Something happened at the Garden of the God 10 Mile for me. It was as though I burst through the delusion that I wasn't, nor ever would be, a "RUNNER."

Not being a runner was fine. I was okay with that. I actually preferred it that way because it allowed me to not expect too much from myself. "I'm not a runner," I'd tell myself and casually sloth along. 

I went out conservatively in the GOG 10 Mile. I was at a comfortable pace for most of the race. I was fearful of going out too hard and not being able to finish. I could totally see myself just collapsing on the asphalt. Ironically, I went out so comfortably that I never managed to speed up. It's funny how my years of [bike] racing at 2+ hours near red-line, just hasn't crossed over into this running scenario (yet). 

But, I finished under the cut-off of 2hr at a fancy 1:40 and suddenly I felt really good about running! Not to mention I had the best cheering section ever!! 

As I said, something happened at the first race of the Triple Crown. It was as if I earned my right of passage and the confidence that I can race on foot. I felt as though I may have even been better prepared for the race than many of the folks passing me. I definitely don't say that boastfully. It was a matter of taking in the experience and finding my place in it all. 

Since that race, I've been running with a bit more spring in my step. Shoulders back. Head a bit higher. Almost, like I proved myself to myself and my doubts can SUCK IT!! <3 

Between the Garden and Summer Roundup I've managed to get a 14er (Mt. Harvard) under my belt. Being above treeline felt amazing as always. And I recovered quicker than I have in the past - another good sign of the benefits of my training.

I'm remaining careful of looming injuries. That's the next big point to prove to myself. That I can, in fact, add miles and some speed and remain injury-free.  

And thanks to my sweet wife, who commutes to work every day, I've even found myself on the bike a bit. Casually enjoying old favorites. An active life is deliciously delightful!