How much time does it take to realize - or miss out on - a dream? How about seven little seconds. The time that separated Kara Goucher, Nike poster girl and one of my favorite athletes, from becoming the first American to win the Boston Marathon since 1985. Just seven seconds behind the winner, Kara completed her second ever marathon this morning by finishing in third place. Although an obviously outstanding performance in just her second marathon, Kara was devastated and reduced to tears. A true competitor and all-around nice person, she'll be back. On a much, much, much lesser scale, I have to say I can relate to how she feels. On Sunday in the St. Louis Half-Marathon, I finished in the Top 100 of 10,000 runners but came up 18 seconds - 18 seconds - short of qualifying for this year's New York City Marathon (my very favorite race). And I can honestly say that the tears rolling down my cheeks at the finish were raindrops from the torrential downpour! (That's my story and I'm sticking to it.)
Like Kara, I have a short memory when it comes to endurance sports disappointments. She probably is already contemplating how she can gain an extra second here or there in next year's race. And me? I was out the door early this morning and back on the run. Lots to train for - more half-marathons, races, and triathlons this summer, followed by the Chicago Marathon in October, where I will attempt to qualify for Boston - the holy grail of marathons.
Here's to making every second count - on and off the course.
Talk to you soon. Until then, remember to pick up the pace and run your own race.
- Jeff
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