Back to Oakland
Two months ago I wrote a blog about my last BQ attempt. In the article I listed off three options for my next Boston Marathon Qualifying attempt. Two of the options were in December of 2022 and the third option was March of 2023.
Last month I confessed that I haven’t been running due to some “Life Changing Events”. Thank you to those who weighed in on which marathon I should choose and for the many who sent kind words of encouragement.
Considering all factors, I’ve decided that my next marathon attempt will be at the Oakland Running Festival. This will give me sufficient time to adjust to my new schedule and train for success.
When I ran this race in March 2022, I ran my fastest ever full marathon. Despite several mistakes and shortcomings, I crawled across the finish line in 3 hours and 15 minutes which is five minutes shy of my BQ time. Since then, I increased my mileage and have gotten stronger. While the current hiatus will force me to rebuild from scratch, I’m thankful that it won’t be my first time on the journey so I know better what to pack (analogy).
Outside of running or lack there of, life has been good. I’ve somehow adjusted to the long hours of high intensity work. In some ways I look at it as part of marathon training. My watch says I’m still logging about 15k steps a day, most of which are speed walking or a light jog depending on the situation. This level of movement for ten to twelve hours can be taxing.
The job, like most comes with a high quantity of challenges. My primary objectives are to keep the entire warehouse flowing seamlessly while ensuring customers receive their correct orders in a timely fashion. Every once and awhile, I’m successful at it. There’s several aspects of a warehouse that all work together to achieve these goals. I conduct the operations. It reminds me of the mechanics of running. In order to achieve correct running form, there are several different muscle groups and posture corrections that all need to work together to keep the entire body moving efficiently for miles. Like the warehouse, if every part is doing their job correctly, it all happens naturally.
I’ve begun to adjust to the sleep schedule better. I wake up feeling more refreshed than when I first started. Part of that I can attribute to the time change. I’ve begun to formulate a training plan for myself that fits into my current life circumstances. Marathon training was difficult when I was working a 9-5. It was challenging when I was self employed with a more fluid schedule. Now the ask is to create a training plan factoring in a 2pm-2am work schedule while still receiving adequate sleep, nutrition, not to mention time and energy to do other things like spend time with loved ones, run a business, write…etc. I’m pretty sure that I’m my own worst customer, but I’m thankful that I’m gaining a variety of perspectives in order to better help others achieve their goals in spite of their challenges.
I look forward to returning to the Oakland Marathon. I’m wondering if they’re going to add the Bay Bridge back into the marathon course or keep the double half marathon loop that they had last year. Either way, it will be exciting.
Everyday I walk into my job with the most positive attitude I can. I assess what problems we’re facing and work towards the solutions as quickly as possible. It’s not always easy or comfortable but it’s necessary in order to achieve the objectives. Marathon running isn’t very different. Starting any run (especially a race) with the right attitude is crucial. There are often challenges or roadblocks along the way, but remembering why you’re out there helps keep you moving forward. Pain may visit along the road. Learning to calmly assess what the pain is and why it’s there in the first place can aid you in resolving it.
Focus on the problems in your life long enough to find the solution, then give that solution all of your attention. The problem isn’t going anywhere because it likes the attention you’re giving it. Choose your focus, remain optimistic and enjoy every step of your journey.
Thanks for reading. See you soon Oakland.
