Gray clouds covered the sun and cast a dull hue across the city. I gathered my cold weather workout clothes and prepared for my streak extending effort.
Upon opening the building’s front door a gust of wind struck me. It was stronger than I thought based on the window view but warmer too. I took off my light gray gloves and put them in my running vest pocket.
Five miles, or six, or maybe a seven mile run to the lake and back. I couldn’t decide on a distance. Most of my workouts are like this. I never decide how far to go until I start going. This is probably why I’m having trouble getting faster.
I clicked on my GPS phone app, turned on the latest episode of This American Life and started joggling. It’s been awhile since I heard TAL, I love it.
After about 100 yards the pain in my left foot began. Each time the foot met the concrete I felt a stabbing pain in my heel. I compensated with a slight limp and slowed my speed. “Will only be going three miles today,” I thought.
The pain dulled after the first mile and felt more like a stiff muscle than a knife in my foot. I sped slightly.
My workout started down my normal five mile running path but the pain altered my plans. I randomly made turns traversing sidewalks I’d never followed before. I like taking new paths. You never know what new thing you might see. On this path it was the encampment of homeless people under the highway viaduct. They seemed more gray than the panhandlers under the highway that I typically see on North Avenue. I wondered why they didn’t migrate to a warmer place. If I was homeless, I’d go to Florida or California in the winter. Chicago winters suck for outdoor living.
When I reached the Goddess & the Grocer shop, I ended my run. 3.1 miles without a drop. Upon entering a few of the patrons looked up and smiled. They found my juggling amusing.
I made my standard purchase, 2 bagel scrambles on a sesame seed bagel, a medium decaf coffee and a diet Dr Pepper. Half of the order was for my wife.
As I walked home, I got a slight chill from the wind and my sweat soaked shirt. The pain in my foot began to throb again. But it was a particularly good episode of TAL and the feeling of elation that I always get after a run was coursing through all my veins. I
I love running and juggling and joggling. I hope I can keep doing it for a long time to come.
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