Thank you for this honest reflection.

Funniest story about a run ever. Thanks Waka.

Great dispatch, fellow Age Grouper!!! I link writing and running all. the. time. Half, Marathon, Ultra --- it's all a test of endurance, perseverance, determination. Tree roots and pot holes and rocky step-ups shouldn't be damned but instead, celebrated -- just like in writing, that's the stuff we learn from! Keep runnin'!! Keep writing! Keep toeing those starting lines. And, for sure, keep celebrating the finish lines, for each one will lead you -- stronger and wiser -- to the next race. (And script!)

Loved this post. It is so easy to look over at guy with the bun and compare your race to his, but it doesn't help you run any faster or better. I've found that, with my writing, when I look at those around me I lose my focus and get my head out the game. In the past year I've changed my perspective to if person A can do it, so can I. Like you said their race doesn't affect mine.

Thanks for taking the time to read my very long dispatches and for your kind comments!