15

Exactly four years ago, I ran fifteen miles for the first time ever. Tonight, I did it again. That time, my marathon training was waylaid by knee and tendon issues; this time, I hope my body parts will remain healthy and intact the entire time. I'll train more carefully, pay more attention to my body's signals, and make sure to take time off when I need it.

I felt so good on today's run. From the minute my feet hit pavement, I knew there would be no problem making the 15-mile goal. For a number of miles, I even achieved the elusive body-detachment. It was just me and my mind and my music, being carried along by some mysterious force which I only occasionally recognized as my own body.

I ran from home all the way down Lake Shore Path to the Drake Hotel, passing 10 tennis games, 50 beach volleyball games, hundreds of pedestrians and bikers, dozens of dogs, and a few very welcome water fountains. Propelled by the Scrubs soundtrack on my old mp3 player and some lemon-lime Gu, I just kept running and running and running, till I was done.

I'm really gonna do this thing.