Sunday January 26th, 2014

The exercise:

Write about: the sprinter.

Max, when he gets excited, can run surprisingly fast. We're going to need to keep a close eye on that kid.

Spent most of the day in town with Max, at the coffee shop and running errands. Once he got comfortable in the coffee shop I think he was obsessing over cutting down on his time from our table to the bathroom. By the time we left... let's just say his best run will be difficult to top.

Mine:

After far too many missed opportunities, he is ready to seize this moment. He's trained the right way, he's forced the best foods and supplements down his throat. Focused and determined, losing is no longer an option for him.

Losing is for other, less dedicated people. He will run them over if he has to.

His breathing is even as he approaches the starting line. With his goal in sight it is a challenge to be still, be calm. There is no choice, though; until he and those lined up on either side of him are unleashed by the starter's signal, there is nowhere to go.

So he bides his time. He remembers all of the inspirational quotes clinging to his fridge. Breathe in, breathe out. Slower. That's better. Again. Again.

At last, just as he is in danger of falling asleep, the traffic light changes from red to green and the race to the bus stop begins.