When the weather is fair I enjoy an early morning run. I call it a run. It's essentially a downhill run and an uphill jog mixed in with a walk. I run from our apartment down Lonsdale, switching with the traffic lights to keep moving. Downhill running is great for doing the cellulite test - testing for those parts of the anatomy that are not working in sync with the rest of the body, but have a rhythm of their own.I like to get out as soon as it is light. I like to beat the busyness of the downtown commuters. The crisp autumn air is invigorating. I like to run out on to the pier. Usually it is quiet on the pier but this morning there's a boat with the American flag docked there. Access to the boat is cordoned off with security. It helps my form. "Look strong," I think to myself as I stride past security and the onlookers peering idly from the boat.
At the end of the pier, I like to do some stretches, enjoy my morning view across the water to Vancouver and, in summer, watch the cruise ships come in to dock. I particularly like to watch the seabus ferrying the early morning downtown commuters and give thanks that I am not part of the Starbucks coffee, iPod, Blackberry and laptop set. My taste of it did not leave me hankering after more.
Running back, I appreciate the red stop lights and I walk the crosswalks. I run as many blocks as I can but inevitably throw in some walking. It's deep ventilating work. I arrive at our apartment red-faced and alive. I will never be a good runner or even much of a runner. Yet, I like this teaser of a run. It burns a few calories and gets the blood flowing. I like saying, "I'm going for my run." Those few words are health to me.
I like running Lonsdale.
