Running with nothing to lose

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When I went full send for the marathon this weekend I had nothing to lose. I've given that a bit more thought. I don't think of my general outlook as either optimistic or  one of doom and gloom either. I'd like to think my perspective I am somewhere in the middle. 

So approaching the race with a nothing to lose attitude is an exceptional step. It means starting with a mental state in a position that will keep any large waves of disappointment at bay, no mater the outcome. Do I feel a little disappointed I didn't hit the huge goal? Yeah, but nothing on the scale I suspect I would if I geared myself up with higher expectations or took the big goal too seriously.

Running is a hobby. It is supposed to be fun. Hard at times, perhaps, but what's the point of hobbies if there isn't some sort of fulfillment in them? I am not mowing the lawn or washing floors as a hobby. There should be freedom to fail at hobbies. Perhaps some failures will be more expensive than others, but we won't get into that.

I think the nicest part of having nothing to lose in my running hobby is it offsets the stakes in my day job. It eases the pressures of needing to hit deadlines, sell tickets, make content, help guide and direct people. All things mind you that are not real high stakes compared with some jobs, but undoubtedly require attention and brain space.

And who am I trying to impress anyway? Well, since I brought it up it would be nice to impress my kids, at least a little bit. The kudos from my teenage son made be tear up a little (not really).  But seriously, it is always rewarding to inspire others, but not at the expense keeping this running adventure from becoming more than what it should be. 


That guy in the black coat kept me from tipping over at the end.

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