A Post-Kiawah open letter from my legs to my cerebral cortex.
Boss,
The last time we checked, we were the servants of the brain.
If you watch late night cable TV at all you must be aware that the human body can often perform beyond expected capabilities, even under duress. You might also have noticed that dogged resolve (Dare we say “will power?”) has a great deal to do with this. Furthermore, you are responsible for higher brain functions. By extension, this includes responsibility for training regimen, nutrition, sleep patterns, and race-day preparation.
Life is about choices. Should you have willed greater performance, perhaps we could have delivered. If you had more determination, perhaps you chould have responded differently to calf discomfort. We thought you liked basketball. Would Bobby Knight have tolerated this lackadasical approach to limb management?
Perhaps you’re just upset at yourself.
Your faithful servants,
the legs
December 9th, 2006 at 9:04 pm
Hey Dean, sorry to hear your quest is still unfulfilled. Those goals we have to fight so hard for are those we cherish most (blah, blah, blah, insert more positive stuff here). I know you’ll get it, and then some. You’re an incredible runner, it will all come together for you soon. Great website, btw. Very much enjoyed your reports. What’s next?
December 9th, 2006 at 9:17 pm
Michelle,
The quest goes on, and I still have much to learn. So much sweeter will be the day when I achieve it. When I get to 3:15 it will be exciting to qualify, but it will be just as good to enter your stratospheric realm.
Next: We’ll I won’t be running up the Sears Tower stairwell anytime soon, but I am seriously considering a quick turn-around to Myrtle Beach in February. Watch this space for more.
– Dean
December 10th, 2006 at 1:02 pm
Hey Buddy, look forward to seeing you back on the trails. You will Q soon I am sure of that.
December 11th, 2006 at 8:31 am
Cliff,
Thanks man. I’ll see you out there!
– Dean
December 12th, 2006 at 3:28 pm
If you wait a few years, you can shoot for 3:20!
“Yeah right!” sayeth Dean. Dean is coming and Boston is waiting. It is, after all, but a “matter of time”.
Do it for those of us who almost did and cannot now.
“Running wayer never grows stale”.
December 12th, 2006 at 3:40 pm
Ramsey,
Well I’m 36, so I have a while to focus on 3:15. But, what’s a goal if it’s not difficult to attain?
Boston is not a sacred thing to me. It could be Timbuktu or Albuquerque. The goal is the thing. Can I do it? Can I understand myself (mind and body) enough to find a way to make it happen?
Kiawah’s experience has taught me to give this goal more respect. I’m motivated, but you just added inspiration… a qualitative difference.
– Dean
December 13th, 2006 at 6:27 pm
as the organ that manages balance and motor speed, you may also want to consider a conversation with your Cerebellum.
December 13th, 2006 at 6:28 pm
Yes, anything to place blame properly.
– Dean’s legs
December 19th, 2006 at 10:56 am
To Dean’s legs and cerebral cortex:
Stop beating each other up. Your are both outstanding. Consider the following: (1) Only one-tenth of one percent of the world’s populations has run a marathon, according to point1of1percent.blogspot.com. (2) Your boss finished 154th out of 910 runners, which is in the top 20% of that top tenth of one percent. (3) Your boss finished at 8:04 minute miles. This very morning I ran 3.8 miles in 31 minutes, which is slightly slower than Dean’s marathon pace. I assure you that neither I nor anyone else I saw running this morning could have gone another 23 miles at that pace.
You will reach your goal. Until you do, you should be extremely pleased with your current level of conditioning and your running accomplishments. Treat yourselves to a massage and a relaxing holiday. All of you deserve it. CP
December 19th, 2006 at 10:58 am
All of my gross motor and higher brain functions thank you.
– Dean