Before the rising of the sun my training routine kicks in. This morning’s routine starts with five miles of slow running to warm up in the pre-dawn light. At the end of the Dunedin Causeway the turn-around will have me running due east. For thirty minutes I can enjoy watching the sun peek over the horizon and colors spread across the landscape previously viewed in shades of gray. What a way to begin my twenty mile run. 

My running partner, the always encouraging Dr Bob, is an accomplished marathoner who is new to this course and will provide the motivation and experience to advise on my technique.

North bound on the 36 mile long, twelve foot wide, paved Pinellas Trail, our midway destination is Klosterman Road,  just beyond the Primate Sanctuary said to be the home of the long retired Cheetah who, it is reported, starred in the Tarzan movies.

Pacing our way through Palm Harbor, over one hundred and fifty bicyclist in their bright tights peddle past, focused on their mission and vulnerability. In a whisp of a moment, they are gone. They are followed by a convoy of motorized, three-wheeled bubble cars silently passing. Three groups of  ‘family reunion’ types pedal past chatting and laughing, speaking words of encouragement such as, “I’m having more fun than you are!” or “You runners are crazy!” Said in the most complimentary context of course. The overwhelming trait they possess, found lacking the bright tighty group, is the courtesy to announce their presence before overtaking another on the trail. “Passing on the left.” Their courtesy keeps all of us safer on the Pinellas Trail.

What an incredibly wonderful experience this run has turned into. Rarely has the opportunity to engage so many, to observe so much on a grueling twenty miler materialized. It just doesn’t get any better than this, running along the Gulf of Mexico, engaging joyously with other health minded citizens in the appealing climate of Florida in December.

Then along comes the uni-cycles. The operators did not present flamboyant hats, face painting or red noses. They were just like ‘real people’, except perched atop a single wheel. They disappear ahead in images reminiscence of the jerky motions of silent movies. More reunionists, then bicycles pulling trailers specifically equipped for pet transport, roller bladers and even other walkers and runners shared that moment of time with Dr Bob and me on the Pinellas Trail.

Reaching the halfway point, a moment was spent at the back of the Primate Sanctuary. The primates are viewable in the shade of the towering Cypress Stand. Cheetah, located central to the other residents, will be gone the following Christmas Day. After so very many years among us, Cheetah’s time here was completed. It is important to make the time to celebrate what is so convenient and accessible to us, for we never know when what we have today will be taken away.

Stimulating visual opportunity waits along a one mile detour to the fresh water spring at Wall Spring Park which includes the incredible view from the observation tower. Of course, trying to visualize an Osprey nest from that jangle at the tower is always a good mental exercise.

“Pressing through the wall” is the term runners use when referring to that point where the fun and technique has been replaced by constant unrelenting pain. Predictably, around the sixteenth mile the ‘wall’ becomes an obstacle that cannot be flanked, mounted, tunneled or ignored. One can only confront ‘the wall’ and overcome by pure determination and internal commitment.

“Are you going to walk or are you going to run?” the thought taunts. “You going to walk or run?” “Ah, you want to walk don’t you…go ahead and walk. No one is here to judge you.” There is persuasion in the tempters voice.  

“No, there is no one to cheat but myself. I WILL RUN!” Every mile is the same battle, same temptation, the constant unceasing pain. The luxury to think of the last step must be silenced for it is only the completion of the next step that counts. It is only to the next corner, to the next sign post, to the next bench that prevents me from falling to the suggestion of the tempter.

Just a mile to go!  There’s still a bit of fuel in the tank. “Finish big!” Those are the words mentally rehearsed and often shouted when approaching the finish line. Make it a photo worthy finish. The temptation was more than I could resist.

Ratcheting up to the highest remaining gear, I hit the overpass and actually overtook a bicyclist who just passed me. "Passing on the left." Topping the ramp at full speed makes navigating the right angles on the bridge somewhat troubling, but safely accomplished. Down the other side and just ahead is the finish line. Imaginary, of course, but all the same, the mark for the end of my run, I cross the finish line indicated by the sidewalk entrance to the local Publix Grocery parking lot.

Dr Bob arrives and  into the parking lot we go. Being completely spent, instant relief sweeps aside the pain as I squat car side to gather my composure. After a few moments of rest I pull myself to my feet with the assist of an open car door.

Silhouetted against a turquoise sky is Santa! And elves!  And reindeer! I squint to bring more focus on what I’m seeing. Wow, my great day of adventure isn’t over I smile. Where did  Santa come from? 

 ” What day is it?” Santa speaks. “Did you trip?” asks the reindeer. “Did you hit your head?” inquires the elf. “You OK?” inquires Dr Bob.

There I am lying flat on my back looking up at a bicycling group disguised as Christmas icons about to start their fund raising ride for some very ill children in this Dunedin, FL community.

Being attended by a group of bicyclist, all dressed in Christmas themed costumes on a fund raising mission, while laid out flat on my back is not the big finish I had envisioned.

Rehydration, an infusion of electrolytes and thirty minutes rest brings that glow of realization, acknowledging that a magical morning, so unexpected, added a beautiful panel to the tapestry of my life, and it was shared with such a good friend and celebrated with an incredible community of caring citizens.

How truly grateful I am.