Was just looking at the Wildflower site, and lamenting the fact that I won't be starting this year. Yeah, I know, WF is a zoo, there are issues, issues and more issues with it. But for me, it's where I'm supposed to be in early May, and by extension in life. I'm supposed to be in that moment just before the gun goes off, one blue (or white, or whatever color is my age group's that year) cap among many re-checking my goggles, revving the engine, nervous, nervous, nervous because I just remembered that this is that race that just hurts. And then in the next heartbeat, a deep breath, and calm. Everything is where it should be: heat, competition, hills, uncertainty, chaos, more heat. I'm where I'm supposed to be: facing a big problem to solve, and I can solve it.

Anyway, a huge increase in job responsibility, and a novel I've been trying to finish writing for the last 5 years made me decide to step off the start line for a couple years. It's been 1 year, and I just miss it, so I'm lamenting, and in so doing trying to feel a little more in touch with it.

To everyone heading into their taper for WF long - hope it goes well, I'll be there to throw it down with you next year.