12 miles into the marathon and to say that I felt good would be the understatement of the year. I felt FAN-FREAKING-TAS-TICK. Amazing. Legs were good, heart rate relatively low, hydration under control. My speedometer watch confirmed that I was indeed maintaining my target speed of 8.5 miles per hour and I had visions of exceeding my Boston qualifying goal of 3:20. This was going to be a walk in the park (literally, except with blistering speed!). I am so cool. A running superstar. I should even pick-up the pace and go for 3 hours!

You know where this is going, don't you?

Life has a way of learning me these same lessons over and over and over again. I knew better than to start thinking that way.

By mile 16 I was slowing a bit, but still over 8 mph, so I figured it would be OK. Lot's of time still to make up the time a little later on. It's smart to conserve after all. By mile 20 I was walking the aid stations and taking every opportunity to stretch, but with the intent that I would only stop for 10 to 15 seconds, and not stop at all during the last 6 miles. By mile 21 I was slowing more and making deals with myself like "OK Greg - just one more power stop. Stretch, drink and eat a gel because it's Greg the non-stop speed machine for the last 6 miles". By mile 22 I was in tears. By mile 23 I was full of hate. I hated the stupid marathon. I swore never to do another. My speed was a limp and ineffectual 5 mph. A little more than a fast walk. I was in pain. I was tired. Really tired. I just so-wanted to stop in the worst way.

I wasn't even certain I would make the finish line before 4 hours.

It's like that sometimes. Just when you think you are invincible, life comes along and slaps you across the back side of the head. So I have learned not to read too much into a lucky streak - not to get overly confident.

In my previous life as an entrepreneur, I learned that long term success typically resulted from a mix of wins and losses. The huge contract we just landed would always be followed by many smaller losses, but I knew that if we followed the plan, and expect and account for loosing some as well as winning a few, we would eventually accomplish our goals. Two dollars forward, one dollar back.

And I'm thinking that this weekend's Victoria Marathon serves as a really good reminder for me not to get too confident regarding the recent string of successful stock market predictions. 4 out of 4 is good, but it isn't statistically significant. According to my previous research, I am expecting between 75% and 85% successful trades, so I am prepared for some eventual losses.

Don't get me wrong, 100% winning trades would be fantastic, and would go a long way in proving the validity of intuitive functioning. I would certainly endeavor to predict every trade correctly. In the end, I suppose that is my ultimate goal here. I will, however, accept whatever success this experiment provides, just as I must accept my 3:37 marathon finish.