Marathon Redemption

Two weeks later I look down at the medal they draped around my neck after I crossed the finish line and I still smile.

I'm a marathoner. I've got the bling to prove it.

Two years ago I started a marathon, but did not finish. Believe me, the sting of a DNF after running 19 miles lingers for a long time.

A few injuries and tweaks here and there this time around, but for the most part I kept the wheels on the wagon.

My longest training runs were a couple of 20 milers, the second one was absolutely fantastic. But I still wasn't sure whether I could do 26.2.

When race day for the Kansas City Marathon came on Oct. 18, I was eager. And ready.

My goal was to finish. If the day was going well, under 4 hours would be great. If not, just finish, at least faster than Oprah. Oprah Winfrey is a marathoner, finishing the 1994 Marine Corps Marathon in 4:29:15.

I finished. I whomped Oprah. I broke 4 hours. I still almost can't believe it.

This race was important to me. So very important.

It may be silly, but the pain, mostly emotional, still stings from the Milwaukee marathon a couple years ago. I was injured, sure. But I have been beating myself up for not getting it done. Not finishing what I started.

I started the Kansas City run with a huge monkey on my back. Think gorilla-sized. Maybe even King Kong.

That dude is heavy. It took me 26.2 miles to shake him, but I did it. Left that sucker on the ground.

As for many other areas of my life at the moment, I am not exactly maintaining a steady pace. Work, family and other aspects are filled with way too much drama and uncertainty. I may even be suffering from a bit of burnout. My running has provided much needed solace.

Didn't really mean to declare radio silence on the blog, but that was one item that had to be pushed aside for the moment.

I've strapped on the Mizunos a few times since the marathon and it's been somewhat of a struggle. My knees ached. My legs felt dead.

Went out this morning and felt more life in my legs than I have for quite some time. Maybe my body is starting to bounce back.

You know what that means.

Time to pick another goal and start training for another marathon.