To Baltimore, Reluctantly

I'm going to try to write a paper today, so I'm try to briefly journal before getting to my main project.

The story of my life this fall is about how the best-laid plans fall apart. I entered graduate school--a goal I've had for 19 years--and am taking 6 credits of grad classes, more than I've ever taken on before. I applied to three programs (2 MBA programs, one master's in management) and was accepted into all three. I decided to enter the master's in management program because it would mean less time to degree, but the opportunity cost was the logistical difficulties of commuting to class. In contrast, the MBA programs offered a great deal of logistical convenience, but the opportunity cost was a 4-5 year time to degree (assuming summers off for triathlon and some R&R). In the end, however, I was reluctant to sign on to a 4-5 year project.

Although I never said anything on my graduate admissions essay, I read the program's brochures and the web site and envisioned myself specializing in marketing, as marketing and communications are related disciplines. Imagine my surprise when, 30 days later, the graduate catalog was revised and the marketing specialization disappeared. When I asked about it, I was told that it was being phased out and I would be unable to specialize in marketing. What a bitter disappointment.

Should I try to talk with someone to see if an exception can be made? Are any of the other specializations even relevant? Or, should I just live with in and do an "individualized specialization" or the eclectic approach? Should I reapply to my second-choice MBA program, knowing that my classes would likely not transfer? What about math demands of the program, given my tenuous relationship with X and Y? Should I apply to an online school and enjoy the greater convenience, with a less prestigious degree? These are just a few of the questions going through my mind. For right now, I'm trying to get through the semester and then think about the best option.

The half marathon is another case of great plans falling apart. I had a wonderful tri season last summer and felt stronger than before and invincible. But when I did the final Baltimore marathon supported course run, I could barely run 10 miles. In the final mile or so, my left leg started hurting and I found it difficult to keep running. What's with that? Did the hills sap my strength? It was only after I went into the taper and my left leg hurt after 7 miles that it dawned on me: ITB friction syndrome. And only then did I remember all of those 9, 10, and 11 mile runs without any problem.

So, I'm not ready to run the race I planned to run. In fact, the only reason that I'm going to Baltimore at all is because my husband is going to run the marathon. My husband, who scolded me before my first triathlon that I was "overly worried" is now extremely preoccupied with his marathon.

The one good thing is that I suddenly found my favorite running book under my nightstand right before the race, John Bingham's "Marathoning for Mortals." Bingham encourages us to set our own goals, strategies, and objectives (although I find these somewhat confusing).

My goal now is simply to complete the race.

Plan A--The "blessed by the gods" strategy is to PR in the race. This was my original goal.

Plan B--To run the entire race without stopping.

Plan C--To run 10 miles and then to adopt and walk/run ratio that will get me to the finish line.

Ideally, I'll start out slow and keep a good, but steady pace. My strategy on the hills will be as Coach Jenny explains is to run them mindfully, using the same effort level as I go up the hill, even though it may mean a slower pace. I want to run faster around Lake Montebello, which is two miles of flat land, to make up for the slowness on the hills. After that, my strategy will be to keep running to the finish line.

Later today, I'll go get a ITB strap, which might help reduce some of the friction. I'll pin my race number to my shirt and then wear my race belt. This way, I can take a few tylenol and also some snack bags for my implant processor in the event that it gets really wet. I'll also get some trash bags, as there is a 50% chance of showers when the marathoners take off. I'm planning to wear my "dress up" :) shorts, and last year's race shirt. I'll also wear my yellow bike jacket (or maybe another windbreaker) just to keep the rain off a little bit. It will be fairly warm, and the chance of showers decreases as the morning goes on. I'll bring some of my textbooks to read while Tim finishes the marathon, and I can take shelter in Pickles Pub and maybe figure out a few other nearby haunts.