"WE RUN FOR LOVE"

A funk drew a cloud over me since Monday. A +30yr memory occupied my psyche. I took to running, RUNNING HARD. At times at torrential paces. I asked friends for prayers and tore into the track and road. During my evening 6miler, the triviality of it ceased.
For years, running to Rin’s hill meant running by this white home (pictured). An elderly woman occupied the porch with her little Pug pooch. It would bark frantically at me while she told me the little guy meant no harm. Passing her brightened my run and provided encouragement just before taking on grueling intervals workouts up Rin’s Hill. Sometimes the sweet woman offered me a cookie or chocolate bar when my body dragged from the hard work out. 
Over the past months, I notice she wasn’t on her porch bench. She wasn’t out there today on a pleasurable evening. As I approached her home, her husband drove his tractor to the front of the home. I paused and waved for him to stop. 
“Beautiful Day,” I said, “I notice the Missus hasn’t been around”. 
The elderly man pleasantly smiled, “My wife… She died now 18 months back in January 2018.” 
I gently grabbed his arm and replied, “I am So Sorry My Friend.” 
He patted my hands in appreciation. “It was her time son…. You know, she thought the world of you. You were an inspiration to her with all that runnin’. She sure loved to watch you run.” 
I gently tightened my grip on his arm. “Thank You Sir. God Bless You.” His other hand continued patting my hands. I let go and smiled. Turn back to the Road. With a sigh and deep breath sped on my way.
My funk of previous days reared itself from memories five American Presidents past. Yet, just as inconsequential saw a woman on a porch waiving hello now passed away. The later put into context my what I must cherish; Those who care about me in the present. To be at peace with old spirits and Love what is in front of you. Especially when she gives you cookies. 😉

MRTC RRS 1st 5K (July 2019)

Master's 2nd Place
15th of 1206 Overall
1st of 79 Age Group 50-54

Apprehensive over coming back to the MRTC RRS since 2017, not dread but the feeling of being good enough again. Estimated goal time Sub20.

With cloud cover, sprinkles and a minimized heat signature, the worry faded the moment my magnetic chip triggered. Everything my coach (Kevin/Can't Stop Endurance) instilled (over 4 yrs worth) activated by steading my tempo to match lead runners.

Weary not to blast the first mile, the focus was to maintain good breathing and sense runners next to me. Closing in on each runner, my thoughts calculated what cards their labored breathing held. I read their tempo and patterns. The moment a runner missed a beat, it opened a moment to capitalize. No domination, just acceleration and ensure the next target was in view. The race became a Mario Go-Kart video game, the fun came back, this was JOY my body remembered.

In the final mile, my senses felt my tank held more reserves. This body can go for something more than the pre-race goal. In front of me, 200 meters and four runners. Hunt down just one. Tally-ho! With a swift pass by one of the four, my trajectory punched it to the line.

At race end, Coach Kevin handed me a “Recovery Popsicle”. Recapping my last push, I told Kevin, “Man, all I could think was Fast Feet, things we talk about over the years”. He replied, “You know the program more than most.” Likely its ingrained now.

Excited for the up coming series events and what this old body can do. @ Memphis Botanic Garden