It is ok to be sad and mad and happy all at the same time...

Last Monday I ran the Boston Marathon. It was an incredible day for so many reasons. If I have said it once, I've said it a million times...running marathons is a party from people from every corner...and I love it, all of it. I went into the marathon very hopeful that it would go well. I wouldn't call it expecting only because I've learned my lesson to never expect anything in a marathon, you just never know. I went in hopeful though if all went well, I could have a great day out there. I was in the best shape of my life. I did have a great day, I ran a 3:00:00 only .1 of a second from breaking the big 3 barrier. Not the easiest pill to swallow but I am proud. Proud I could sustain a 6:51 mile pace for exactly 3:00:00. I was sad though, and finally about 3 days after the marathon, I let myself really feel sad, let myself cry and be angry. So much discipline and sacrifice, so close to reaching my goal but not quite. I want excellence. I want to set a goal and reach it. I will with time, I am not giving up. I am proud of myself for what I did out there but I want to break that barrier. I don't feel sad any more about it, just hopeful that I will have another shot at reaching my goal. "Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what is still possible for you to do." Saint John XXIII Running has taught me to fall in love with limitless possibility and potential. Just when I think I can't do better or I've reached my limit, I am surprised. There are still many roads to explore, many dreams to chase after...