Time to pound pavement, laced up and ready to go. Out the
door and on the run, stride feels true, breathing even. 3 miles, 5 miles, 6?
Hang a right on Riverside, attack the incline and feel the burn in the thighs.
Right on Van Nuys, keep up with the cars as they stop at every stop light. It’s
hot but no worry, that’s the best time to run, brings out the primality of it.
Left on Burbank , another incline that is inviting. 1 mile in, feeling strong,
sweat pouring. Dodge a pedestrian, and regain rhythm. 2 miles down, that was
quick. Time to stop at the light with the looming incline that crosses over the
405 freeway. Green light, get it, push it, thighs screaming for oxygen filling
with lactic acid. Peak, enjoy the downhill at a controlled pace. Easy sailing
for a mile or two, time to settle in and total up miles like points in a video
game. Pass the golf course as the runner high begins to set in. Feet get
lighter, breath slows, everything is beautiful. Thoughts are clear, all the
stress dissipates like dew in the morning as the sun rises, can’t be touched.
Running on a cloud of euphoria bathed in sunlight that is no longer hot but
comforting. 5 miles in and the high begins to where off and reality sets back
in. The sun is now the harbinger of discontent and the stride begins to shorten
and the breath becomes more laborious.
This is the best part of the run, time to dig deep, reach
down and grab a hold. Time for second gear, there it is, no feeling in the legs
or arms, just the vague recognition of running. Made it, exhale in relief, 6
miles.
Take a couple of minutes, then turn and head back home.
Peaces and Creases
TBN
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