I Run - by Rosa Bell-Megaw

The freedom I feel whilst running is like no other, it quietens my mind and lets me escape the busy world momentarily. As I let my feet guide me around the streets of the city, I feel a sense of peace but also a strong feeling of freedom.  

I intricately lace up my runners, one lace over the next, making sure they will not come undone, I notice all the dirt and marks from runs before. I reminisce on those moments and different feelings. I let out a sigh, my body feels tired from a long day at school, I can see the sun beginning to set. I do not want to go on this run. I pull my hair back into a loose ponytail, it hangs heavily down the back of my neck. I rub my eyes, they feel as though they could shut at any moment. My bed with its warm duvet and hot water bottle looks inviting to say the least. However, I try to push these thoughts aside. I take one step out my door and begin. 

I start out slowly, carefully mapping my route in my head. Before long, I realise I have forgotten my headphones. I briefly consider turning back, but it is too late now. I notice my breathing; it sounds loud and unsteady. I can hear my heartbeat in my ears: it’s like a metronome, each beat following a steady rhythm, pumping blood around my body. I try take control of my breathing, slowly in through my nose and out through my mouth. I listen to the sounds around me, the car engines, the beeping of the traffic lights, the hushed chatter of faraway conversations. Like an orchestra, they all create a melody with one another. Each with their own unique sound, but blending perfectly together. Perhaps I don’t need my headphones after all. 

One foot overtakes the other and I can feel my pace quicken; it is as though they are in a race with one another. Each foot striding forwards. I can see my breath in front of me. Like a warm steam trying to engulf me, pushing me to run faster so I’ll warm up. My legs start to tingle, the cold air wraps around them like a blanket, I push to break free and warm them up. I suddenly become aware of just the tip of my nose. It’s so cold and feels as though it could fall off. I am beginning to regret my choice of going on this run. My hands tightly in fists, trap a pocket of heat. I savour this feeling like a child with their last sweet. The cold begins to thaw around my arms, they sting slightly but are becoming warmer and more agile. My legs are soon the same, they feel warm and as though they will keep supporting me, pushing me forwards.  

As I run through the streets the speckled concrete lays beneath my feet. The varying shades of grey create a mosaic that I gently tread on. The green leaves on the trees have turned to brown as the colder months are approaching. The bright shades of orange and red that these new leaves possess always adds a picturesque quality to the streets. Some leaves fall to the floor floating freely and allowing the air to catch them. They are weightless and free. They have no preconceived ideas about where they may fall and just allow, they air to guide them. They contain freedom. I am careful to avoid tripping on the conkers, they vary between different shades of green and brown. I reminisce on my childhood innocence: I used to always collect them come autumn time. I slowly stop and pick one up. I study it in the palm of my hand. Its shiny surface and perfectly round shape resemble that of a jewel. The way the light reflects off it, you would almost think it was glowing. I carefully place it in my pocket and continue running, perhaps I haven’t changed that much. 

I approach the gates to the park; I reach out and feel the cold metal on my fingertips. It sends a shockwave throughout my whole body: this awakens me, I feel alive. A slobbery dog bolts past me, its tongue hanging out the side of its mouth, so far it almost touches the floor. It runs carelessly through the long grass, its ears flowing behind in the wind. Its eyes sparkle and the excitement is almost tangible. The dog has no worries on its mind, it is just running without any second thought. It has the entire field to itself, and it seems as though it may never tire. The dog feels freedom. 

A bus passes me, with its bright yellow lights and fluorescent colour. It's blinding but somewhat comforting to see all the people with their tired faces, being returned home after their busy day. It turns round the corner, leaning so far to one side it appears as though it could fall. The bus seems like its own entity, taking ownership and power of the road. The bus rides freely without any disturbance. I can see my reflection in the windows, I seem so small in comparison.  I see a small bird flying closely beside me, gliding from bush to bush, its dappled wings sparkle in the streetlights. Its sweet song challenges that of the loud traffic. It flies high and low, making no effort to follow any path. It does as it pleases with no second thoughts. The bird glides so freely in the air it encapsulates freedom. I admire it momentarily then return to my run.  

My legs begin to ache, they are all I can think about. The sharp pain in my calf and the ache in my left thigh, make me want to quit. However, no matter how much I keep thinking about them, they just keep going, they have a mind of their own. No matter how much I will them to stop, they continue in their constant flow. One foot in front of the other. They move strongly and freely through the cool air like a horse that can’t stop. I realise, maybe I can do this, maybe this is not so bad.  

As I tread one foot in front of the other, I feel the worries of the day vanish like the shadow of a cloud. Each thought sheds off my body and is left behind, I feel as though I am a snake shedding my skin. My mind feels clearer. I feel freedom without the weight of the day on my shoulders. My arms move up and down is a continuous motion, I feel strong and powerful. I feel as though I may never stop. I can hear my breath, its sharp inhalations create a harmony with the steady rhythm of my feet against the ground. I realise that just like the leaf, the dog, the bus and the bird, I too am free. I capture this feeling, hold it tightly in my fists.  

As I turn the corner, I can see the road that leads to my house. My eyes lock onto my door and they don’t lose focus. My legs, arms and whole body feel tired but my mind feels clearer than ever. I’m so happy I decided to go for a run. I’ve found freedom whilst running and I notice those who have freedom too. Running allows me to feel more present with the world around me and notice the little things. Whilst I run, I don’t have any worries, and I can just feel free. I am so grateful I have this little escape in my life. I will always cherish the little moments.   Rosa Bell-Megaw