Have you gone through a new year and think “I have actually not even really said what my plan is for the year.” This feels strange even typing. I am a BIG planner, everyone who knows me well knows this, yet for some reason, I actually like the idea of going with the flow a little…..well, we will see how I actually handle it, but right now, it seems like the right thing to do.
Back when I was trying to get onto the GB team, I knew that there is only a very small chance I would be selected. There were too many women faster and more experienced on the world stage than I am, but I wanted to give myself the absolute best chance to show them that I am ready by the time the selection committee make their decision on March 7, 2016.
Yes.
The final team is decided only 15 days before the race.
Yes.
That did bother me.
But,
I started off the race with the thought that if I was not selected that year, I WOULD keep trying, and eventually I WOULD get that vest/jersey in my hands. This is not my final chance, its just the first time I have really seen it close enough to chase it down.
So what if I am not selected?
Surely we need to have a backup, and we do.
If I am not selected to run for Great Britain that year, we will make some changes to my plan, and I will race London Marathon on April 24th.
That did not leave me much time to prepare as a marathoner, BUT by working on my speed last segment, but keeping the mileage and long runs going, I will be able to train for the half while still building enough of a base to just put some final pieces in place before the race.
I understand this will mean that I am risking not being in as great shape as I could be for London, but I would rather get to the line healthy, knowing that I have shown the Great Britain selection committee that I am prepared to do whatever I need to in order for me to run for them.
This past half marathon segment proved that the speed work was just what I needed, and I believe I have enough of a base that we can make that transition if need be.
There will be other opportunities, and actually with the commonwealth games coming in a few years, in theory, I could run for England, Scotland or Wales (based on my heritage), which gives me more options, but Steve and I have decided this is the right thing to do.
Before someone asks if you can do both?
Not really.
In the qualifying document, it basically says that if you are definitely doing London, you will not be selected for the world half marathon team…..because at that point you will be well into your marathon training.
As I am not yet sure which English runners are running the London marathon, I don’t really know much.
I wanted to share this with you today, as an update to my situation as many of you have asked, but also to show you that even for elites, who get to chose which races they can do, we are very lucky in the way we do not have to go into a lottery for entry of a race, or plan years in advance to run the Boston marathon, but we are kept waiting a lot of the time.
We do have to prepare for the unexpected, and this is a lesson to us all, to let life unfold for us the way it was meant to, and do your best to just be.
Last year I let myself just be in my races. Just focusing on running hard, and letting the result take care of itself. It was one of my best choices, and this year, I intend on applying that same principle to the rest of my life, and I encourage you to also.
What have you had to wait for in your running life?
Fed up of feeling crappy?
Journaling helped me cope with my running injuries, amenorrhea, and journey to get pregnant to feel more confident than ever.
I explain how to use journals to not feel so alone, and share a page of my actual journal with you!
 Unfold. You Will Get the Rewards){kind=link}
20 Comments.
Good luck. Although the system doesn’t appear fair and doesn’t give athletes the best chance to succeed
You know I will be rooting for you no matter what. I have to say that I love your positive attitude and I definitely intend on being as positive as possible about my training, working hard, and letting the rest unfold as it should. Here’s to a great 2016 for us both!
(((Sending you lucky thoughts))) As always this is so wise for running and so wise for life. Lately I’ve repeatedly realized how unprepared I am for the unexpected.
Best of luck. You have the best possible team behind you, and you will do what you need to do to get where you want to get. Great faith!
Oooh I am really rooting for you!! I’d love you to represent GB obviously 😀 But London is a fantastic race as well. I hope to run it next year (providing I still get a good for age again this year).
Tina! I love that you are putting yourself out there to chase your dream! So inspiring. I hope they pick you!
I will be cheering for you and love to hear about your progress! Go get em girlfriend
Crossing all my fingers for you, Tina! I really, really hope you will get selected.
Hurrah for letting things come as they will and not over planning! I hope you get selected, Tina. Good luck!
Good luck, I know you can do it! I’m a big planner too and it has to be hard to just put everything into it and let go of everything that is beyond your control.
Good luck! Excited to see how the journey unfolds! I’ve currently been waiting for my legs (mostly right knee) to be well enough to run again. I recently had surgery and while I can still run every once in awhile and face only minor issues, I know that if I run more frequently, I WILL get re-injured. So LOTS of cross training until I can amp up my mileage.
Best of luck, Tina! I’ll be cheering you on no matter which one you run, and I know either way you’re going to have a success spring race. Your approach to just let yourself be in training and races and enjoying the hard work and what comes with it has really inspired my approach to running this year. So excited for what 2016 has in store for you!
I’m cheering you on! It is so refreshing to read from an elite who struggles with similar situations as we mere mortals do such as waiting and wondering…I’m still waiting for my perfect marathon race to finally qualify for Boston…This is why I love what you say so much, “. Just focusing on running hard, and letting the result take care of itself” Ill just focus on giving each and every day my best and let the rest take care of itself.
Good luck! I know it will all work out for you either way, but I definitely hope you get a chance to represent Great Britain!
Yikes, I can’t even imagine figuring out if you’re going to run a major event like that just fifteen days before the race itself. I hope everything works out for you and that you’re able to race the half marathon! Whatever happens, I’m sure you’ll kick some serious butt. 🙂
Thanks for the update…I’m so excited to follow your journey the next few months!
I’m waiting for the next two weeks until I miiight be able to take this boot off and start running again. Just enough to keep the Boston dream alive.
I love that you are going for your dreams! Whatever is meant to be will be – but I hope, hope, hope that they pick you!!!
Love reading your progress and hard work. So inspiring!!
I love that you are going for it, and know you will do whatever it takes. GB would be lucky to have you represent them, but if that doesn’t happen going back to London will be super exciting too.
Best of luck and fingers crossed for you 🙂
I’ve been busy and behind in my blog reading but want you to know I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you to be selected. You deserve it!!