Big Wins

"It doesn't help to visualize a perfect race. It's better to play out bad situations in your mind and figure out a way out of them so you'll be ready."

Bernard Lagat


As the Saints bask in their redemption, and a chance to say "WE CAME BACK" to the world, I imagine Bernard Lagat is basking with his wife and kids in similar mode. I managed to stumble onto the Nationals yesterday and watched a slew of young runners jockey across a myriad of distances to set new records and enjoy the high tension of competition. When I saw the line-up for the 5000m and Lagat in the field, I realized I had a chance to watch one of my heroes make his statement. In a field of young bloods and wanna bes, and some really good talent, Lagat sat in #3 position most of the race, allowing a Hall look-alike to take a lead until the last lap or two. It was poetry to watch his easy strong gait until -WHAM- the brakes come off and he puts himself into high gear. In the last lap, Lagat EASILY out ran the field; when he came into the line, he crossed himself, and quickly gave his winner's bouquet to a woman in the stands. His humility, and quiet triumph was endearing, and I found myself feeling vicariously all he's attempted- and accomplished at the ripe old age of 35.

Big wins sometimes come in small, quiet moments. Watching Mom interact with the cousins on Saturday, eating birthday cake, reminiscing through memories which surfaced like shy little fish in the pond of her mind. Sending off the very last certificates to the State for my license: DONE. Preparing the mounds of produce into edible form for the coming week, and so grateful to have such an abundance of great food. Getting up and out this morning for a nice longish 6-7 miler on the Emerald Hills loop, feeling more balanced and relaxed on the roads than I have been in a while. Absorbing the crisp air and sun through the steady breathing and release of worries....owning myself once more- feeling the thrill of movement, steady and hypnotic down the road.

And often, losses are wins in other ways. The doors that close in one direction propel us somewhere else. If you've seen the movie Temple Grandin (HBO), check out her way of using "doors" as a means of moving through the challenges of her life. Autistic, marginalized and prone to bad panic attacks, her PhD in science revolutionized the way animal husbandry was evolving. Like all of us at the 'edge' of normalcy, it is sometimes the loss of our usual skills that brings on the unusual capabilities. New Orleans, you showed us how. Lagat, keep running my man!! And may the force of pure accomplishment and the poetry of doors keep us moving forward.