Delays and Roadblocks

That would be how I'd describe my preparation or lack thereof, for the Baltimore Half Marathon. As a result, I am woefully undertrained for this half on Saturday. However, while I am concerned, I don't really mind. The last few months have been stressful with the wedding, work, studying CFA material, moving and trying to fit in training somewhere in the middle. I'm tired and apathetic, which sucks. As a result, my running has been downright awful lately, but I have only myself to blame.

A few weeks ago I found out that my firm would not be reimbursing a fair portion of my CFA exam fees because it no longer wants people to take the exam in December, but would rather they take it in June only. They suggested I also delay taking it until June. At first, I said no, as I wanted to show them I was ready. But lately, reality has been setting in. With the wedding eating up two weeks of this month, I would have to take my books with me on the honeymoon, which was not appealing to me. I would be ready for the exam in December, but if the firm was going to let me take it in June and pay for all the associated fees, why not just postpone it, enjoy the wedding and holiday season, continue studying and have that much mroe time to really hit the ball out of the park when I sit for the exam?

Eventually, I decided that this was the best course of action. Not only will I be able to cut back on studying each week, but I won't be as stressed about the wedding and honeymoon and can devote some more energy to running again, which makes me happy. Plus, I think Annie wanted me to delay taking the exam since the firm was actually encouraging me to do it.

All this is by way of saying that while the Baltimore Half is probably not going to be my best race ever, the Richmond Half is a strong possibility. The bulk of the Fall/Winter racing season is still in front of me and I have 8 full months before the CFA now, rather than 2 months. That gives me the time I have been secretly craving to shore up my knowledge and get back to running on a regular basis.

This Saturday may be painful, but I'll make it and have a great time and for the first time in literally months not worry about getting as much studying done as possible.

Relief.