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June 30, 2009
Running on empty
As you may know, I run a half marathon every Sunday morning; it's the one run of the week which I time, so I race against myself, always looking for a fast one.
But this Sunday, and for no obvious reason, my body was finding it hard. The spirit willing, but the flesh complaining alot. Who knows why? It wasn't as if I'd got wazza'd the night before.
Anyway, after six miles or so, I was wishing myself home; but facing another seven miles, and much of it hard hill. Everything was hurting; everything wanted to stop, but everything knew I couldn't, that stopping wasn't an option, so I fought on, pushed and pushed again, carried on, one step and then another, one hill and then another, hard pavement, pounding feet, sweat in the eyes, until I made it back, shakiy hand turning key in door.
And how happy I was! I was staggering around breathless, sweaty and gasping for water - and laughing. If I sat, I laughed; if I stood, I laughed; if I stumbled, I laughed. My time was slightly slower than usual, but I didn't mind. I was more happy just to have done it today, because today was hard - and one day i wouldn't be able to do it at all.
So I was Mr All-Smiles, impossible to upset. It was as if all the nonsense had been cleared out of my body, and I was just left with what I am - happy.
This is what we are when we reach empty.
Posted by Mr Bojangles at June 30, 2009 08:30 AM