.1 percent

My father-in-law recently sent me an article from the Charlotte Observer that talked about how women are leading the way in running. That is to say more women than ever are lacing up their sneakers and running. And the number of women completing half and full marathons continues to increase. That in itself is a great thing considering less than 30 years ago women weren't even allowed to run the marathon for fear we'd do permanent damage to our reproductive organs. Thank goodness science and experience has prevailed.

One thing that caught my eye in the article is that the overall number of marathon finishers continues to increase. There were 590,000 half marathon and 410,000 marathon finishers last year. 10 percent and 5 percent increases respectively. Of course the number that always floats around in my head is 1%. They say that 1% of the population has completely a marathon. If you take those numbers and the current US population it's really only .1%

Which makes it a huge accomplishment. So is it that I can't be satisfied with knowing I'm in elite company? Why do I keep pushing myself even when I'm injured. Truth is I know the answer. I'm stubborn, Type-A, overly competitive, whatever you want to call it. I'm struggling right now to resign myself to the half marathon in Austin. To know that I've run a marathon this season and there will be other seasons. Right now my ankle says no to anything over 10 miles. But I keep putting off the decision. I keep thinking: I'll wait and see after this run, I'll wait and see after that race. Today it's: I'll wait and see how I feel after the 10K this weekend. (Yes, Allison I'm running the 10k)
I guess I'm just afraid of saying: I can't. I know it's more of "I shouldn't" but I have issues separating the two. It's difficult knowing that 2 months ago I ran a marathon and I felt great during it. I want to do it again and clock another P.R. (personal record).
In any case I'll see how the ankle feels after the 10k, and hopefully make a decision I can live with.