One of my goals this year was to run, walk or crawl a marathon, half marathon, 10k, and 5k race. I completed the half marathon and 5k earlier this year no problem. But then, I sort of lost my momentum when it came to checking the 10k and full marathon off my list.
Not because I didn’t want to do them… but because when it came down to it I just didn’t want to fork over $150 in entry fees to jog/fast walk my way to an overcrowded finish line. I’ve become a bit of a penny pincher these past few months {I’m not sure if you’ve noticed} because there is something else I really, really would rather be spending my money on these days {more about that later though}.
So I called up my neighbor The Church Lady and asked her if she wanted to walk a 10K with me. Around town. With fake racing bibs. On an ordinary friday morning.
And lucky for me, she said YES!
Every year our little town hosts a 5k and 10k Turkey Trot so I didn’t have to worry about mapping out our “race” because I knew the course well.
We had a blast fast walking around town with our fake racing bibs smiling at the bewildered onlookers who were probably wondering who the heck wears jeans, a puffy coat and carries a camera to a 10k race.
We came upon an amazing little free library in someone’s yard and stopped to look at books. The rules of a little free library dictate that for every book you take, you replace it with one of your own you are ready to pass a long.
I selected 3. Spencer’s Mountain {Goodnight John Boy!} The Things They Carried, {6 different people have told me about this book!} and The Green Thumb Book of Fruit and Vegetable Gardening. I was so giddy I almost wet my pants on the way back {it could have been the 3 cups of decaf tea I drank earlier though}.
As we were finishing up, I decided something. I AM going to do a marathon this fall. I’m just not going to pay an entry fee. Instead of doing a big race with hoards of people, I’m going to enlist some of my friends to fast walk/jog one with me around town.
Yes it’s a crazy idea. But you know what? Life is short. Create your own joy. Save a few bucks, and see what’s out there when you step outside of the box.
Have an AWESOME day everyone,
~Mavis
Find Little Free Libraries in your area.
Dina says
Check out World Run Day. It is essentially the same idea. (which I love btw)
Terri says
…and I’m sure you’ll enjoy that marathon a lot more than the real thing with hoards of people.
Kathy says
Mavis, I love your think-outside-of-the-box attitude!
Kathy says
I’ve seen several of those mini free libraries in my community in Ohio and I must say they have to be one of the best things ever! No, have not used one yet but have donated to the one around the corner from me.
Delores says
I love that idea of our own race! My kids and I walk 3 miles a couple of times a week, but I want to work up to a race. And I love the idea of our own that we can do whenever. You have great ideas!
Debbie says
Love the free library idea . I am going to check out starting one in my community.
Kari says
Absolutely brilliant!!! I might take your idea and RUN with it. (Sorry, had to do it.)
Tammy says
You are awesome, Mavis! Way to go! 🙂
Linda says
You are such an inspiration Mavis.
Pam E-P says
A happy medium is virtual races. You do them when/how/with whom you want, but still get a bib and a medal. I must admit the bling motivates me. I joined a group called Moon Joggers this year and I love it! Check it out if you want to see how this stuff works! http://www.moonjoggers.com/
All of the virtual races I’ve done have a charity component, so some of my fee is going to a good cause.
Lee Ann says
if those are photos of your town I am in awe. Simply beautiful water pic!
Henrietta says
You should invite your local readers/fans to run/walk with you!! (Hint hint)
Marcia says
Ha ha, I can relate! When I was younger (aka, 39-40) I was running. So I raced a bunch. I did a couple of half marathons, 5k’s, 10k’s, a 10 miler. And I was pretty excited because I was getting faster (but have never been FAST).
Then I got injured and switched to sprint triathlons. Did two of those before getting pregnant at 41. Then I took a break because the knee couldn’t run and the body didn’t fit into the wetsuit.
I’ve been so tempted now though! But honestly, I shouldn’t run anymore, it’s not good for me (I’m 45. The injuries!) The sprint tri, while it is easier on the body, is $400. It’s $275 for the summer training program, and it’s $150 for the entry fee. I just cannot justify that!
I’ve though about a few half marathons. But honestly, I need ones that I can walk. I’ve looked at a few, and the costs, and the speed requirements, and haven’t found one that I’m willing to pay for ($80-150), and that I can finish. Some of them close down the course too quickly for walkers.
So I would totally do what you just did. And have thought about it!
Louise says
Do it!. Train a little. Be ready not to be fast. I wish I could: my knees are 20 years older than I am!
Debbie says
Life is richer, fuller and more interesting outside the box! 🙂
Kimberly says
My university required “The Things They Carried” as required reading for every freshman English class the year I started-it was a great book-a bit gory in a few places, but definitely worth reading.
AshleyAshley says
I laughed at first at your own marathon…but I never realized the fees associated were so high. You’d be better off to start your own group if that were your thing, or do exactly what you and your gf did. Maybe do just one paid a year if it’s really a big thing for you…but wow!! The cost. Of course we all have other things we’d rather invest our money in. It’s funny how we associate cost with things that are really free – i e walking/running/biking around the neighborhood.
Chloe says
Sorry, did I miss the part where you mentioned what you are pinching pennies for? Sometimes reading on my phone…hard to see everything. 🙂
Mavis Butterfield says
Nope. I haven’t talked about it yet. 🙂 Soon though.
KC says
If you map out a marathon course, it’d probably be a good idea to include frequent caches for hydration/snacks, whether that’s a friend’s porch or some random business/organization that is happy to stow a bag under someone’s desk for part of the day (real estate office; local newspaper; church; library; etc. – even places you aren’t “affiliated with” in any way are often game to do slightly random things if asked in the furtherance of a fun, quirky scheme, as long as it’s not interfering with or competing with their reason for existence, although you’ll likely still get the occasional “no”). In my opinion, a marathon is just too long to haul all your own water for, even if you walk it all!
Or you could appoint spots via cell phone and have a minion drive your refreshments to you while you’re on the road, I suppose. Ah, modern technology…
Mavis says
I love all of these tips and suggestions. I suspect I’ll need as many snack stations as possible!
kcb says
The Things They Carried should be required reading (in my opinion). My husband spent 3 years there. The stories just made me cry.
Carrie says
Mavis can you tell me where this little library is? I tried searching on line and couldn’t find any in Gig Harbor. We recently saw one in Fircrest and my boys loved it. I would have emailed…but couldn’t figure out how on your site. Thank You!
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes. I will send you an email. 🙂