Running Ice Cold

I step out into the cold. I almost turn back to the safety and warmth that lies behind me as the frigid air bites at my face, ears, hands, and legs. I breathe in and it swells into my mouth; freezes my lungs. It promises power and life as it slowly thickens and chills my blood. I hop down the stairs from my apartment door. Hitting level ground I break out into a quick sprint-jog. The exhilaration of adrenaline rushes through my whole body. I’m unstoppable… free… powerful. I feel as if I could reach my hand out and conquer the world. It’s like a drug, this vibrant feeling of being alive. I’m addicted and I need more. I’ll always need more. My headphones blast music as my feet pump to the beat. Today started with T Swift, Picture to Burn. I usually don’t like to run to her… too slow, but sometimes I make exceptions. And anyway what better goes with power hungry than boy hating? Not much that’s for sure. I run down 7^th east to 10^th north and turn to the left. I hit the 4-way stop on 6^th east and turn to the left again. This is where I start to feel my blood and muscles ice up and where the run starts going uphill. The Adrenaline is wearing off now. I push harder because if I don’t, if I stop, I know that my body and muscles will freeze. Maybe not literally, but that’s what it feels like. Like I’ll turn instantly to ice and shatter at the blow of the harsh wind. I add a bounce to my run. It makes things a little easier. My music is still playing. Some pumped up rap song now. They’re the easiest to run to. Especially the cheesy never give up ones.  I want to stop now, but instead I focus on the words and the beat as it pounds through my body. I hit 7^th north and turn left again. This is the worst. The hill is so steep. My legs ache with almost no feeling. No matter how hard I push this last stretch it still feels like an eternity. 7^th east and I’m home. It’s a short run and I finish quickly. As I stand at the bottom of the stairs I burn. It’s so hot now. The heat is almost unbearable. It washes over my body like fire. My ears feel like they’re going to steam and whistle like a tea kettle.  I walk around the driveway to cool down. Catching my breath I take the first step at a wobble and then the second. Soon I’m up to the door. The rush still lingers in my body. It tingles my fingertips and toes as I reach for the door knob. Part of me wishes that I had never stopped. Part of me is hungry for more.