Yesterday, I learned that my petition for elite seeding in the 2012 Bloomsday 12k in Spokane, WA was accepted and I will be racing alongside the professionals come May 6th. Last year, the top nine spots went to Kenyan/Ethiopian runners. Only 11 Americans finished in the top 25 (for men). The winning time was 33:58. When did I earn the right to join these ranks?
I'm not complaining though. Hell, I am the one who ASKED to be put there. But, now that I am there, it's very intimidating. I'm about to race international caliber athletes. Some probably have a legit chance at Olympic teams. All the Americans entered have run well under 13:45 in the 5000m. Most near 2:10 in the marathon. What am I doing mixed in with them?
Then again, why wouldn't I take this opportunity? I finally get to put myself in a position where I HAVE to step my game up. I have to push. I get to see where I really stack up. Plus, the longer the race, the better I usually perform. So maybe this isn't such a bad idea. No, I don't intend on winning. Or even getting top 10. Top 25 would let me leave the race more than satisfied. So, here we go. Barely over a month left. And I am going to do this. Wish me luck?
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