my long run

The sun is rising as I start my run. I am proud of myself for making it out this early. I start moving my legs, and they feel stiff. I tell myself, "mile one is the hardest, just get through this, and then you'll feel good." Everything starts to fall into place, my heart rate climbs and levels out at 160. The sun is rising in front of me, and I am so happy to be on my run.

At first, time passes slowly, and I feel the impact of every stride. Then, at mile 4, I feel as though things get quiet. My aches stop bothering me, and my mind is free to think of other things.

I begin to feel the heat of the sun, and find it higher than I'd expected. I begin to rethink my route, wondering where I might find more shade. Drops of sweat begin to form, and I wipe them away from my ears, hoping to avoid their interferance with my earphones. I realize that the song I am running to is pretty far into my playlist, and I count up my miles. I have gone 10 miles. Then, the light changes, and I am forced to wait. I become more aware of the heat, and my sweat, and the difference a self-generated 6mph wind can make. Finally, the signal turns green, and my feet are back in sync with the drummer from Coheed and Cambria.

"Only a 5k" to go! "Less than a mile to go!" "Just around the corner now!" I encourage myself to the end.