It was a beautifully complex and garbled call – primal and delirious – understated and purposeful – coyote mixed with cardinal —- a sound my ears had not seen — I was intrigued.
I looked up and saw this red-tailed hawk, high on a pole – talking at me —- I was running in his territory – He was letting me know – not making too much noise —- waiting for breakfast – breakfast that could easily be scared away.
I’ve been running and training —- [Sorry to all non-runners — spent most of my life not running, I know how it sounds!]
It was magical – a quiet road next to a farm at mile 4 of a 7 mile run and this hawk is talking to me. That is all I need on a Sunday morning. I am not nothing – I am not failed – I am not broken — I am here and now and part of this land — it is part of me —– all together—- all connected.
Yeah, running can be like that.
Now on to mile 6:
I’m running on the shoulder against traffic and this old dude (my age) is riding a bicycle and coming at me — I move over into the field to give him room. He is yelling obscenities at me; “What the f*#k are you doing running on the road, get a bike, you f*&king idiot!” I barely look at him and focus on one breath at a time, one step at a time. It occurred to me that this was his garbled squawk – I am invading his territory – he is trying to give me some life advice. I can’t argue that riding a bike is more efficient. And I felt bad for him, because the bike is his mode of travel— he is not on a road of self-discovery – The dude must get from point A to point B. It was bizarre to have two confrontations with the local beasts on the same run.
The sublime and the ridiculous.
Both justified in their own strange way.
This is where I live, this is who I am.
Fast forward to Saturday October 14 in Hartford Connecticut – My first half marathon. The first 6 miles were fine, the last 10 feet when I crossed the finish line was also good. The remainder was varying degrees of painful.
The first one is like that.
I will keep running – it’s a new normal. It makes me feel better – it makes me be better.
Notes:
Forgive me bloggers, it’s been many months since my last confession. Starting a life back up that got derailed is a difficult process. We are fully engaged in that process at the moment.
Cave of Fame 
Wayne – You are amazing. I love hearing about your journey. It’s all perspective, isn’t it?
Thanks Natalie – I have my moments — and stringing those moments together does make for a fruitful journey!
Wayne they say with books/albums, make sure to start & finish strong as that’s what they’ll remember.
So it sounds like with the half marathon, you started & finished strong, hopefully that will be the lasting memory – Congrats on running your first 1/2 marathon!
Thanks Geoff – books, albums, and life itself!
Good for you Wayne, good to hear you are finding a way forward.
Thanks – we move or we don’t move — there is no third choice – That is becoming crystal clear. 🙂
So glad to see you here Wayne xx Love the thought on hawke snd cyclist 😊
Thanks Mek – its a long road but I’m still running! 🙂
Welcome back and keep up the running. I used to run back in high school and of course when I was in the marines but my knees aren’t up to that kind of punishment anymore. Fortunately I live where there a lot of hills to walk up. That keeps me fit.
I don’t think it matters how we get around MM – it just matters that we keep going forward 🙂
Good to hear from you, Wayne! Pleased you’re doing well and fully engaging with life!
I am running to it instead of away from it 🙂
Keep going Cave Guy and glad to hear your voice! Garfield hugs! Yaay!!
thank you GH – my Singapore friend! 🙂
You remember me in lil red dot😊😊😊Thank you. Please take care🤗
Fantastic to have you back here!
Thanks Apple! It’s a good step for me to testify on good ol’ WP!
Wayne–it is so darn good to hear from you! I hope life is treating you good. You deserve good. As a former runner–you, go! Early morning runs are the best–I miss them. Have fun. Keep the faith. Keep in touch. Much love to you.
Thanks Lois – I don’t know if I’m all the way back – just seem to have extra energy to spill over into blogging – feels good to be feeling good again (I think that’s a song)
I am so happy to hear that.
Good to hear from you-keep enjoying life Wayne!
Thank you Cheryl – its much better than the other option 🙂
Yes, true!!