impacted her ability to deliver on race day. Despite being unable to run in the past week, her fitness has not diminished. She is feeling exhausted. The connection between emotional well being and physical performance cannot be denied. She could consider changing the goal right from the gun to one of completing an important journey and finishing the race with friends and family in support. Of course, knowing the passion and strength Chrystal has shown over 12 weeks, I put my money on a hard run from the start and a ‘let’s see what happens’ approach. Go for it Chrystal!
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We are proud of you for everything you have accomplished no matter what your decision.
Oh! Sad to hear! Thinking of you Crystal… you’ve done amazing this past 12 weeks, regardless of whether you race or not.
Chrystal, all I can see if be true to yourself and what is right for YOU on the day, whether that means running or not. Sending you all my support and so proud of what you have accomplished!
So sorry to hear about your stressful situation. In total agreement with Brock, Kaitlyn and Lauren. The journey IS the point and you’ve accomplished so much already. I know you’ll make whatever decision is best for you.
thnks to all. Mum died this morning at 7.30 after the longest night of my life. I plan to race tomorrow. My mother would have expected no less.
My deepest condolences, Chrystal. I don’t know what else to say. “Have a good race” seems trite… but do have a good race. You deserve it.
All the best to you and your family Chrystal.
All the best to you and your family Chrystal.
You showed incredible strength today Chrystal. We’re all very proud of you!
What they said. Chrystal, you are amazing.
My heartfelt condololences to you Chrystal. Unfortunately I can understand how hard this has been. I am very proud of you and hope you find the strength and support you need in your family and friends and special memories.
You are amazing Chrystal.