Don't mind me...

13.1 miles
i hear their foot falls behind me
behind me
coming nearer
i hear their breathing
feel their breath
closing in
and in my mind
the distance ahead grows longer
stretching on and on and on
let them pass
let it pass
let it go
breathe
breathe
breathe
my steps
my pace
mine
i didn't even see the time pass as i passed through time

Moving on...

Today, I ran in a half-marathon. In and of itself, it isn't such a monumental thing, except that, back in December--December 31st precisely being the official "OMG" moment--I hurt my neck. I spent all of January and half of February NOT exercising at all...the pain was THAT bad and I took it THAT seriously.

Feeling a lot like Humpty Dumpty, I'm not totally put back together...yet...and quite frankly may never be. It's been a mixed blessing. It's made me more conscious. Conscious of me. Conscious of movement, of each subtle and grand use of my body. Grateful too. Grateful for movement. Grateful for this amazing, miraculous body, that although I am often critical of it, shows such tremendous strength and life. My run was slow and, wow, it was hard...I had taken it for granted.

Today, I ran. But more importantly, I woke up and got out of bed. For this, I am most grateful.