I had been anticipating my return to the track and to the 5k this summer and was scheduled to race a 5k in Europe at the end of the week, however, plans changed and now I am heading to Flagstaff, Arizona at the end of the week to visit Sara and my friend, Alicia Shay, get in some quality altitude training, and get some top-notch therapy. While, I don’t necessarily feel like I am in the best 5k shape of my life I thought it would be fun to get back out on the track and see what happens. Whenever I step to the line I believe anything is possible. Even though I didn’t get a chance to test myself over 5k on the track, I still did the necessary training to get back into 5k shape knowing that this will translate nicely to the marathon come October and if nothing else, I still have a whole year to anticipate hitting the track again (I haven’t competed in a track race since the summer of 2007).
I had certainly been anticipating being back in the mountains since I left Mammoth in early May so being in my hometown, Big Bear Lake, California, the last couple of days has reminded me why I love the mountains. As brutal as the winters can be, they always make me appreciate the summer and the summers up here are epic! As I finished my easy 50-minute run the other day I was telling Sara that I could feel my spirit being nourished. This is where I flourish! Runs always end before I want them to as I am able to find my zone in the quite trails winding through the mountains and pound away for hours.
As I look forward, I have a lot to anticipate, which I embrace full-heartedly knowing that in the anticipation it will make October 10, 2010 all the more meaningful and special. One of my favorite parts about running is the anticipation that comes from epic challenges and grand opportunities that await me, and all of us who run major marathons. With every run my anticipation grows until I get to pour all my enthusiasm out on race day.
Ryan blogs on Competitor
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