This spring
I started back running consistently
for the first time in four long years.
It’s been hard
and I feel so slow
my shoes are lead anchors.
Yesterday I felt like I was sprinting
for a ten minute mile.
I’ve been back at it
Six weeks or so.
I’ve lost seven pounds
but a fraction of my bodyweight.
I’m not focused on the measure
of gravity’s effect on my mass.
I’m focused on how I feel.
My resting heart rate
has dropped ten bpm
My blood pressure
nearly fifteen points.
Enough for me to get dizzy
and stop taking my Lisinopril.
I have more energy
and my mind feels more clear
like a made bed
washed sheets and pillowcases
a freshly lit candle on the mantle.
They say regular exercise
is important for heart health.
“Regular exercise!”
“Diet and exercise.”
“Get ninety minutes of intense exercise per week.”
They aren’t just the mindless seagulls
from Finding Nemo. They are on to something.
if I’d known it was this easy
and impactful [for me]
I’d’ve never stopped.
I simply have no good excuse.