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Running Through the Pain
The cool air hits my face then transforms into streams of fire as it fills my lungs. I feel as though I can’t breathe. Suffocated by the flames.
“This. Is. Horrible.”
Muscles, adapt to months of laziness, sitting around and feeling little in the way of strenuous activity begin to engorge as blood is pumped chaotically around my body and lactic acid begins to gather.
“Ahhh! I hate this! What the hell am I doing here!?”On and on I go. One foot in front of the other. Pounding the pavement with heavy steps akin to the sound of a beating wartime drum. In my mind, I want to give up. Hang my head in defeat. Scurry on home with my tail between my legs. But I don’t.
“I mustn’t quit. I’ve got to keep going. It’s time to dig deep and keep pushing forward.”
Other runners pass me with ease. Effortless. Some flash a smile, others a simple nod of the head as if to say, “Yea, we are all runners together. Brothers in arms.” I do my best to reciprocate in my sweat covered, lungs burning state.
“Not much further now. The end is in sight. One last push and it’s done.”
Finally, I see the finish line — my car in the driveway — and I make a…
