The author details their training and doubts leading up to the Chicago Marathon, aiming to run under 3 hours. They reflect on their race strategies, nerves, and preparation before the big day. As the race kicks off, they feel strong but ultimately face the consequences of going out too fast early on. Despite struggling with cramps near mile 23, they push through to finish with an impressive time of 2:55:34, nearly an 8-minute personal best. The author highlights the balance between daring and delusion in striving for ambitious goals, emphasizing the importance of taking risks while acknowledging the reality of setbacks and imperfections.
https://danielmangum.com/posts/better-to-fail-spectacularly/