The setting was simple enough, a marathon in the Arizona Dessert. A reasonable strategy, go out slowly and then settle into a good solid pace. Get marathon number 27 in the books. The gun went off and the race started as planned and then something happened, the legs felt good, the pace got better and faster and the leaders showed themselves to be reachable. No big speed demons, just good solid runners putting down some good miles. And so, in a single stride the goal changed, from a run to a race. The strategy evolved on the spot in response to the situation and the opportunity to have a good race. And race I did, mile after mile, a focus on speed, cadence, and keeping a leading position in the race. It was a test of mental and physical strength and a good and different experience. Focus and more focus and when the race ended it was a great outcome. Finishing in the top group a result of a changed strategy and good solid execution. THPL came out today and it was fun being along for the run.

Loving life when running a race