It was a great day – 55 degrees at sunrise in early December. The warmth was a welcomed change from last year’s 16 degrees on this same morning. And as the over 5000 runners crossed the start line at the 3rd annual Thunder Road Marathon in Charlotte not a cloud was in the sky.

You couldn’t help but feel terrific as you ran through the first mile – a pretty much downhill stretch that tempts you to go faster than you planned.

And for me, especially, since I have neglected to spend any real time training for the various longer distance events I’ve jumped into this season (Duke Half Ironman, City of Oaks Half Marathon, and now the Thunder Road Half Marathon), it would be prudent to stay the course and keep the pace easy – as planned.

Nine miles later, when pretty much all the people I knew on the course started to pass me (usually with a “Hey Steve, Looking Good!”), and I realize I am about to go from setting a new half-marathon PR to running the longest race of my life, I wished that I had dialed it in a bit during those tempting first few miles. But I just couldn’t do it. Such a perfect day and so much energy emitting from the herd of runners it was too hard NOT to embrace the love.

I paid for it over the last three miles of the race – admittedly even walking for a brief moment with no more than a mile to the finish. As I walked I could literally feel all that wonderful energy leaving my body and being absorbed by those who had paced themselves better. I was physically and mentally finished. Unable to focus on positive thoughts, I slowly meandered to the finish.

SILVER LINING
As with pretty much everything in life, after I shook the cloud of negativity, the upsides to the experience presented themselves.

First, by jumping out ahead of the majority of the field I maximized the number of marketing impressions my Endurance branded gear realized as I slowed and was passed. We even had a few clients call in this week right after the race who saw me on the course – coincidence?

Second, I bought a new pair of New Balance 1223’s at the expo the night before the race. They fit like a glove so I decided I didn’t need to worry about breaking them in (which is the traditional recommendation from most footwear experts). The previous chronic pains I had with my last pair of shoes all but vanished. Wearing the new 1223’s was actually therapeutic. I don’t think we’ll see New Balance claiming their shoes can actually cure chronic foot pain, but I am thrilled to have the comfort in my step that I had been missing for several months (I am wearing them now).

Third, it was the fastest 10 miles I’ve ever run! (stay tuned for more on the “Tarheel 10 Miler” on April 26th in Chapel Hill – we’re working in getting that one approved).

Finally, every day, I sit about 10 feet from one of the best coaches I the region – Thys Wind. I’ve never worked with a coach simply because I have such a hectic schedule (flexibility is a dangerous privilege). I wasn’t willing to commit to someone else’s training schedule because I didn’t want to let THEM down. This day I confirmed that the person I wasn’t willing to commit to was me. So, 2008 will be the year I see what I’m really made of. How fast can I go? It will be fun to find out. You can check out my blog on our new website to see how it’s going. [endurancemag.com]

If you’re having trouble shaking up your life, take a look at the events we showcase in our annual Triathlon Season Preview Guide. There is bound to be something that will give you some refreshed perspective.

Inspire. Perform. Endure

PS – Special thanks to Dr. Kevin Lyons of Beyond Wellness Chiropractic in Charlotte who tracked us down to let us know who hit our car in the public lot. Good karma is coming your way.