Today was supposed to be a day of celebration, a day filled with excitement and anticipation. Alas, it turned out to be quite the opposite. The results for the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon lottery were announced, and I was not selected. I am disappointed, and I can’t help but feel a tinge of sadness.

I had been eagerly awaiting this moment, hoping against hope that I would secure a spot in the marathon that holds a special place in my heart. Chicago 2004, my first marathon, feels like a lifetime ago—20 years to be precise. The idea of returning to the same course, two decades wiser and in great shape, was a dream I had been nurturing for months.

I envisioned myself running the streets of Chicago, breaking my personal record, and basking in the nostalgic glow of that monumental milestone from my past. The training, the dedication, and the sheer excitement were building up to what I believed would be a triumphant return.

But life, it seems, had other plans. This felt like a missed opportunity, a chance slipping through my fingers. However, in the midst of this disappointment, a glimmer of optimism persists. I can’t let this setback define my running journey. There are countless marathons, races, and adventures awaiting me in the future. Perhaps, this is an opportunity to explore new routes, discover new challenges, and push my limits in unexpected ways.

I’m not going to let this setback crush my spirits entirely. Instead, I’ll redirect my energy and focus towards finding alternative races for the upcoming year. Maybe, just maybe, the universe has something even more extraordinary in store for me. And who knows, Chicago 2025 might be the year I make my triumphant return to the marathon that started it all.

For now, I’ll lace up my running shoes, hit the pavement, and embrace the uncertainty of the journey ahead. The road to Chicago may have a detour, but the destination remains the same—victory, personal growth, and the sheer joy of running.

© Francesc Borrull, 2023