Running Away with Ideas

I mentioned in an earlier post that running is a great way to get inspired to write. I just finished my first 10k, and the ideas were flowing (along with some water and mud) :)

Here's a sample of some of my ideas. I'm thinking of using this as a jumping off point for my next chapter...

Thick water droplets pelt my face, seeping into the spaces between my eyelashes, blurring my visibility of the mucky clay trail ahead. Clenching my fingertips tight to my palms, I swipe my elbows against my hips, alternating their sways in opposition with my leg strides. Tight chest. With each of my inhales, the air inside of me sticks to the glue lining my lungs, but, glancing over my right shoulder, I focus on my dad running beside me, in sync with my strides, and I can’t hold back a smile. Heel to toe, I actively lighten the weight of my feet smacking the messy trail beneath me, angle my chest closer to my thighs, and thrust up the next hill.

Only 18 months ago, my physical therapist mounted me and my walker on the treadmill, carefully monitoring my wobbly legs churning at .5 mph for 60 seconds. Now, as I sprint up the last hill of the 10k Chabot Trail Run, marking in at a steady 9-minute-mile pace, pride surges through me.

Thoughts?

My dad and I at the 10k finish line!