Today is a day of contradictions and reflections. I can't help but feel a bit melancholy over Ryan Shay's death, despite the fact I had no relationship with him. Those who are in love with running share an unspoken bond to each other. We all seem to share the same umbilical cord, being fed by the same desires, making the same sacrifices, and sharing in the same heartaches. In this respect the pain of those who are close to Ryan Shay ripples outward, like water above a falling stone, and wriggles through each of us, leaving us to wonder what just happened.

Unlike Chicago, this tragedy cannot be slapped aside with the assumption that he was under trained, or inexperienced. This time it is, what it is. Tragic. This is Elite runner number two, this year alone, who literally sacrificed everything in pursuit of a dream.

That was one of the greatest fields ever assembled for the Men's trials. It was a beautiful, dominant performance for Ryan Hall. An amazing output by newcomer Dathan Ritzenhein, and a gutsy performance by Brian Sell. History, if it could write itself, would've ended the day in glorious exhilaration and talks of Americans working towards a comeback in the marathon. History is written by the second, so instead the day's accomplishments will be forever cloaked by the death of an athlete, who was also, dominant, amazing, and gutsy. The rest of us will go on. For Ryan, Dathan, and Brian, sadness will always be present in the memory of this pinnacle accomplishment. The loss of their friend is forever coupled with one of the happiest moments of their lives.