Winning Isn't Everything. . .

. . . it's the only thing. I know, I know- as runners, we're supposed to be pleased with good results and realize that a national championship (even a baby one) is too rare to really count on unless you're truly a class above the field.

Well, I think that's dumb. I didn't go Nationals to get 3rd. I went to win. But the fact of the matter is that I was 3rd- two very good runners beat me. It wasn't a case of "if only this" or "if only that" happened; I gave it my very best shot and at the end of the day, two guys were better. So, while I'm not satisfied at all with 3rd, I am proud that I did my best and motivated to train even harder so that next time, I can do better. It's an interesting juxtaposition of feelings. On one hand, I'm incredibly disappointed in myself. On the other, I'm proud that I did what I could.

Anyway, in the next few days, I'm going to do a season recap in an attempt to demonstrate where I could have done more, where I screwed up, and what I'm going to do in the future to improve myself.

A few thoughts on Nationals in general.

1) The whole mile field this year was made of a great group of guys. Last place this year was faster than the winner last year. But, beyond that, I sensed very little actual ill-will between us. Even before the race, everyone was chatting and joking around like we were old friends or something. Not to be all cheesy, but it was fun meeting all these fast kids from other schools and recognizing something familiar in them. It was a really cool experience that I think I was too nervous to notice last year.

2) The 5k looks like it would be an absolute blast to race, and I'm really excited to be moving up in the next year or two. The two track 5k's I've run have both been solo efforts, so RACING one will be an experience to look forward to.

3)It was great to get out of the Northeast for a while and enjoy running barefoot on the grass again. I hope spring is heading up to New Hampshire soon.

Anyway, I'm posting from the airport and my laptop battery isn't exactly state of the art, so I'll have to do the log for the week later tonight when I get come. The season recap will probably take a couple days.

Thanks for the all the good lucks and well-wishing, everyone.

-Craig