Silence of a Different Kind

The batteries to my mp3 player died. When I found some batteries I couldn’t find the mp3 player. I brought the discman instead, got on the treadmill and discovered those batteries were dead, too. Thinking of S, I didn’t let it bother me. I ran in “silence” instead. Ignoring the piped in, heavy on the bass, meant to inspire your ass music, the nearby chatting of the ladies behind me, and the steady, droning hum of the machines, I ran in my own kind of silence.

I had quick conversations with my lungs, knees, ankles, and heart. Only to check in with everybody, only to make sure we were going to be okay for the duration. Only then did I fall silent myself. It’s not about getting in shape. It’s not about having that runners butt or losing weight. It’s about finding self. I had forgotten that. Completely and utterly. Somewhere in the middle of training to run a half marathon, somewhere in the agony of injury, somewhere in the middle of everything, somehow I had forgotten that. I had forgotten what it was like to run in peace, to run in practical meditation with a clear mind, a clear heart. I love that point when all I’m aware of is simply breathing. I’m sure other athletes get to this point in their sport – where what they do takes them to a purer part of their psyche. It’s why they do what they do, I’m sure.

Bottom line: 2.99 mi 35 min (including warm up and cool down)