Extra Weight

I was half expecting a race held on a track outside the YMCA, so I couldn't have been more surprised when I found a very challenging course through very pretty country. My race yesterday took place in Highland CA, where all the rain in the last few weeks caused serious damage to homes through high levels of mud flows. There were still signs as many neighborhoods were closed off as construction vehicles cleared the excess debris.
The race was sponsored by the local YMCA and they hosted a good race. Results have not been posted, but I think there were 200 in the half marathon. Departing Arroyo Verde ES the start actually faces uphill and the first half mile just that: UPHILL! I felt like I was on a stairmaster. Not a good way to start if you suffer from shin splints. The first turn was a right turn where you get a small break with slight downhill then another uphill followed by the same grade revering directions and a long downhill where your legs are brutally beaten with each footfall crushing the pavement beneath.
Finally, after making up some time speeding at ridiculous paces, runner head east on the main road. For the next four miles the grade is an even low-percentage grade uphill climb until reaching the turn-around amidst the orange groves. It is here runner feel like NASCAR runners entering a high bank turn to make the 180degree hairpin as the the climb up requires a rope. The aid station here maintains a woman standing in the middle of the road holding a sign that reads "Half Turn-Around" and she receives unjust bruises as runners pummel her trying to gain an extra inch as they make the turn around her.
The return trip seems to be a reward as the low-grade hill is now in favor of the exhausted athlete. For the next four miles or so the pace is slightly increased and precious time is made up. But just as mile 13 falls by the wayside, a final hands and knees type hill looms in front of the finish line. It is here careers are made or lost as runners strain to prove themselves worthy of being hailed a runner.
I crossed the line after making four passes in the last two miles, and I had to push it hard to make those passes! Standing just past the line were a gauntlet of volunteers ready to tackle me to the ground lest they got their timing chip back.....and it was then I found out...there were no medals for 7th place. It appears only the top three in each division receive medals, plus the overall, neither of which contained my name. At least I got this really un-cool T-shirt and many pains.
Today the ice is out and the pictures have been processed and I reflect on a really great course. It challenged me in every way possible, something I look for in a training run. But one thing I noticed was in the pictures themselves. I am carrying a lot of extra weight!!! I knew I felt it the day before, but then the pics showed that belly hangover, the DUNLOPS disease, the extra tire, the muffin top....and its no wonder I have knee problems, shin problems, slow speed, and a lack of energy. I mean get a grip, man!

Wait wait wait...is this really true? Carrying all this extra weight just slows me down and makes me look like I don't belong? The extra baggage is stuff I am holding onto that I really can let go of and run free? Seems like an analogy in there somewhere.