Sligo Runner

The mental game and running By Kenny Ames I raced my forty-ninth marathon and got my first win on Nov. 7. I’m not the fastest runner in most races, but every now and again I get the opportunity to compete in my age group or win outright. As experienced runners know, getting a win, setting a personal best, or just having a good race requires conquering doubts as much as hard physical training. "Winning has nothing to do with racing. Most days don't have races anyway. Winning is about struggle and effort and optimism, and never, ever, ever giving up." Amby Burfoot Just before 8am, I lined up for the Cross County Trail Marathon. It was my first in-person marathon since the 2019 Marine Corps, and I had an audacious goal: to win. I led off the line for a minute before another runner passed me and set the pace. The crushed stone and rocks and roots didn’t let me get into my desired pace, so I let him go. It was a brutal start, I was in second place and off of my other goal of g...

I WON! I won a marathon! I have won shorter races (5 miler, 5K) but this was my first (and possibly only) marathon win!! I o vertook the leader with 2.5 to go and hung on for the W. I finished third overall and second male in the Hatfield McCoy Marathon in 2016. I came in second overall and first master's runner in 2018 at Deadwood, South Dakota Marathon. This victory, however, will forever be special. What an amazing rush and feel to be able to cross the finish line of a marathon first overall! First place! This was my first marathon wearing my Montgomery Road Runners Club singlet. I figured since I did many morning track sessions and hill routes with the club, I should represent. The day started out fine. It was perfect marathon weather in the 30s/40s to start - I was shivering on the line, as it should be. I had felt lightheaded 20 minutes before the race due to a head rush, but that had passed. The Cross County Trail Marathon is actually run on a trail - go figure! I would say ...