I went back to the place I called home for 13 years, Shoals Indiana. A couple of weeks ago I took my off day to see a member who had moved to Indianapolis and was in a hospital. I made spontaneous plans to have supper with my son who still lives in Shoals and so I had a couple of hours to kill when I completed the 5 and a half hour trip from Mansfield. I hadn't packed any running gear but had a deep desire to return to my old running route again.
After a couple of stops along the way I crossed the line into Martin County. It was a warm, humid afternoon when I was greeted by the "Welcome to Shoals" sign. After passing the Gypsum mines I hung a sharp left from US 50 at Shoals Community Schools. Into that familiar parking lot along side the school track, I parked anticipating my first run in over 2 years. There were two people on the track already and I didn't know them. As I got out of the car I went into the stretch routine I had done at least a hundred times and then descended down the hill to the entry gate where I once again place my feet on familiar ground. This was the place my running passion was ignited. It was the track I lapped endless early mornings and late nights.
It took no time to feel home with my running again. As I began my run the afternoon heat awakened my senses to sun beaten rubber beneath my feet.The rubber coated track was kind to my weary,slow mending feet. The air on the south end of the track was wonderfully familiar with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The whine of the crickets could be heard from the west end.
I gazed below at the lines and markings that guided me repeatedly around this place for years. I thought of the goals I set out to reach as I'd head to the track again and again. I thought of those cold winter days when I was so absorbed that I ignored snow covered lanes and defiant northerly gusts that could not squelch my passion. I remembered nights when I'd run when I was frustrated, restless or sad; when I could not distinguish between teardrops and sweat drops. I remember times when I ran just wishing I could go until I could not take another step. There were songs I'd run to that were so worn and ingrained as I took each stride (Coldplay, Journey, Goo Goo Dolls, Train, U2,etc)I mostly ran alone and mostly liked it that way. It all came back to me when I returned to that old track.
Much has taken place since those days when I started on that old track. It was part of my training to do what I once that far-fetched, to run and complete a marathon. I backed way off after that because of a foot injury and have just really made my way back over the past few months. I am not as fast and not as goal oriented these days. Part of me misses that too! But to go back to the SHS track and just run it for fun and to return to the place where I fought through many battles and reached many milestones was rewarding enough. You don't realize how much of yourself you've really poured out until you get the chance to go back to where it all began.
The question these days is: Where can I go to find that old feeling once again?
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