the run i did not take today

I can feel the run I did not take today in my legs.  The steady pounding, step after step, as I climb the hill past the church, passing the squirrels busy making their winter nests.

I can feel the cool damp air on my face, smell fall’s onward approach in the undertones of the earth.

Whisper, whisper…I listen to the leaves dancing under my feet.

Gliding down the hill, I see the trees showing off their new colors, standing sentinel along the streets where I run.

All of this would have happened, only I did not run today.

The run I didn’t take today will make me stronger.

In three short days, I will run my seventh marathon.

I will return to the scene of the crime.

Portland 2007 was my first marathon.  I did not train enough.  I chose not to take so many runs that I was miserable by mile 13.  By mile 18, I learned that even walking hurts when you haven’t trained enough.  By mile 26.2, I knew that I loved this pain, this accomplishment, this pride.

My legs are ready.

My heart is ready.

My mind is ready.

And so today I rest.  I dream.  I plan.  I wait.