Potential

Just how much potential does one have?  Right now, I am trying to focus on as many positive things as I can.  Something very positive that happened this weekend was running/zoo visit.

 

First, I say that 'it happened.'  I don't say "I achieved."  I choose these words because my race results are the cumulative results of many more elements than just my own efforts.  Granted, I was the one that did the training leading into the race, and I was the one that did the race.  But I'm trying to focus as well on other people, and not just myself.  Many people have helped me to get to where I am today; without them I wouldn't be who I am, and wouldn't be able to all that I am capable of today. 

 

So what happened?  It was a 20 mile running race, and I did it in 2:14.30, for a 6:44 pace and 7th place overall.  I was extremely pleased with this.  The first mile was 6:36 and I thought to myself 'aw geez I can't maintain this pace for 20 miles' and I was right, it was just slightly slower.  A few highlights from the race:

 

--my gu got super cold and so I couldn't get it out of the flask that I was carrying it in!  Started to kind of bonk at mile 16 but held it together

--saw my friend Tamara Mackey at about mile 12, who told me I was cruising!

--got to take a shower right after the race at the high school where they held the race; very nice.

--two songs rotated through my head the entire time: "Your Protector" by the Fleet Foxes and "Lay Low" by My Morning Jacket; check them out, yo!

 

Doing the race has let me see that when I can combine the proper, supportive environment with consistent, quality training, healthy habits, an objective outside observer and my natural talent and a well-balanced (but strong!) work ethic, I can really surprise myself.