100k
Why do I run? It is the struggle. It is the feeling of satisfaction I get from completing a large goal.
Given those facts it should have been no surprise that last year I decided to run my first Ultra Marathon at the age of 69. I failed in that attempt and received a DNF (Did Not Finish) when I arrived at an aid station after the cut off time.
That hurt as I felt I had the miles in me but I missed the cut off time. Missing that goal was a great learning experience.
One of the decisions I made after that race was that if it became apparent during a race that I was going to miss a time cut-off deadline for the distance I desired to run, but could still complete a shorter distance within the allotted time, that I would drop to the next lower distance and at least get a medal that way.
Apparently I am not done learning as that is what happened Saturday. I was aiming for 100 miles when it became apparent that I was not going to complete the course within the desired time limit so I decided to drop to the 100K distance and at least receive a medal that way.
100K may have been my secondary goal but it is still a long way to run.
Some goals take time to achieve. It looks like running 100 miles is such a goal. I will get it. It is requiring a new set of skills and new disciplines.
I am afraid I have underestimated the amount of effort this goal is going to take along with the level of physical conditioning required for such a feat. Oh the challenge, the struggle.
Goals that require major effort have a greater degree of satisfaction when you reach the goal.
Such is the case in reaching week 24. The task is not over. In fact it is apparent that it is a process in becoming. It is taking time. I am growing and developing.
Only in the race of life there is no dropping to a shorter distance. I am becoming better, more confident more perceptive. It is only a matter of time.
One of the biggest and most significant take-aways thus far is that thoughts are things. Your definite major purpose in life can be obtained. The life you dream about is possible!
Read more about what I learned this year in the Master Key Experience by clicking here.
