The woman in black leggings bent down to secure her laces. Double knotting them to make sure they stayed tight during her run. Her blonde hair fell across her face as she looked up to see her running partner. The woman stood up and slowly walked across the parking lot. Her running partner nodded in good morning.
It was 6 am, the perfect kind of morning for a long run. There was a slight breeze, refreshing as it blew. It would help cool them off when they started to warm-up after a few miles. She looked around with sleepy eyes, You ready? They both turned towards the running route, adjusting their armbands, securing their headphones and setting their GPS to record distance. They looked at each other, and silently acknowledged that it was time to begin.
Slowly, they began to break into a soft jog. Feeling their leg muscles engage with each stride. The woman began to speed up, naturally, feeling her way to a moderate pace. Her partner followed her lead and they ran side by side, matching strides. The pace was easy enough, they could have held a conversation. But there was no need for words. Just breathing. Deep, controlled breaths with every stride.
She focused on the horizon, becoming mesmerized by the sunrise. It was a beautiful one. Shades of red, orange, pink and purple stained the skyline. She couldn't take her eyes off of it. He couldn't take his eyes off her. The woman felt his gaze and looked over at her running partner, he nodded in agreement, the sunrise was breathtaking.
They kept going. Ten miles in now, their lungs were burning, leg muscles starting to feel that dull ache of exertion. But it also felt good. To feel the cool breeze at each turn, a welcome relief. These long distance runs were all mental. It was a given that the body would tire. It was the mind you had to convince. With each step, a mental struggle between body and brain. The woman let go, and gave herself up to it. Losing herself and focusing on the joy of the pain. One foot in front of the other.
They closed in on their last mile. The parking lot visible now. The woman slowed down to a stop and he followed suit. Both out of breath, they walked side by side, cooling down. Enjoying the accomplishment of the long run. Runner's high.
He look at her and nodded in approval, Great pace. The woman, already flushed with exertion, felt a flutter deep in her belly. She tried not to smile but it spread across her face anyway. He tilted his head back and let out a chuckle, his eyes tired but shining with happiness.
He looked at her, Same time next week? She nodded yes. they raised their hands in farewell as they turned to their vehicles, slightly brushing elbows. The woman felt a tingle of electricity at his touch. She looked at his face for a moment, taking in every line, every crease. Then turned to walk away.
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