Last weekend I had the immense privilege of watching nearly 40 athletes earn an OTQ marathon time at the McKirdy Micro Marathon. One of those athletes was Alex Burks.

In one of the most insightful and powerful conversations we've ever had on this this, Alex describes the last four years in which he persevered through challenges, worked is butt off, fell short many times, and eventually earned his lofty goal of qualifying for the Olympic Trials.

Below is the text from an Instagram post that Alex wrote after the experience that touches on the emotions of the day:

"2:17:13

I don't know if there's an adequate way to put into words what today feels like and means to me. As I'm sure you all know by now I've taken several attempts at qualifying for the Olympic Trials, and have failed each time. [The day before the race], I woke up with a tight chest and fever. My 4 mile shakeout at 7:20 pace felt miserable. I called up my coach and we talked about other race options, but after that conversation was over, it was all business with still making the most out of race day.

I've grown so accustomed to disappointment. I've considered giving up and throwing in the towel too many times in the past year and a half. However, and I genuinely don't think I can express this enough, I am beyond blessed to have SO MANY people in my life that continue to believe in me, support me, and give me the strength to carry on.

[Raceday] was a test of belief in myself. I had the fitness to run an OTQ, I just needed to keep calm, and not let what was in between the ears be my downfall.

And it wasn't.

I don't think I changed pace by more than 2-3 seconds for every lap of the course. Even the last 3 miles I didn't even consider speeding up. "Just don't slow down, stay calm and patient".

Then I crossed the line. Every time I failed, every time I felt not good enough, every time I considered giving up, it all washed away - and I cried.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love and appreciate you all. You make this worth it. You make this mean something. Never give up on that dream, ever."

You can follow Alex at www.instagram.com/alexander.burks.

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