Sometimes Crying is a Good Thing....

I knew Saturday morning was going to be a challenge.
I had some demons to deal with and I would be dealing with them on a 20 mile run...alone...
Not "alone" because I was with 300+ other people, but alone.
I was running on Saturday instead of Sunday; I didn't have my usual running partners; and I was worried.
I have had some issues with this distance, I wasn't confident and frankly I felt this was a make or break run for me.
I went out not intending to run anything other than a pace where I was comfortable...
4 miles in and I was the front of the pack for the Novice running route.
When the Intermediates stayed straight on Grove and Novice's route turned on Maple, I was all alone.
Not. Another. Runner. In. Sight.
I had one pass me while running thru U of R, but that didn't matter.
I was smiling, I felt GREAT!
I rounded the ramp onto Riverside Drive, blew thru the SAG and soaked in some beautiful scenery.
Here I am around mile 9...

I was in my "zone" and I felt amazing.
12, 14, and 16 came easy and I knew - I knew I was doing well.
The Lee Bridge wasn't even bad, and that is a great sign.
As I glided thru Monroe Park I had a suspicion about was what happening...but I decided to wait to look.
As I turned the corner onto Boulevard for the final mile, all I could do was smile.
I hit the Sportsbackers Hill and started to slow down BUT I quickly served up a few choice curse words and hit it.
As I rolled into the stadium, a Plum coach approached me to ask if I was okay...
WTH?
Apparently I was crying...
Yep...
Then I tried to answer and couldn't speak - except in one word sentences - it went like this...
"Most - Prefect - Run - Ever..."
Yep, 20 miles...3 hours 5 minutes...PR and euphoric moment!!!
I did it. I ran in a pocket all alone, I ran well, I succeeded.
Worth every second!

Run safe, run happy!
-d