The Runner

A Story by Dan Hautzinger

What is feels like to run with a team

When you’re fit and fast, running is the most exhilarating sport. With your team around you the unspoken spiritual connections of the runners enhance the run. My right toe leaves the ground; left foot stretches in front of me. The outside of my left heel makes ground contact. It starts to roll from heel to toe; my lungs effortlessly push the used oxygen out of my body. Air rushing past my ears enhances the feeling of speed and power. Right knee bends lifting my foot starting it forward, arms swinging in opposite directions. Moving over my planted left foot the thigh muscle prepares for the push. Sweat fills my shirt as it drips off my face and neck. Lungs fill with fresh air as my left calf, thigh and butt push my body forward. The speed is effortless; I fly as my left foot leaves the ground and right stretches to meet it. My running partner and I are in sync our bodies moving together as we chat during the training run. The team picks up the pace as we enter the last mile of the run. We gauge our bodies and measure our effort for the last push. Running is not a sport of chance, there is no bounce of the ball or luck of the draw. The rewards are directly the result of hard effort and exact preparedness. The pace quickness the finish nears. For some every training run is a competition, others save it for race day. Both methods work for each unique individual. We push the last few 100 yards ending in a flourish. We walk with hands on our hips breathing in fresh air. Once it’s over and the recovery takes hold the universal feeling of accomplishment is evident on the smiles of all the faces. The captain pats the butt of each team member signifying a job well done.