Every day and every night, I stand on this perch and I note this new bridge. I lived in this neighborhood several years ago and the bridge wasn't there. The bayou trail was an iffy area for me. I never knew just how far I might go before the path would run out or if I'd be able to cross over to Where-I-Want-To-Be.
I tackled the trail a few times but it wasn't fun. I never went as far as I wanted. I always turned back. I never enjoyed it.
I had no sense of distance.
Now I have a Garmin. (Thanks to my wise son who gives me great running advice.)
I was impressively out of shape.
Now I have much improved respiratory stamina. (Thanks to a solid year of training.)
I lived in fear of failure.
Now I have confidence to try new things. (I worked in surgery for years and I've accomplished racing goals.) Oh, I also failed at efforts and I didn't die. Failure, shmailure.
I was afraid of getting lost. Lost. That's my monster under the bed.
Those who know me know well know that I might as well be a 3 year old who's been blindfolded and spun around a few times. My world is one big Pin The Tail on the Donkey Game. Fortunately, I've adapted to living with no internal compass by becoming very good at identifying and knowing my physical relationship to landmarks.
Today I indulged in a quiet and calm Saturday morning jog - no headphones. Hermann Park was already full of others like me. We were attempting to beat the heat. We smiled and greeted each other on our ways. I had plenty of energy as I came around the turn across from the new bridge. I had a decision to make. I could strike out and explore where that path took me. I might add a few miles to my morning. I looked to my left (my current course) and noted the welcoming shade formed by the trees overhanging the soft footpath. To my right was cement and a whole lotta sunlight.
I stuck with the comfort of what's known. I've had enough change lately.
That big, arched bridge beckons. It's good to know it's there. For another time.
©Michelle Scofield, June 29, 2013 All Rights Reserved
She's BAAAACK!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteYes! Thanks for sticking with me. It's been a few, um, challenging (???) weeks. I'm excited to have a January Marathon entry and will do my best to stay healthy and to keep posting here on my progress. Let me know how you're doing with your running, too!
ReplyDeleteOf course! You are fun to read. My "race" is the book I'm writing. I like how you do your stats at the top of your posts; I'm thinking of doing a similar one to track the progress of my book. :-)
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