Addressing the obvious question: What's next?

Many thoughts and feelings enter my mind when I think back just a couple of weeks to the Chicago Marathon. Still, there is some disappointment that the running/weather Gods did not find it within their collective hearts to show mercy on my soul, allowing the searing, unrelenting heat to not-so-slowly but ever surely to broil my mojo to a crisp. Still, I am undeterred.

Prior to running Chicago, I was already committed to and registered for the Inaugural Charleston Marathon on January 15, 2011. For months now, I have been registered for the Spinx Runfest Half Marathon... or so I thought. In checking my registration late last week, I noticed I was registered for the Full Marathon. Well then...

Sure, the race director was quick to offer to knock me down to the Half Marathon, but... I just couldn't do it. Somehow, a quick and fleeting sense of clarity in that special way that normally only affects great artists, geniuses and speed chess players brought me to the decision to run the Full.

Sure, recovery from Chicago is still ongoing, to some degree, although I will say that I feel good - both mentally and physically. Part of it, I believe, is retribution. I voluntarily left everything I had on the streets of Chicago.

The Spinx Marathon, aside from being just a mere couple of minutes from my front door, offers the opportunity to continue to learn about myself, in the whole sense, as well as in the marathoning sense. My goal for this race is simple and two fold: Finish and treat it like a long slow day. Not all races, I have slowly learned, have to be raced.

I continue to be amazed where running has taken me, the people with whom I have been so incredibly fortunate to spend time.

This weekend will be another step down that path. Here's to hoping the weather is a bit better.

Share the ride.