Today marks the third time I have attended the Denver Rock’n’Roll Marathon. Except this year, I was purely a spectator.
I’ll be honest and say I was nervous about what kind of emotions would spring up today. Two years ago, Joey and I ran the half together and it went amazingly well. One year ago, I did the half and Joey did his first full. I was crazy proud of us both, but as the day progressed I started to feel kind of upset and didn’t understand why. Then I basically had a full on meltdown about it at the end of that day. I think it was a combination of feeling like my half was overshadowed by Joey’s full. In my mind, at least. And feeling like I had pushed myself into doing to race just because Joey was. Oh, and I may have been slightly tired. In short, last year just didn’t live up to the greatness and perfection of the year before and despite knowing that I shouldn’t feel disappointed, I did.
Waving to his adoring fans.
Watching those marathoners finish is always so inspiring!
When Joey decided to go for the full again this year, I followed my heart and didn’t sign up at all. As it turns out, being a spectator is awesome! I got to do all the fun parts of the race, i.e. attending the expo, being at the race, taking post race pictures and snagging post race freebies, but I didn’t have to put in any of the hard work. Like I said, awesome!
Hannah and I enjoying some hot pink energy drink shots at the expo.
Now, I’ve given Joey an ice bath and put him to bed for a “nap,” that will probably last until I wake him up for dinner. I’m feeling totally at ease with my decision to sit this one out. Especially after seeing Joey limp all the way to the car and come home to pop the blisters on his feet. Yikes.
