Happiness Runs

Lately, I have been doing quite a bit of free writing. Sometimes on napkins. Other times on my computer. Regardless, these random moments of pure inspiration have been occurring quite frequently. I can think of nothing better than to share them on this blog. Today's free write goes directly with the initial topic of my blog. Running. I developed this piece on a napkin. At a track meet. Enjoy!

TRACK

“Runner’s ready?” 

Nope. 

“On your marks!” 

Why am I shaking? 

“Set!”

I’m gonna pass out. 

BAM, the gun shot blares loudly. 

GO! GO! GO! My body jolts forward and I quickly break out of the pack. My breathing hastens to the pace of a dog on a hot summer’s day. I can’t control my body. All I know is I am moving forward as I race around the first turn. I don’t even glance back, but tune my ears to hear even the faintest sounds behind me. Letting someone catch me now could kill my chances. I brush away the thoughts and keep fighting through the pain that swims up my blood stream, through my feet, calves, thighs, core, all the way up to my pounding temples. My feet settle in from the speed of racing rapids  into that of a steady river, the most “comfortable” pace one can reach during the 400 meter dash.  My body can barely handle the pain, but then the bell rings as I whiz by the finish line. Only one lap to go and its time to lay it all on the line. As much as my body wants to collapse to the ground, the fire within my soul envelops my veins. The rest of the race blurs together and next thing I know it, I’m flinging my body across the finish line. I glance around me and after a second or two, another racer flies through.  Did I just? Nah. Wait. Did I win? My coach jogs over to me and the confusion on my face must be pretty apparent.  The first words our of her mouth are Ilana, you won. A smile plasters across my face. The pain was worth it. Fighting through was worth it. But its more than just winning the race thats all worth it. The best part of running, however, isn’t winning the races. Its about climbing to the top of the mountain and yet every time you reach the peak, its keeps getting higher. The climb never ends and neither does the way it makes me feel. The wave of endorphins that hits me after reaching my goal never ceases to bring me anything but happiness. Genuine happiness. 

Loreli

Loreli :)

As usual, I'm posting in the middle of the night. It's just past 3 AM and everyone seems to be sleeping... except for Loreli, my 2-year old puppy from a nearby shelter. Loreli and I feel in love at first sight. She was chilling on a rug at PAWS animal shelter downtown (www.pawschicago.org/). When I looked into her big brown eyes, she already had me wrapped around her little finger. After my first dog, Dolly's passing, Loreli was the first dog who had me at hello. I knew she was the one. My mom, however, disagreed. Let's just say Loreli is slightly (20 pounds) bigger than Dolly was, and my mother was less than thrilled to have "the horse" running around the house, yet a week later, we went to go pick Loreli up. 

What a journey it has been with this dog. First of all, she's crazy. Second of all, she's crazy. And third of all, did I mention that this dog is crazy?? She's just like this massive ball of energy with very little intelligence. In comparison to our last dog, she's a dumb dumb, but she's the sweetest dog you will EVER meet. She just loves to cuddle and has the softest ears in the world. With this sweet heart of her's, though, comes the big baby side of her, but what can I say? She's an individual and we love her!

On late nights like this, Loreli is either doing one of two things: sleeping and often cuddling with me or whining about something. Usually its because she's jealous that I'm drinking tea and she isn't or something else along the lines of food. In other cases, she just wants to play...at 2 AM. Although I am regrettably up this late quite often, I wouldn't exactly classify it as "time to play". In any case, I still enjoy having a friend up with me, especially a cutie like my Loreli. Tonight, she's sleeping right next to me and I just felt as if she deserved some recognition. However, in this case, I must also recognize the late nights that Dolly (our first dog) was up with me. We miss you, Dolly! 

To all, who are still awake at this late hour, get some sleep!! Good night!

My brother, Phillip, with our first dog, Dolly.