Saying No is Strength

Yesterday, I received the invitation I had been waiting for 5 months. I already knew what I was going to do but seeing that I had now been officially given an opportunity to Accept or Decline was surreal.

I paused.
All of the reasons why this is not the right time for me completely left my mind. I wanted so badly to click the green button.
Unpause.
The mystique of the Laurel Highlands Ultra must have something to do with the logistics just as much as the distance (70.5 miles). A point-to-point race with a finish in a small town of 1 hotel. It takes place the same time as another event, making it nearly impossible to find any affordable accommodations. Someone posted a Seven Springs condo for 12 people at $419/night. I asked about any camping options, and the RD never responded. Camping wouldn't be ideal anyways. But to pay nearly $1000 for 2 nights when I would sleep maybe 8 hours total Friday night through Sunday morning, seems ridiculous.
Remembering this, I then pressed the red button without any hesitation.
If it doesn't feel right, it's not right. Not for right now. I'll revisit this race in early December when registration opens for 2025.
Sometimes it takes guts to say "no."

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