I am sitting on the second of three flights from Florida (where I ran
the Gate River 15k) to Reno, sorting through the weekend's events.
Its not like the race was a complete disaster, I still finished second
to my training partner Meb, but the race was far below my expectations
and what I was looking for as a momentum-builder for London. 

Coming off an American record in Houston that felt effortless, I was
expecting to have the same speed and stamina that I had there.  I knew by the end of the first mile that I was going to have to work a lot
harder then at Houston.  Once I was off American record pace, I
basically lost all my excitement and was trying to focus on winning
the race, but physically and mentally I was just not "on".
Afterwards I was greatly disappointed, but within the last 24 hours,
I've gained new perspective on the race and know it will be key in my
preparation for London.  For one thing, I needed a good humbling
experience so I wouldn't go into London over-confident, expecting the
race to feel easy and vulnerable to going out too fast.  I also
learned that no matter how fit I am, I should go into races excited
for a variety of possible outcomes.  I need to learn to be just as
excited about winning or placing in the top 5 as I am to run fast
times and see my full potential realized.  This will be the key for
London.  Before this weekend I would have only been excited in London
if I was running with the lead pack or with a closely-pursuing
Stefano Baldini.  Now, my expectation in terms of what is possible has not
changed, but what I will be excited about has.  I know I must be
excited to be running my best in whatever pack that may be, and
finishing without regrets. Hopefully the Gate River Run will serve as a learning experience that I will look back on with fonder memories than I do at the present.

Best of the Week:  Landing a 15' native rainbow trout while
fly-fishing at Hot Creek in Mammoth.  Ian and I went out for a short
session on Tuesday.  I have never caught a big trout on a fly rod so I
was pumped when I landed this beauty.

Worst of the Week:  On our flight to Jacksonville, Sara and I were
sitting in an exit row and the flight attendant was giving us the
typical rundown on what it meant to sit in an exit row.  When she was
finished she looked at me and asked if I was over 15 years of age.  I
couldn't believe it!   I know I look young for 24, but 15?  Looks like
I am going to have to grow out the beard again.