I understand that I am not the Super Bowl MVP. Wait. I am the Super Bowl MVP. Running the 2012 Rock ‘n Roll San Diego Marathon was my Super Bowl and I said that before I even made the trip. It is likely to be one of the greatest athletic accomplishments I will ever experience.
As I raced my way the last mile, with the finish line in sight, I felt many different emotions.
On one hand, I was exhausted. My ankles hurt. My eyes were heavy. My throat dry.
On the other hand, I was elated. Euphoric almost. I felt tears, but they didn’t come. And I smiled. I smiled the last quarter of a mile, all the way to the finish line. And as I crossed the strip marking my path from zero to 26.2 miles, I pumped my fist. I was a champion.
But now, everything seems so small. I worked so hard and so long to get to that finish line, what can possibly top it?
It took me 11 days to feel this … and it is the similar feeling I had after I lost my election a decade ago. So, what’s a man to do?
Keep dreaming, damnit. That’s my motto. And what’s next? I’m not sure, but I am going to find something to chase, build towards and achieve.
