Not running in today’s Richmond Marathon is one of the biggest running disappointments I’ve ever had after so much progress in the past couple of years.
There are a lot of things that “could’ve been” today, but as I realized while running the 8K today (why does putting the full name with the sponsor sound so wacky for this one?), why dwell on any of that?
About two short months ago, I was quietly angry about my foot bothering me for a third straight year, but I was determined to not let that issue stop me from getting to one of the starting lines today.
I probably could’ve done the half marathon, but again, that’s just something I can’t dwell on. I didn’t do it and that distance, too, will have to wait.
So … the 8K it was. And considering that in September I ran less than 30 miles (all in the first half of the month) and had a starting over period in October with about 60 miles, I’m pretty happy with how today turned out.
My miles were consistent and I kicked into high gear in the final downhill half mile to finish in 42:33. I channeled the anger and frustrations I’ve had in the past two months and performed at what is my current 100% effort.
Pretty even paced 8k today with a nice last half mile downhill kick. I'm as equally thrilled with today as I am frustrated that this year overall didn't end with the Richmond Marathon. But it's motivating, too. #runchat #RunRichmond pic.twitter.com/hwv4u2PHi9
— ➡️ David ⬅️ (@realDavidHylton) November 16, 2019
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In those 4.97 miles, I had so many thoughts and rhetorical questions …
– I KNOW that I can run faster than this.
– It’s cold … a huge recurring thought during the race and after as I traveled around to cheer my sister on in the marathon (which is deserving of another blog post soon!)
– I probably thought for a half mile of the truly cold races I’ve done. My first Shamrock Half (March 2007) and Richmond Marathon (November 2007) were colder. I don’t think the Christmas Classic races in Bedford were as cold as today was.
– If I could lose 10-15 pounds, how much faster could I be?
– Do I ever want to do any of these races again? The Richmond Marathon weekend is great, but something about it causes me a lot of anxiety.
– How is this only my fourth race in the past two years?
– That downhill finish … for the 8K, it was definitely ideal. Otherwise, for a half marathon or marathon, it’s not something I want to experience again.
– What’s next? I feel like I was thinking about that a mile into the race. And then immediately after, I just have so many thoughts. Focusing on a race isn’t a priority. Getting a lot of other variables fixed is. The rest of this month is all about making some changes outside of running so that I’m healthy for Blue Ridge Marathon training.
Real David H. 
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