Yes, I Am A Quitter. (Bowing out--I think--of the Fuji 5Lakes Ultramarathon)

in running •  7 years ago  (edited)

I have been putting off making this somewhat humbling announcement for awhile now, but feel the need to "come clean" today.

After announcing my intentions to run my first full marathon here on Steemit, and accomplishing this goal, I felt a kind of hollow spot and wanted to get on to the next "exciting goal" as quickly as possible. I immediately signed up for the FUJI 5LAKES ULTRAMARATHON, a 73 mile race around beautiful Mt. Fuji and its several lakes.


As it turns out, however, this winter has been a real bear for me personally, and I did not meet my training goals. I was busy with family obligations, sick, in the midst of a move, buried in government paperwork, or "snowed in" much of the time. I also am not sure I can cover the decidedly not-cheap travel expenses right now.

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Can I get a flag that says "QUITTER," for the FUJI 5LAKES race???


I could have trained more. I just didn't. I think I was a bit overzealous in signing up, as well. I didn't feel this one "from the heart" as much as I did the impetus to sign up for and run the Niigata City Marathon in October. This time felt a little, well...forced.

I am going to continue running for pleasure, and may indeed sign up for another race later, but for now, I need to forgive myself, cut my losses, and be realistic about where I am at. I don't feel like destroying my body to hurriedly prepare for such a beautiful and long race.

For those that have supported my FUJI 5LAKES ULTRAMARATHON training series, I thank you sincerely.

I got the first race done, but this one just ain't gonna happen.

Well, I say that now, but maybe I'll get super pissed off in these next few weeks and go and do it anyway. In case I don't, however, I wanted to put this post out there for all who have supported me with their upvotes and curation on this journey up until this point and say "thanks."

Even if I only continue my running for pleasure, I'll be sure to post those random runner's high revelations here on the platform.

Thanks again for all your support.

~KafkA

!


Graham Smith is a Voluntaryist activist, creator, and peaceful parent residing in Niigata City, Japan. Graham runs the "Voluntary Japan" online initiative with a presence here on Steem, as well as DTube and Twitter. (Hit me up so I can stop talking about myself in the third person!)

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Preparation is everything dude.
If you ain’t ready you shouldn’t run, don’t feel bad Graham only a fool would run ‘from the heart’.
You’re still a legend in my book buddy, next time eh.
TP

Haha. Thanks my brotha!

If god closes one door, he opens the other,it is a great belief system of Indian people.You are the highest authority of your life,so go on with your own determination ,good luck.

Love your mind plasticity. It's okay to change plans. I remember you taught me this saying that goes something like "I can belive one thing today and change my mind tomorrow and that is fine". How exactly did this quote go? Maybe it was of Ralph Waldo Emerson. I was too drunk at the party last year when I visited and this thought stuck with me, in essence, but don't remember how it went exactly. 😊

Thank you man. Yes, that quote... You got the essence perfectly!

A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do. He may as well concern himself with his shadow on the wall. Speak what you think now in hard words, and to-morrow speak what to-morrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict every thing you said to-day. — 'Ah, so you shall be sure to be misunderstood.' — Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood? Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh. To be great is to be misunderstood.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance

Hope you're doing great over there across the lake brother.

There it is! Thanks man. We're well and happy here. There's going to be an addition to my family this year 🙂 Can't wait to see what life has in store for me! Consider creating another Graham Jr! 😊 I think it's a blessing regardless of the circumstances. Steem on!

You have had a hell of a lot going on, it's good to listen to your body and not push yourself, wise move in my eyes. You can always to it another time x

Thanks, @trucklife-family. :)

No shame in this man. I ran a half marathon and just realised long distance just wasn't for me and decided to stick to running for fitness. I'm still interested in following your journey :) Keep up the good work.

Cheers, @oen. Much obliged!

No shame in quitting, man. As I tell my students: it's good to know your limits, realize when you bite off too much, and don't force yourself to do something out of pride. Then, also, if you try again you'll have a head start.

Of course I could just be saying that because I also have quit on a few marathons so I know the feeling. Not the "ultra" variety, but still...

I appreciate it man. Thank you. Indeed, sometimes quitting is an essential part of progress in another direction.

There's no shame in having huge ambitions, man! One day you'll get there :)

Thanks brother.

Sometime we have to hold our few plans because of other important work but still you can participate in future.

Sometime we fall because of our injuries but don't stop after this. Try again after recover.

I wish you understand my indirect thoughts.

Thanks, @kamesh.

probably healthier not to run the ultramarathon.

Nice post, thank you for sharing, very useful. I always follow your post because your post is always interesting to read.

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