In the end, I went out.
My warm-up and cool-down walks were a bit longer than usual, as I looped an extra block around the thrift store. I should just talk to him, but I think we all know how less-than-elegant we feel after a run. I mean, even if you’re in shape, and you’ve got that imaginary runner’s high, and you have a nice glow from your daily 5k, you’re still sweating and panting a bit. And I’m not in shape, so believe me, elegance isn’t possible even later on the day.
Truth be told, this was the best run I’ve ever had in my entire life. I had no pain, not even a stitch. I was winded, occasionally, but never found myself gasping for breath. No baby steps today! I kept my pace steady through each jogging interval, and gave myself a mini pep talk each time I walked.
I was worried I saw someone I knew, but I never saw his face, could only smell his clove cigarette as he walked around the park a few times. I probably don’t know him, but that didn’t keep me from being embarrassed about my victory cheer when I finished for the day. I thought nobody was around for at least a block, but he was walking up the stairs behind the bushes just in time. Can’t win them all, I guess.
And I’m very cautious to say I’m really getting somewhere already, because, while I changed quite a bit between Sunday and today, the weather did, as well. The sun came out just as I set out Sunday, the heat and humidity something I should be used to after years in Boston and many a summer in Philadelphia. It really beat me up. Today, on the other hand, was cloudy, with a fine mist filling the air, sometimes turning into actual drizzle. It was delightful, and now I wish it would rain all the time so I could feel so good about myself again.
