PERSEVERE

The Rewards of Lifetime Running

Ignored countless excuses not to run today. Checked outside temp: hot. Whatever. Slipped on singlet and running shorts; tied waistband. Clipped ID inside shorts. Sat on bed, pulled on socks. Guided toes into running shoes; laced ‘em up snug. Grabbed keys, exited and locked home, hid keys.

On sidewalk, reset chrono. Assessed mental and physical state. Slight fatigue, of course. Reluctant body asked, “Do we have to do this today?” Mind responded, “We’ll push it, as we’ve always done. Persistence and dedication pay huge dividends. We are alive and robustly healthy.”

Heard faint rumble of distant thunderstorm. Touched chrono, stepped out in easy, relaxed jog. Legs lacked springiness and responsiveness of youth, but were functional. Arms loose; breathing was slow and deep. Glided over smooth pavement, around lake in parklike setting. Cruised beside lush jungle. Drifted through symphony and panorama of frog, osprey, alligator, crane, palm, oak, swaying Spanish moss.

From rhythmic, gentle footfalls, I increased pace and stride. Felt nuances of changing dynamics in feet, calves, thighs, hips, shoulders, and arms. Oxygen recharged lungs, brain, muscle; it sharpened my senses, cognition, motivation, and confidence. Endorphins began to suffuse body and mind. A smooth path, space, and solitude. Inner harmony propelled me forward. Recited mantras: Nineteen personal behaviors. Twelve global problems. Six social work values.

Ran through finish bathed in sweat. Slowed to brisk, purposeful walk. Chrono indicated 31 minutes, enough for a 90-degree day. Retrieved keys, entered cool, quiet home. Grabbed ice cold BodyArmor Lyte. Peeled off saturated shorts, singlet, shoes, socks. Showered in cool water, toweled off, ran bony fingers through thinning gray hair; smiled in mirror. Threw on shorts and T-shirt. Reclined, relaxed, reflected, wrote, dreamed.

Eighty years of dedication to “Just Do It.” Escaped without a flat screen. Escaped into Nature’s reality: under sun’s warmth and gaze of platinum moon; in blizzard, lightning, torrential rain, hurricane. Escaped from war; escaped into peace.

Discover the priceless, long-term holistic benefits of running. You will earn extended life on this planet. You will find strength, endurance, mobility, and energy. You will gain mastery. You will find freedom, and joy in the privileges of health.

Will