Letter to my future self

To my future self,

I hope this note finds you well. I want to share with you the lessons learned this past year and offer a few things for you to think about as you prepare to embark on whatever journey lies ahead.

On January 15, 2017, you ran the best marathon you have ever run as you wrapped up what felt like a breakthrough training season. For the first time, you ran with ease and comfortably finished without issue.

In March, you proved to yourself that your strong marathon was not a fluke, despite the snafu that left you short of the full distance. Sometimes, things happen and you can't fault anyone for an honest mistake.

In April, you showed Thuy that you could handle an entire weekend alone with June as a single parent. You learned that sometimes, mama needs a break too.

In May, you learned the fun in camping under the stars before a trail race. You can choose your campsite, but you can't choose your rowdy neighbors.

In July, you enjoyed a memorable family trip to Colorado Springs where you reconnected with your parents. You learned that they deserve way more credit than you have given them. They were once in your shoes and they are a lot more understanding than you previously thought. Mom and Dad saw you cross a finish line for the first time in over a decade of running and reminded you of how special it is to have loved ones at the end.

In late August, Hurricane Harvey brought flood waters into our home. You were reminded that there are things in life that you just can't protect. You learned that June has got strength and resilience beyond her years. Don't ever sell her short. You learned that you can carry Sadie on your shoulders when you have to. You learned the kindness and generosity of complete strangers who rescued you out of your flooded home in a boat.

In September, your family and friends gave you a place to stay and helped you pick up the pieces. You learned that rebuilding was going to take time.

In October, your heart grew full when you were introduced to baby Ellis, who was growing in Thuy's womb. In late November, your heart broke into pieces when we had to say goodbye. You learned that even in loss there are gifts for which to be thankful.

Remember that among the many gifts that running provides, healing and community are chief among them. Remember the friends who shared their stories, their time, their pain, and offered a shoulder for your tears. Remember that all of your accomplishments weren't earned in a vacuum. You did this with the help, support, and love of so many others. Appreciate them always. Remember to never pass on an opportunity to look them in the eye and tell them that you love them and that you are grateful for them.

-your past self

2018 Chevron Houston Marathon

What can I say? I'm still on cloud nine. I spent 10 years trying to finish a marathon in under four hours. In the last two since I achieved that goal, my time has quickly improved from 3:54 > 3:44 > 3:26. To put it into perspective, my marathon pace today is about the same as my 5K pace was from ten years ago. With my eyes set on my first 100 miler in a couple of weeks, I'm thankful that I am also recovering better than ever before. This was supposed to be a training run, but I decided I wanted to give it a full race effort. Fortunately, there aren't any lingering aches or nagging pains. I remember when finishing a marathon had me laid out for nearly a week. I've gotten so much stronger and faster that it feels like I've discovered a superpower.

Though it feels like all this has happened virtually over night, I recognize that this was years in the making. I've learned that you've got to love the process. Each day, getting out there patiently laying one brick at a time. Finding the beauty of each moment, whether that's in the company of great friends or in the solace and quiet of a cold and rainy night.

As I was pondering my list of goals last night, I dared to dream a new dream. Something I thought unthinkable until now. To my list I added "Earn a BQ." Perhaps, this is something to look forward to in my 40's when the BQ standard looks slightly more achievable at 3:15. Perhaps, it will come sooner. Who knows. Maybe the lesson for me now is to never say never - to remember that the unthinkable is still possible.

Finally, there's so much for which I am grateful, but most of all I am thankful for the support of my wife. It is with her support and patience that I am able to get out there six days a week. And though I run most of these miles solo, I am never alone. I carry with me thoughts of her and my daughter in my mind and on my heart. They inspire me. They keep me going.


Official chip time: 3:26:10