Ready, ready, (not) ready to run...

Before:

I bolt upright at the first sound of my alarm, adrenaline pumping furiously.

I fly into my clothes, quickly gather my hair into a sturdy knot, and begin lacing my shoes.

You can do this. It will be fine! Great cause. Good weather. Nothing to prove. And think of the personal fulfillment!

I inhale deeply, stomach churning.

Who are you kidding? What were you thinking?! You are going to die! People train for these things!

I exhale and set off for the race.

Ready...or not.

During:

A couple stretches, a quick prayer--Lord, have mercy!--and the gun sounds. No turning back.

I break into a slow, easy jog. People pass me on both sides. Four miles of this? How will I ever make it?!

I turn up my music and fall into a steady rhythm. My rhythm. Left, right, left, right. Just keep going.

Just me and the open road. My calves begin to ache as I start up the hill. Stay steady. Focus.

Halfway now. A quick drink as I run past the cheering crowd. A quick smile as I pretend I belong. If you only knew...

Left, right, left, right.

Shirt drenched in sweat. Muscles screaming. Lungs burning. I consider stopping-- just for a little bit?--but then, from the sidelines, "You're doing great! Don't give up!" Maybe just a little further...

So close yet so far. Each step feels like a mile. Left, noIcan't/yesyoucan, right, butIhurt/justbelieve.

And just when I think I cannot go any further--

The final stretch. A roaring crowd. A finish line.

Praise the Lord.

After:

A much-earned breakfast.

(With much-preferred company.)

A fresh perspective.

...More than worth it.