Lucky

Do you remember the first time you ran a mile?  That first 5k race? 10k race? Half marathon? Marathon? Your first triathlon?  As I was running my last 10 miles before Chicago, I witnessed quite a few people that were most likely running their very first half marathon.  I am lucky enough to call Central Park my training grounds and today was the NYRR Grete's Half Marathon.  Two loops of hilly Central Park.  I ran the opposite way of the runners so I wouldn't get in their way and I started out much later in the morning than I planned.  So the people I saw were the back of the packers, just starting their second loop. Man, this run was filled with inspiration today. There were so many runners that, even though they were finishing way over 2 hours, they had huge smiles on their faces!  I saw one woman twice, who must have been over 55 run/walking with 2 arm braces.  Each time I saw her she just smiled and smiled some more.   I saw blind athletes with their guides, I saw a guy with one leg cruising down cat hill. They were just so happy to be running, racing and completing something that most people wouldn't do.  I needed to witness this.  In one week and a day, I'll be running my own marathon and recently my attitude hasn't been great.  I've been tired, scared, nervous and just not thinking clearly.  This run got me to focus.

I think I sometimes miss that feeling.  I do feel very, very lucky I am able to swim, bike and especially run. And I always try to remind myself that.  But, as I go deeper and deeper into a more permanent triathlon lifestyle, I forget what it's like to just be happy that I'm out running or biking.  Or racing a distance for the first time.  I get so focused on myself and how I am doing compared to other athletes.

Chicago will be my third marathon.  I've been hitting 95% of my workouts and I had a super final long run today.  My goal is to break 4 hours.  Will I be disappointed if I don't break my barrier?  sure... but that disappointment won't last long.  I know I will finish the marathon and not many people can say that. Even though I am surrounded by people who swim, bike, run, I know we are in the minority.

So far, today is a good day.  Beautiful New York City weather, an inspiring run and I look forward to what else the day will bring!