Can't you relate just a little?

I am taking exception with yet another Runner's World reader. The issue that arrived today had a letter from someone who "applaud[s]the focus and determination of elite runners" but wished "the Kara Goucher story was more encouraging for those of us who have kids, spouses, and jobs as we carve time out of life to run and be fit." Her point is that it was hard to relate.

I found the article about Kara extremely motivating, even if I couldn't "relate" to her. The sheer magnitude of her training schedule is amazing. I can't wait for the day I can put on a weight vest for the last few miles of my long run, just to make it that much harder. She isn't shying away from the work it takes to be the best in the world. It hasn't been perfect. She's exposed her weakness and made some mistakes. But she continues to attack her goal. She kicks ass.

I don't know what it's like to train and run at that level. But I know what it's like to want to step out front. I work like crazy, ignore my family, and apply a singular focus that results in no clean Dora underwear, missed birthday party RSVPs, and a loss of connection to friends because they neither live in my house or in my cube. I get rewarded for this complete lack of balance with appreciation for my dedication and, then, more work.

Why do us moms feel like we need to subjugate our running because we have kids and spouses and other things in our lives? Because running is personal. It doesn't pay the mortgage; carving out time for the personal versus professional goes from noble to selfish in the time it takes to elevate your heart rate. The RW reader couldn't relate to Kara because running is her job. That makes it easier, I guess. I buy that; it's a hell of a lot easier for me to say I am going to be late tonight because of my meeting than it is to say I'm going to be late tonight because I want to stop for a run on the way home. Net result to the neglected family is the same. Net result to the neglected self is much, much different. Maybe we just need to define what our real jobs are, and if it's pursuing our deepest goals, maybe we can all relate after all.