The Enormity of it all

Had a really beautiful 5 miler in the Lake this am. As usual, I was in awe of the sunrise and it's reflection on our beautiful city. I was a little early today and believe me or not, I hit my favorite point near North Ave Beach as the sun broke the horizon. It was an inspiring sunrise as evidenced by the numerous photographers waiting for the perfect shot. As I reached the point and looked back upon the city, I had to stop and take it all in. I watched Lake Point tower, a dark building against the southern sky, wake up with the bright yellow of the sun creeping floor by floor up the tower. I watched a city come to life.

As I watched the buildings light up, I was suddenly taken by the enormity of it all. Not just the city, but everything. The vastness of the sky and intensity of the sun. The calm lake with gentle ripples as far as you can see. The dark reach of so many diseases for which we cannot find a cure and the courage and strength of those they touch. The Marathon itself, 26 miles, 385 yards. The task of waking up, everyday, and trying to do good. Do good at work, do good for others, do good for self, just do good despite so many excuses and obstacles. The enormity of all that we don't know. It was humbling to say the least.

Coming back in, I found my void and floated back to the city with a sense of clarity and purpose. I am ready for Sunday and regardless of the enormity of this race, I understand now why I have to be there. This is a nice place to be 56 hours out. Quite a different place than a year ago.