So, a little over a week ago I ventured out to run another marathon (QC Marathon); my second one in the midst of my ultra's. I had high hopes for this run to be a great one and to use my performance to gauge my abilitiy for my 50 miler at the end of October. I knew that my training had been a little more sporadic and fitting in my good runs were not as easy as I was hoping, but I also knew I could run the distance. I started the race with a few thousand others with a smile on my face and began noticing grimaces and frowns in the early stages. Personally I was feeling great, that was until mile 14 hit and my leg left hamstring tightened like a rusty spring that wouldnt recoil. I have never had major hamstring issues until this day. I knew I had to walk and start rubbing it out in order to run the next 12 miles. As I began to loosen up, the rain began to fall. This only started to add to my frustration, and the frustration of many more. Miles 14 to 20 were not fun and helped me scratch the idea of having an impressive race. I was able to man up and continue that relentless forward motion for the last 10k and finishing the race. Although I was not able to reach my goal time, or use this race for a solid mark to jump off of for my 50 miler in the near future, I am proud of myself for completing the race; especially all of the other great competitors. It makes me smile and feel good about the midwest when we have so many eager and driven people show up to such an event and take on the challenge. I hope everyone who completed and competed in the QC Marathon continues their passion for running and to see them on the roads or trails in the near future. A special congrats to all of my friends whom I know personally that participated in the run! It was truly great seeing many of you out on the course, whether it was the half or full marathon. Congrats again and keep putting one foot in front of the other!
"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." -John Bingham
