Wednesday, July 25, 2007

A Good Run

0500
Dark, still, quiet
Thick, humid air pooling in light under the street lamps
My heart was sluggish
My legs stiff and sore
My effort hard but my tempo slow
flailing myself because of the bad numbers

But my grandfather spent the night in a heart hospital
His heart tired from 90 years' hard work
legs not working, arteries hardened, pooling the blood

And I opened the door for our librarian this morning
She on her electric cart, legs taken by polio

I had a good run.
Very, very good.

16 comments:

Lance Notstrong said...

I think we all need more perspective like that at times.

Unknown said...

Well said, Greyhound.

I'll be thinking of you, and your grandfather.

Brent Buckner said...

Good reminder.

Spokane Al said...

Very well said. Our sports related issues truly are minor in the big scheme of things. By and large, we are very lucky people to be able to do what we do.

Anonymous said...

yes, it's so easy to forget, isn't it? congrats on a good run...

21stCenturyMom said...

My Dad woke up dead before he hit his 40th birthday. I try to love all my runs and my swims and my rides but sometimes I forget. Thanks for the reminder.

I hope you are referring to some other time with respect to your Grandfather. If not, I hope he's okay.

shelek said...

Right on the mark. Great work-- here and on the roads.

Bigun said...

Greyhound the philosiphiser ... you're good at it! Few things truly change except perspective - thanks.

Unknown said...

great post. that should get me out of my workout slump.

you jerk.

Andra Sue said...

Sometimes it's really important to remember that EVERY run is a good run.

Thanks for your comment on my post, btw. I do think a nice blogger PSA on distance is in order...old school early 1980's after-school-special style. :)

No Wetsuit Girl said...

Good point. I should remember that more often and try to run like every run is a good run.

Iron Eric said...

Right there with you buddy. I am one of the crazy ones for getting up extremely early...just to go run....

Dances with Corgis said...

Poignantly written. Thank you for the reminder.

TriBoomer a.k.a. Brian said...

TG,

Sorry to hear about your grandfather.

Your words do remind me to be thankful for my good health.

Stay tuned...

TRI TO BE FUNNY said...

We always say, "Running is Hard, but we're so blessed to be able to do it each and every day."
great post!

Taconite Boy said...

Thanks hound dog