The Simplicity of Eight Laps

Living gratefully, I offer daily appreciation for something I tend to take for granted--even in a pandemic--

my overall health. It is a gift beyond measure. 

I started out on my run yesterday morning after an icy Saturday prevented it. Sunshine and clear sky greeted me and it was just what I needed after some heavy and gray days, in the natural world and in my inner world. I had one course in mind, and still had to watch my step in a few places. 

As I neared the middle school a mile or so from our house, I realized that the track would be a good place to run—it was clear of ice and how often can I run on an outdoor track on December 20 in Minnesota?  

I started out in lane 8 and as I headed around the track I decided to do 8 laps and work my way over to lane 1, a lane and a lap at a time.  It was a simple way to cover the next couple miles, and there was something to be said for circling the oval and reminiscing a little—on the year, and on my own track days. 

Around one curve I got a nice view of the sun getting higher in the sky. I ran with gratitude, as I often do. Grateful for my health. Grateful for the weather. Though I appreciated the late season run, I would also appreciate a white Christmas. Our chances of that here are running out, but Wednesday is a maybe.

After 8 laps, I decided to do one more in the “fast” lane. That would be lane 4 on an 8-lane track. In a track meet, whatever the running event, the athletes coming in with the best times would get lanes 4 and 5. With staggered starts or in a sprint, this allows the optimal position to see the rest of the field. 

Life in the fast lane. I don't run very fast anymore. I do sometimes drive fast. I don't live recklessly though, like the Eagles' song implies. 

In the end, the nine laps offered clarity and comfort. That was the best I could hope for. And I can't forget the endorphins. Free and effective.