writing at 5:24 in the morning

I know what it feels like to almost win the race. 

Towards the end of my track career, I realized hurdles was actually the track event in which I could be most competitive. However, because I didn't spend the time necessary to learn proper technique, I would sprint over hurdle after hurdle ahead of the competition, only to fall at the end and lose the race. I even have a picture of one race where I was so far ahead, you can't even see other runners in the frame. But I remember the tumble I took at the end in those bumblebee colored spikes. That may have been the last time I ran hurdles. I didn't have enough self-esteem yet to push myself to focus and reach self-actualization at the finish line. 

Today at 5:33 in the morning I know what it will take to finish this race. And this time, I have the willpower to do it.