Running in this great green forest, muddied and breathing hard, heart pounding, the salty sweat gritty on his palms, he had to rest.

Years ago, he lay on a hospital bed, intravenous tubes jabbed into each arm and a wired probe plunged into his right carotid for pulse and pressure checks. He was a medical marionette with a bloated, distended heart, fit only for blood tests and scans through big beige doughnuts.

When he was well enough to go home, they cut the tubes. A forceful ruby-hued squirt jetted out when he was detached from the probe. He was given orders to eliminate sodium from his diet. The tentative walk across the dull tile corridor was exhausting, dizzying, unsupported. He slumped into the wheelchair for the complimentary push out the door to the car.

During a checkup, the cardiologist said, "We can get you onto disability. You qualify."

"At 32?" he thought. "No thanks."

He soon replaced wobbles with walking. Next came power walking, slow but determined. Years after, he made a weak attempt at jogging, and followed some time later with a run. The fifth anniversary of his last heart checkup came and went.

Now his group of runners was far ahead, the flash of their bright synthetic tunics swallowed in the ancient forest bulk. He enjoyed a few moments of solitude before the next group of racers hoofed by. His quads were recovering from the assault on those steep, rickety stairs. This was a great spot for a break.

The soft brown path led across the bridge down a slope and around the bend to the next incline. He readied himself for more heart work ahead. It was time again to leap over roots and rocks, scramble up slopes and weave around stumps, every footfall unique. And all the time, the blurred green flashes of moss, ferns and leaves as he ran strong and fast along the trail, heart pounding and straining for the right reasons.

He put aside thoughts of contemplation and serenity. Now was the time to complete this race and enjoy being alive in a green forest paradise.

Photo copyright gherringer. View it on Flickr.