My Short Short for the Day

Simone silently stared across the water to the buildings in the far distance.  Can I really do this?  It’s so far.  No, I’ve been training for this.  It’s my last big run before the race.  I know I can do this.  Simone walked forward until she was standing next to the tree.  When she finished her run she would be able to walk to the shore and look across at this tree.  She touched the bark with her hand and felt the strength flowing through it.  She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and released it slowly.  Ok, I’ve got this.

She stretched, taking care to loosen up all her muscles.  When she felt ready she turned away from the water and set her watch.  Ready, set, go.  She pushed off with her left foot into a jog.  She beeped her watch to start it at the same time.  Not too fast.  Steady, Simone, steady.  You’ve got a long way to go. 

Simone moved along at a strong, steady pace through the first half of the 18 mile run.  Not bad.  She told herself looking at the time.  Keep this up and it will be a good run.  She smiled and pushed a little faster.  She continued on until her calf suddenly cramped up.  She jerked to a stop and hobbled to a grassy area to sit down.  She massaged her leg willing herself to relax so the cramp would go away quicker.  After several excruciating minutes the muscle relaxed and she sighed in relief.  Then she stood up and slowly worked her way to a jog.  Her muscle was sore but seemed to be ok enough to continue the run.  Her form was wobbly at first but eventually evened out.  She wasn’t able to return to the previous pace but she managed a decent speed.

As she rounded the final corner, she tripped on the edge of the curb and crashed to the cement.  She put her hands down but the momentum was too strong and her head hit with a thud.  Dazed she rolled over onto her back, then slowly sat up.  She checked herself and found several bruises and scrapes but nothing felt broken.  Carefully she stood.  She felt a little weak but able to walk.  She walked to the shore and looked out at the tree across the way and closed her eyes.  I did it.  It wasn’t easy, but I did it.