Ok - so a few months back, my friend Christian sent out an e-mail about a Yosemite trip in late spring. Being one of my favorite places to visit in the world, I of course told him undoubtedly and unequivocably that I was in. The last time I was there was back in August of 2004 - I am definitely due.
Then I forgot all about it.
Flash forward to a few days ago. As many of you know, I officially signed up for the SD RnR Marathon which runs on May 31st. I was all gung-ho for it, printed out my new training calendar for the Pfitz 12/55 plan to start early March, and looking forward to seeing all of my blogging and Runner's World friends that weekend.
Problem? My friend reminded me about the Yosemite trip - the dates? May 28 - June 1st. Ugh!!!
So therein lies my dilemna. I don't know what to do. I obviously have the option of running several different marathons throughout the year - but not many opportunities to visit Yosemite, since camping/lodging sites are in high demand. Therefore, you need to make reservations well ahead of time (we did this last June, so you understand how I could have forgotten).
Problem is, I already paid for San Diego and saw on the website that it is non-refundable/transferable. So if I choose Yosemite, I'm out almost $100.
I need your help - please weigh in. Should I go to:
a) Yosemite with my dear friends
-or-
b) The San Diego Marathon with my running friends?
Anyone see a secret option 'c' in there anywhere??
25 comments:
i vote A, but then again, the last time I ran for enjoyment, it was to get up front at a Bruce Springsteen concert...
Burger--- there's always another marathon ;) . i would vote for the trip with friends
Dude, YOSEMITE that time of year is beautiful and to enjoy it with 'dear' friends makes it even better. If you plan accordingly you can get a good trail run while visiting the park.
I am selfish and say go to SD, but yosemite is super cool too so that's a tough choice! :) I'll see you soon at Surf City!
I'd say go to Yosemite.
(Then run to SD!)
You know, I say do what you want to do, you really can't lose here! I'm sure both would be great and I'm sure either group of friends would understand if you choose the alternate trip. :)
That said, I would go to Yosemite. Sounds like a great time and something different! :)
I would probably say Yosemite if it's really that hard to get in there. There is always another marathon even though it sucks to lose the money. If Yosemite wasn't so hard to get into I'd say run the marathon since you already paid and plan another trip to Yosemite.
So far, it seems like it's overwhelmingly for Yosemite, about 6-to-1.
Anyone else?
(for the record, my friends will be going regardless - and rescheduling is out of the question)
My question to you is where will you have more fun? And, when it is all said and done, which one will harbor no regrets?
No matter which you choose, I am sure you will make the right decision for you.
Yosemite. You committed to that first, but that's the only reason.
Could you run in SD, and have Christian stay a few days later, and meet him there?
OR...
You could tell Christian that you'll make it up to him, schedule another Yosemite trip on your dime, and do both. We stay in June Lake every year, and it is gorgeous there too.
I really think you could do both. Just would have to reschedule. And, dude...you can ALWAYS get into Yosemite, depending where you want to go.
GOod luck!
I would go for Yosemite, as long as you haven't paid for a hotel room or airfare for SD then it's only $100...which is still a lot but not that bad.
There are definitely other marathons and other years to run in San Diego.
Though I was looking forward to meeting you.
P.S. I'm watchin' the movie tonight!
Option C would be to email Elite racing and ask if they can defer your entry to 2010. It's a long shot but still worth the try. Technically, you're not getting a refund and you're not transferring it to another person.
I think you'll be going to Yosemite no matter what since that was your first commitment.
Burger....why can't you do both? Since the Yosemite trip is the 28th-you could get the 28th, 29th there then leave super early driving south to San Diego just in time to get your stuff at the expo for the race on the 31st. My crazy ass would do that-because I hate missing anything!!!
Man, life is too short and so I say do what you want to do.Its not like you have a malicious intent. You seem like you wanna run SD. So run SD. I think your Yosemite buddies will understand.
I will also give my worthless opinion...go to Yosemite with your friends. There will always be another marathon -- there will never be a trip like this (yes, Yosemite will always be there, but dude...treasure your friends while you still have them.)
Emil's idea is good too.
I'd go to Yosemite with your friends. If it makes you feel better, while you are there, you can run 26.2 miles in the park so you can say that you vacationed and ran the marathon. You won't get a medal, but I bet the view will be a lot nicer than in San Diego!
It is your choice to make, but I'll weigh in with Yosemite. RnR might be willing to give you a deferral. I think if you tried to do both, you'b be too stress or tired by the time you got to SD that you'd only be surviving the marathon; why do that?
Ok I'm thinking out of the box here. Do both. It's only about a 8 hr drive. You've comitted to both. Do both, it's going to be a long day, but you can do it. Think of the drive as a 'second' run for the day.
(I'd do Yosemite if it were me though :))
Yosemite. Eating $100 bucks sucks, but someone can pick up your shirt for you to soften the blow.
And one of your Northern CA RWOL friends may be convinced to join you in an early morning ascent up Half Dome to get your runner friend fix that weekend...
i was thinking 'do both' like southbay girl said, but i know at the same time it'd be pretty tough and not too relaxing.
i'd also say go on the trip with friends... since it sounds harder to come by. there are other marathons, and you can probably easily meet up with running/blogging friends at a different race, even if it's not a marathon?
but, if you really really wanted to run sd, then run sd. maybe your yosemite friends would be willing to schedule again for 2010?
wow. so i was no help. i voted for both. :( sorry
I'd vote for Yosemite. There are lots of other marathons but it's rare to be able to get a group of good friends together.
I also like the idea to try and see if you can move your registration to next year.
Good luck!
I think you should consider doing Yosemite the 28th/29th and then the race, or check out the suggestion to defer, before deciding.
I'd be so torn too :-/
i am definitely going to be selfish and vote for SD :)
that is such a hard choice... no matter what you will have fun either place!
Boy am I late, but I say tell the truth and let your friend know you already registered for SD and you had forgotten.
I say do what you really want to do...you can always coordinate another Yosemite trip, and you can also always run a different marathon. The decision is really totally up to you - both sides will understand.
Post a Comment