Real David H.

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On Saturday I ran in my hometown race — the Peaks of Otter Christmas Classic in Bedford, Virginia. It was the site of one of my first 5Ks in 2004, but one I haven’t done since 2011. 

I crossed the finish line in 23:37, probably about minute faster than I was hoping and another minute and 23 seconds faster than what I thought was realistic. I can some up my feelings in one word — ECSTATIC! — but I came away from the event realizing that this was only the beginning of some great things ahead. 

For the first time since spring 2012, I don’t have an urge to look behind and try to be the runner I was then. My life is too different for that to happen. That doesn’t mean my goals will change for Shamrock, but I must take a different path to get there. 

It’s time for me to be smarter about my running and focus on some different things so that I’m stronger and faster … and happier. 

If the Runner’s World Festival was the mental hurdle for me to get focused, this weekend was the physical hurdle. It’s time to put the past few years behind me and go forward like never before …