Years ago I was involuntarily signed up for a 10K. But this story begins after I’d accepted the challenge.

I’d never been much of a runner, but decided to take it seriously. A part of me wanted to see what I could accomplish if I really gave it everything.

And so it began. I started running every day. No exceptions. Long runs. Tempo runs. Sprints. Hills. You name it.

I dialed in the diet. Got 8 hours of sleep. Even tried an ice bath (with immediate regret). I was training like a man possessed, counting down the days until the race.

Well, that’s me crossing the finish line. And if you look closely, I’m just behind the guy who did it in sandals.

I did not buy the picture.