Seattle 2024?!?!

Before I begin with what this post is really about, I just want to say that after watching Lagat run an 8:09 2-mile at Millrose, I considered burning my running shoes because that is just unreal (but really, major props to that guy. 38 and STILL setting American Records...). Okay, now on with this blog...

Today, news dropped that the USOC sent out letters to various mayors of cities capable of hosting an Olympics and Seattle (the city I live 40 miles south of) was one of those receiving a letter! Now, this does not mean we will attempt a bid and certainly does not mean we will win if we even attempt it, but a guy can dream. The bigger issue raised by this news (for myself at least) is my goals, which naturally include Olympic aspirations (considering I have a huge ego [which I believe is essential to a distance runners success], my non-Olympic caliber times thus far have not diluted those dreams). Lets be honest here for a second: I am not an Olympic-level athlete (yet) and the odds are truly and incredibly against me for ever making an Olympic team. The Rio 2016 logo hangs on the wall of my apartment, but really, my main goal for that year is just to make the Trials (again, not even close [yet]). 2024 is over 11 years away, but a lot can happen in 11 years. Hopefully I'll have a family and a career by then and who knows what 2016 and 2020 will bring (2020 is the more realistic goal year to make the team). Most likely, I will be running marathons by 2024, but again, in 11 years, who knows what will happen. I haven't planned that far ahead. Hell, I haven't even really planned out tomorrow.... But this potential 2024 bid for Seattle is different. As stated above, I was raised 40 miles south of Seattle (in good ol' Puyallup!) and it is probably my favorite city on this planet. IF they made a bid and IF (on the off chance) they won that bid, I would have the chance to not only represent my country, but my HOME STATE and REGION in front of a home crowd! Honestly, I would train until I dropped dead to make those games and then force myself to come back to life just to compete until I drop dead in them. Seattle has MULTIPLE marathon courses to offer, all of which have pros and cons. It would be an incredible opportunity.

Pretty much, it'd be sweet if Seattle got to host the Games and even sweeter if I was able to compete in them (regardless, you best believe I WILL be attending them). So ya, that's all. This wasn't too important of a post. Just a, ya know, blurb.

What is the point?

Typically, the day following a race is a day full of evaluation and realigning of training with goals. Considering I competed yesterday in the 3k at the University of Washington's Husky Classic, I am going through the previously stated process myself. Only, I am not evaluating whether or not I am on pace with my training. I find myself questioning my very existence. I ask myself, "is it even worth it anymore?"

I am reminded of an interview with the University of Arizona's Lawi Lalang from the fall of 2011. Lalang, if you are unaware, won NCAA's that fall and ran a sub-23 minute 8k earlier that year (a VERY incredible feat). In this interview, he was asked how many miles he ran and his response: about 50 a week. 50 miles a week for one of the best runners to ever compete in the NCAA. Why I am reminded of this interview? Last fall I peaked at 90 miles a week, yet could only muster a 24:45 over the same distance (8k) that Lalang ran his sub-23. In terms of typical, normal time we go by on a day-to-day basis, 2 minutes is a very short period of time. However, in the running world, losing by 2 minutes in any race is practically an eon. Despite the fact I almost doubled his mileage, I cross the finish line so far behind him, that he most likely wouldn't even care to wait to watch me cross. So then, I ask, what is the point?

What is the point of me getting up every day, putting in two runs, 90+ miles a week, pushing through the pain of workouts if all I accomplish is the ability to run a time that nobody would be impressed at (save a handful of hobby joggers who know nothing of competitive running)? Why am I doing this? No, do not expect me to have some deep and inspirational conclusion about how I have a deep passion and love for the sport. Yes, I love running, but I am not in this just to get an endorphin rush. Deep down inside, I want to blaze. I want to run fast and beat the best this world has to offer me in the way of competition.

I don't know where I stand right now. I know it is only indoors and I have yet to even run one single interval workout, but how do these guys run fast both indoor and outdoor successfully? Why can't I? Why am I not capable of this, even though I work (I like to think) just as hard as they do? I'm not sure...