13 Miles

Day 10.

ATTENTION AUDIENCE: The parts of “self” and “runner” will be played by Jack Sheard today.

SELF: So, you think you can run three miles today, huh?

RUNNER: No sweat.

SELF: No sweat? Really. We’ll see.

RUNNER: OK, a little sweat. Maybe a lot. But the three miles? I can do it.

SELF: Did you meassure it out correctly?

RUNNER: Drove down the block, up Blaine to that street people always turn on when they see a train coming and don’t want to wait, up to Webb, back to the cemetary, around to Stolley, back to Blaine, up to my block and back to the house. Right at three miles.

SELF: Wow, you’ve put some thought into this.

RUNNER: Oh, yeah. I picked up some new socks and even something called ‘boxer-briefs.’

SELF: Having problems?

RUNNER: A scavenger hunt in the park can be worse than a three mile run.

SELF: We’ll see about that. Shall we go? Or are you wanting to explain your other personal issues?

RUNNER: I’m already a block down the road. This isn’t so bad.

SELF: One block down, three miles minus a block to go.

RUNNER: Shut up, math boy.

SELF: What does the little green thing do? Is that new?

RUNNER: I almost forgot to tell you. The wife is going to start running too. If you see her, ask her how it’s going.

SELF: How is it going?

RUNNER: Coming up on a three quarters of a mile. Still strong.

SELF: I meant, how is it going for Melissa? And what does that have to do with the little green thing?

RUNNER: Oh. I’ll explain while I stop and stretch. She’s going strong. Getting a lot of things going to help her rhythm. Looks great. Full of energy and excitement.

SELF: Really? How much has she run?

RUNNER: Run? She hasn’t done that yet. I’m just talking about all the things she needed to buy to be able to run. A shirt, shorts, a new iPod, some accesories. But it’s all worth it. I’m just as excited that she’s running as she is. Probably more.

SELF: And the green thing is?

RUNNER: You weren’t paying attention, were you?

SELF: You mentioned the green thing?

RUNNER: No, but we’re coming up on a mile and a half. Halfway there baby!

SELF: The green thing?

RUNNER: Right. We bought an iPod shuffle. It is officially mine. It’s even called ‘Jack’s iPod’. Now, when she runs she will be the one without music if she forgets to bring home her iPod.

SELF: You believe that?

RUNNER: No. Not really.

SELF: How you feeling now?

RUNNER: I’ll be fine. I ran once without music. I can do it again.

SELF: I meant, now. Running? How does it feel?

RUNNER: Coming up on. Two miles plus. Maybe we should stop. And stretch again.

SELF: You sound tired.

RUNNER: Not tired. Just. A little. Well. Energized.

SELF: Stop here at the cemetary.

RUNNER: Good idea.

SELF: How’s the sweat?

RUNNER: Let’s run.

SELF: Fine by me.

RUNNER: Let me ask you a question?

SELF: Well, that’s not how this works, but OK.

RUNNER: How’s your heart rate?

SELF: I’m sitting on the edge of my chair, excited!

RUNNER: I don’t mean excitement. I mean, what do you do for exercise?

SELF: I get a workout watching you.

RUNNER: That, I actually believe. I’m working out for the both of us.

SELF: What are you feeling? I mean, is this running making you happy?

RUNNER: Is it supposed to? I mean, honestly. I like to run. I enjoy how I feel when I’m done. But happy to run? Not sure.

SELF: Shouldn’t it make you happy? And isn’t this your turn?

RUNNER: Yes, and thanks. Back on Blaine.

SELF: It should make you happy?

RUNNER: Yes. And it does. Really. I guess.

SELF: You’re not reassuring me.

RUNNER: I feel like a bucket of slushy right now. But this is the first time I’ve run three miles. And, save for a little walking over by the gravestones, I’m making it through. That makes me happy.

SELF: We’re coming up on your house again. How long has it been?

RUNNER: I’ll tell you when I get there, but it doesn’t matter. I’ve. Made. It.

SELF: Time?

RUNNER: 37 minutes, if you’re counting.

SELF: Feel like another ten miles?

RUNNER: No sweat. At least not today.

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