My Run to Mecca

I've fantasized about this run for a while now.  But things would have to be perfect (or horribly bad) depending on your perspective for me to try it.  I would run from Saugus to Salem State College, my Mecca. I called it my Mecca because I hold the place in the highest regard. SSC took a chance on me, changed my life and rewarded me.  My time there was among the happiest time of my life.

I arrived on campus a shy kid with no direction. I left years later with a purpose and a confidence.  Don't get me wrong I had my issues there.  In fact I almost flunked out. I also developed the uncanny ability to ace any final, even if i hadn't been to class in weeks.  I could and would take weeks off at a time, show up and pull out a B minus.  I know some professors were glad to see me leave..lol Athletically, I couldn't crack the tennis line up as a freshman, but ended up being a 2 time captain and MVP.  The transformation I went through there was remarkable.

Today's run was my best ever. It was a 16 mile journey with some insane hills. I ran the route i use to drive to school. Ran past Salem high school, first the tennis courts where I kicked ass, then the school itself where Rick Brunson embarrassed me. I went by so many places where I had shared a beer with a friend or struck out with a girl. My memory was on over drive.  I was reliving my past so hard that I didn't even notice I was on a great run.  I ran to the new SSC tennis courts, knelt down and said a prayer for Ann Marie and headed back to Saugus.

Long anticipated runs are a lot like a first date with a girl you've known for a while. You think you are perfect for each other. She could end up being your soul mate for life or she could end up being a democrat with a halitosis problem. You won't really know until you're on the date. 

I didn't know how this run would go. But now I can tell you it was damn perfect. It was a great distance, good to see SSC again and challenging but in a good way. I'll definitely use this route again. This was my favorite run ever.

I only had two issues today. My ankle isn't completely healed. It felt great for 8 or 9 miles then stiffened up and was killing me all the way back to Saugus. I just don't think it's strong enough for this type of run yet. My other issue is that after my run the fuckin hammer saloon was closed and i had to have a beer by myself.

Looks like i'm going to take some time off this week. I'll talk to you soon.

Keep the Faith

Ross

Song of the day- O.A.R the whole fucking live from Madison Sq. Garden album!! It was my sole companion today.