Cop-Out Plan

Last night I conceived the ultimate cop-out plan for Saturday: run with the stroller. They let you do that in this race, most don't, especially 10K's, but in this race you're allowed as long as you start in the back of the pack. When I happened upon this piece of information on the registration website I immediately imagined it as a solution to my fear of running a disappointing race.

The stroller is the perfect excuse and even allows for a certain level of accomplishment and victory: "Wow, that is a really good time for running with a stroller!" When pushing a stroller, slower times become admirable, and that IS what I'm going for right? Other people's admiration. That's the reason why I run, right? God, I hope not. But honestly, though, deep down inside it certainly is nice, when people admire your accomplishments and applaud your efforts. It feels good.

The truth is I am my harshest critic and a bad race on Saturday means my inner critic won't leave me alone, until I sign up for another 10K and better my time. Such is the life of a driven runner.

The only thing about running with the stroller is that I have to start at the WAY back of the pack, which, I don't like the idea of. Even if it is chip timing it still means I have to fight my way past all the walkers before I can even begin running, and if the mother's day race was any indicator it will not be easy. Besides I really don't want to do six miles with the stroller and my mother was really looking forward to waiting at the finish line with her granddaughter. That and my inner critic would never leave me alone for copping out.

Maybe I should just get pregnant again: any finish time when your pregnant is worthy of applause and then once you've had the baby any race after your pregnant is equally as impressive. That is up until about 6 months, which is right about now, then it is not so impressive. Who says? My inner critic.