Reflections on what could have been...

I finished the Colorado Marathon - my fourth marathon - on Sunday morning.  It's an awesome race through the Poudre Canyon, finishing in downtown Fort Collins.  We have lots of races to choose from, but this one is unique - and as one person described it, "pure Colorado".

After 20 great miles well ahead of PR pace, I had trouble sustaining my speed due to leg muscle pain.  I've been nursing a nagging lower leg injury for the past 2 months and 20 miles of work unraveled my best attempt at covering it up.  What could have been a record day - well beyond my expectations - turned out to be a mild disappointment.  Finishing a marathon is a great accomplishment, but feeling like you ran it well is an achievement.  I left Fort Collins feeling like I accomplished something, but I'm not going to put it on my list of great achievements - yet.

It's been tough to summarize my feelings about this race - the end result could have been great - but to have a goal so close slip away is a tough pill to swallow.  It's not like you can go out and do better next weekend.  My next shot is October 9 in Chicago - a familiar track that, on the right day, is ripe for the pickin'.  Much like the team that comes out on the losing end of a game 7 in the final series, it's a long off-season.  So near, yet so far.  In most cases, that team comes back inspired, with a chip on it's shoulder.  In a few days that will be me... for now, I'm enjoying some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Two years ago finishing was an achievement.  It's easy to lose perspective of our accomplishments, and my thoughts and feelings over the past two days are proof of that.  Truth be told, I had a great race on a perfect day, got to run with a good friend for 20 miles, and did something 99.9% of people will never do.  And after 4 races, it's more of a routine than a "bucket list" item.  That qualifies for membership in a small club of crazy folks - a group that I'll continue to chase on race day, and if you aren't careful, pass on mile 21 next time.  Watch out.