From the Top of the Mountain

I’m standing on top of Mill Mountain in Roanoke, VA. I have just finished the first brutal 3.5 miles of the Anthem Star 10K race. I turn to look to the west. 2,722 miles away is Inspiration Point, just above Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay. In 6 months I will be standing there to begin a 13.1 mile race for the first time in 4 ½ years. Today’s race is my biggest test between now and then. Today I get to turn and run down the mountain and back into the downtown area of my hometown. When I cross the finish line, it won’t matter what my time is. I already know it’s probably not going to be my best 10K time, because the climb up the mountain today was tough. Not to mention soggy. This is the first time in 2 years I’ve run these 6.2 miles up the 1785 foot peak, or 6.2 miles anywhere. It’s been a struggle. I remember the pain and agony of my final half-marathon in CA years ago and I wonder why I ever thought I could do it again. But I just conquered this mountain. Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay Half-marathon suddenly seems possible again.