Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Brown's Store

[first published September 2006]

There's something about running on Sunday mornings. Lately, I've been a little sluggish when first waking up, so when I thought I heard rain bouncing off my bedroom window I was relieved to have an excuse not to go for a run; when I looked out however, it was like the streets were calling to me.

It was one of those mornings when the sun was just coming up over the hills in the east and what wind there was could barely cause the leaves on the trees to flutter. I could not miss a morning like this especially now that summer is drawing to a close and the morning temps are beginning to drop.

It was beautiful and warm and I could practically taste the air with every breath. My route took me to a part of town that I had not run before - an area where I used to live before moving to Ontario nearly 30 years ago. I couldn't help but think back to the visits we used to take to the convenience store I was passing on my route, still named 'Brown's Store'. I smiled at the simplicity of the street names in my old neighbourhood - Limerick Place, London Road and Dublin Road. It was a run to remember- forty-five minutes in total.

Looking back over the past few months, I have come to realize that me and running have reached a special place; one that has nothing to do with pace, personal bests, running shoes or tank tops. It has to do with all the intangibles that running has to offer, the emotional, sometimes spiritual side.

I've come to learn that me and running are best friends.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Chancey,

When I was a boy Brown's Store as you call it was named Cook's Store and your neighbour was my father's farm.

Lawlor