All part of the process. IMLP 11'.

(I promise to keep the cliche's to a minimum, we've all heard and lived them all.)

(as there are so many ppl who sent good vibes, before during and after, I'll not dare try to name all. You know who you are and ty.)

   They say, 'better DFL than DNF.'   Well I can now say that, having been fortunate enough to have experienced both at IMLP,  that there is, hard earned,  great juice to be gotten from both.   It always seems to go to the mental pendulum of which I so often speak. I would say that this sport is no less than 75% mental.  Whereas I feel that I was physically and aerobically better prepared  than 2009, my mind was not nearly as made up this year.

Thankfully, we all know that these are just races and not how we primarily identify ourselves as human beings.

   After the training is done, and the starting gun is about to go off, all we can do is humbly put ourselves to the universe, settle into our own heads, and GO.  So many things need to NOT GO WRONG even to get to the starting line nonetheless finish. Speaking w/ another competitor who also DNF on my drive home, (Boston Qualifier BTW,)  we both wondered why ppl were offering, almost 'condolences'.  these things are HARD and we'll get 'em next time.  Sometimes it's just simply 'not your day'. Make peace with this simple notion, and you'll have a better chance  to continue to enjoy the the freedom, growth and relationships that our little hobby offers.  

.  

    No matter what, it is always an honor and a privelage to be able to put forth effort and don the orange of 'I run to stop MS KarmaStriders.' especially for so many who, by no choice of their own, cannot. I cherish the opportunity to compete and surround myself w/ such a diverse and generally enriching community, and hope to for many years to come.

Join our team:

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/pae/fundraising-events/i-...

Make a donation:

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/MarathonStrides/PAEGenera...

   I would take a DNF  every time if I knew that it would bring a cure for MS, or any other worthy ailment for that matter

A few highlights.

- Seeing Kate Morse Founder of I -tri to strike MS In the water before start + at mile 14 of her run. smiling and looking strong.. (Kate happens to live w/ MS as well.) picture below

- Hearing fellow MS KarmaStrider Eric Maerz. Yell, Paul ! upon finishing his race in 12:15:00 ish. (I don't think we had ever met before, That's way cool.)  picture below

- Seeing many PTC-ers doing what we love to do in a simply beautiful arena.picture below

- Seeing many friends that have been made uniquely at LP.  Get to see once a year and communicate w/ here on MTT.

- Swimming in Mirror lake. Simply rejuvenating and spectacular.picture below

- Hearing daily from my father. asking how was it going. (There are deep reasons for this, I'll save them for another time.)

- Spending time in the beautiful Adirondacks.     I mean really; pinch me.

All in all, a big win this wknd.

Happy to be a part of it, no matter what.

Another day. I will again 'get the bear.' 

Nothin' left to do but smile smile smile.

Proud to be an MS KarmaStrider.

Paul N. Goldstone