‘You’re alone and you know a few things.’ I just know that I am that good. – Thomas Lux
Somewhere near Phoenix, I came out off the desert turned right onto a small paved road before we hit the main street that headed into town where the entire population awaited my arrival. I was a wannabe distance god. Not good enough to hang with the elite. Even the sub-elite in my case, but that’s not important. I worked every bit as hard and made all the sacrifices. That’s what’s important. Also, I wasn’t fast. The other important thing.
I saw the least leader – the back of the pack – disappear into a cloud of dust. I wasn’t good enough to keep up with runners with real talent. Turns out not much I could do. Had no-twitch muscle fibers. But I was better than everybody else. Turns out that’s a lot of folks.
I was alone.
It’s called No-Man’s Land. Everybody that was really any good was long gone out of sight and all the runners who weren’t maniacs putting in a hundred miles a week were far behind. Nobody in front of me. Folks came out of their houses along the way, some carrying morning margaritas and big cups of coffee, and cheered me on. I will not forget the cheers I got, after the lead pack went off course. I saw the least leader disappear into a cloud of dust. I saw him.
I knew which way to go. A good thing, too, as there was suddenly nobody to chase. Took a look behind me. Nobody there either. Maybe it was me who was lost.
The year before, I ran a race in San Diego. Still can hear those jungle noises. It was early morning and the zoo was just waking up as I raced past the enclosures. I might have been in the lead of a fifteen-kilometer cross-country race and I had no idea what the route was. I remember I would have to stop occasionally to let my competitors catch up in the hopes they knew which way to go. That’s all I remember.
This time, I was the athlete heading the race on its correct route. And I wasn’t going to stop this time and explain, no, I am not amazing, some better, faster, more worthy guys got lost…
I smiled at the adoring throngs. Big smiles.
I waved at the crowds. And I let the noise fill me full.
Somebody must’ve moved the orange cones.
I didn’t do it. Don’t care what anybody thinks.
Can’t say I am all that sorry. Loved waving at the crowd.
Hearing the cheers just once.
Just that once was enough.
