Ghost Runner

The weather was perfect for racing, something you never take for granted especially in February. Over two thousand runners mingling about, stretching, jogging, some slipping in a stride or two while others talk nervously about their race plans - did they train enough? Why does everyone around look so fast? Do these running shorts make my butt look big?

10 minutes until the race starts. Everyone begins to crowd the start area. Few line up in front. That's for the elite, the speedsters, the ones we look at with wonder. As our confident grows we sneak up a bit, feeling that today just might be the day. A quick look over the shoulder and you see hundreds of runners behind you. Hope they stay back there you think - today is my day. Historically after I say this some guy pushing a racing stroller with twin fat kids slips past me.

The count down 10, 9, 8...3,2,1 and the gun sounds. Your world becomes pavement. The only thing that matters is the next 3.1 miles. At some point during the race your body gets pissed at you for what you are putting it through. Your mind takes over and you find your pace. You hear hundreds of feet hitting the road but your focus is 10-15 yards in front of you - that's your world. One more turn and you're home, breathe and push, nothing can stop you, and then you see it. Paradise. Or more commonly know as the finish line. Where it comes from we don't know but we find that little extra in ourselves and speed across the line. Spent. Out of breath. Celebrating.

Today was a day just like that. The difference today was that I didn't run. The race stats will tell a different story however. It will show that I ran the best race of my life. A 6:39 pace - a time I've dreamt about but haven't achieved. Today I was a ghost. At the race in spirit but stuck on the couch watching the clock and thinking about my friends zipping through the course. Seems I have a case of pneumonia and for a short time have traded my running shoes for a few bottles of pills.

Sharon ran my race today. She wore my racing bib and never before has anyone seen #99 run so fast. The official results don't list her. No mention of her name nor the accomplishment of finishing in the top 100 out of 2335 runners. Why train so hard, push so hard and give it up? Because she's unselfish. I guess she was really the ghost runner today. Running an amazing race that no one will ever know about except us.

So exactly how well did I do. I finished 103 of 2335 and 6th in my division while knocking out a 20:35 5K. And I did it in my pajamas. Taking my results and applying them to Sharon, she would have finished 7th in her division and left 2232 runners behind her - including the stroller with the fat twins. Albert was on his game, 16th in his division and 105 overall with a 20:36 time. I think his new shoes are keepers. Susan had a great time, 38th of 509 in her division and 386 overall. Jerry. Worth repeating. Jerry. Finished 26th overall with a 17:12 time and a 5:33 pace.

I missed running with my friends and the post Starbucks chatter. Our next race is in two weeks and I'm out. My focus will be getting ready for the Mercer Island race in March. Sharon - you best get another spanking training plan ready for me because I'll need the best you got. Albert - Sunday runs will be back soon, I look forward to them. We all hit setbacks from time to time. You can be down but not out. You can come back stronger if you have the will. The will and friends that are there to help. I have both. Run....Don't jog.