Resolute

Over the holidays I got to be closer friends with Philosophy. She's a super gal; we've had similar experiences and we just kind of get each other.

Anyway, Phil is one of the few friends I've made that doesn't think I'm crazy for running. In fact, she's training for a marathon next July in San Francisco. I wanna play!

So yesterday I woke up at 5 am, a good two hours before dawn. I groggily tugged on my tights and sport bra and layers of t-shirts. I tied my shoes. I drank a glass of water. I pinned keys inside my clothes and quietly made my way downstairs. 5:30 on a Saturday...barely anyone on the street except some kids coming home from a night out and a few people unlucky enough to have to leave for work. I jogged down to Grand Army Plaza, met up with Phil, and together we trotted into the park.

It was like being in another world, just the two of us an a precious few other brave pioneers in the dark. We kept the pace light, chatting a bit. It was freezing. It was like the rest of the world didn't exist. For the first time since I lost my job I felt like everything is going to be okay. I felt like I could breathe.

At the end as we raced back out of the park, tents were being set up for the green market and the Christmas Cone lit up in all different colors. Grand Army Plaza felt like a finish line. I felt strong and happy and glad to be alive. We crossed the edge of the park and gave each other a sweaty, breathless hug.

Hopefully it was the first of many.