4th on the 4th

This just in: 

I placed 4th in my age group during the 15K yesterday! 

OK, truth be told, there were only 7 participants in my age group, so it's not that impressive.  But... I never even considered placing in an event before.  I just ran against myself.  I still think that self-competition is the best for me.  I want to do my best, be my best, and challenge myself to beat my best until the day I die.  Before yesterday's race, I told my friend's young daughter, "It's not about the others.  Run for yourself."  I meant it too.  For me, running has always been something that is personal.  It's not competition or recognition that drives me.  It's my own motivation, my own tranquility, my own satisfaction.  But getting 4th place, so close to getting a medal has made me consider trying to place at the next local event.  Hey, I'm never going to be some hot-shot, super fast, ultra-impressive runner.  I'll never even run the Boston Marathon, let alone place in it, but I might just have it in me to kick a little local ass.  Just a little.  I don't need to be the biggest fish in the small pond, but I kind of like not being the smallest one either!