#runners low

[thatoneenbyyouhate]

i dont understand the "runners high" like, i get mad for no reason when i run how do yall like this??

[vignetteoftheday]

baby steps

It’s been too long. Running a half-marathon was on your “30 before 30” bucket list but lately you haven’t been training, or even exercising for that matter. Tonight’s the night. Headphones on full blast and hood pulled over forehead, you run. Your eyes are barely visible to the loiterers you pass but you all always seem to give the head nod to each other -recognizing the mutual struggles.

This hill is rough. Your legs keep pace with the thumping beat but your sides, oh no, they remember your bad habits better than anyone and pierce you as a reminder. Breathe.

The cramp is spreading but you’ve been here before, you know the protocol. Exhale on the step of the side that doesn’t hurt. Let your insides stretch a bit. It helps, but barely.

You’ve reached the corner and stop- your first mistake. Adjust yourself and pull out your phone- more of a signal that you’re only “pausing”- a show for the watching passers-by. The phone is a decoy (to your detriment) as you glance at the time. It’s only been 23 minutes since you left the house…and the cramping hits in full debilitating force.

Put your arms up! Surrender to the pain. Hold them on your head and fill your lungs. It’s then, when your body starts to fail, your chest tightens and the air gets bitter against your gums, that you seriously consider getting an Uber to take you home…try again another day.

Then the notification pops up on your phone: “Hey! It’s time to work out!” It’s a reminder you set weeks ago and have ignored for as long.

But not this time. No! You did it, broken-bodied, sweat-soaked face and all. Tonight you celebrate your baby steps-smiling, panting and clutching your side the entire walk home.