Ode to Running

Restless, tossing, turning, dreaming

SLEEP

Music blaring, startling, jarring, gasping

ALARM

Eyes closed, arm flairs, knocks water

DARK

Legs kick covers, bare foot emerges, sigh

AWAKE.

Shorts, socks, sports bra, t-shirt, arm warmers, vest, hat, shoes

CLOTHES

Garmin, iPod, water pack, Gu, headlamp

GEAR

Sips of water, chocolate hazelnut butter

FUEL

Words of encouragement, goodbye hug, pat on the back, smile

SUPPORT.

Circle of light, lamppost, Garmin sync, iPod on

OUTSIDE

Empty streets, dark sky, full moon, vivid Jupiter

PEACE

One foot in front of the other, dark, jarring, tight muscles, jagged breath

RUNNING

Hard concrete, gradual hills, three miles, pounding

MOVEMENT.

Headlamp off, traces of dawn, bright moon, silent mountains

TRAIL

Occupied parking lot, sleepy smiling faces, mugs of coffee, dogs, leashes, balls

COMFORT

Familiar trail, dirt, tall grasses, bunnies scampering weaving hiding

WILD

Easy breath, strong legs, happy feet, flat terrain

ENERGIZE.

Active thoughts, bright images, hurt, angry, predator, grooming, scared, lonely

CHILDHOOD

Faster breath, run faster, can’t hurt me now

DEMONS

Chasing, hot breath, fear, adrenaline, banish.

EXORCISE

Lighter body, flush of heat, movement, tingling energy

RELEASE.

Easy breath, sip of water, mocha Gu, ankle twinge

BODY

Celestial pink, sage, dew, chirping, breeze, cool, salty lips

SENSES

Rays of light crest horizon, bursting, burning, refresh, joy

PASSION

Life force, me, air, sky, earth, wind, me, breathing, pounding, pulsing

ALIVE.

Dawn, even breath, rhythmic footfalls

SMILE

Runner man, white shirt, black dog, striding, loping

FRIEND

Wrist flick, tip of the head, eyebrows arch

GREETING

Big brimmed hat, shuffling feet, wrinkled face, Russian immigrant

HAPPY.

Faster now, mile six, lap two

MORE

Sweat coursing, trailing, pooling, damp

WARMTH

Sip of water, strong legs, efficient gait

SRENGTH

Adrenaline coursing, steady mind, relaxed shoulders

CONTENT.

Sunshine streaming, air moving, Tab Benoit, smiles

HEART

Clear eyes, peaceful heart, awake brain

BODY

Darkness fades, mood lifts, running faster

SOUL

Energized, wild, movement, trail, outside, peace, passion, energy

LIFE.