American Dream

Chapter 1: The Grind

Chris

I ran, glazed in sweat, ear buds playing my favorite tunes. Over rolling hills and undulating valleys. Through striking lush emerald blooms of nature and concrete pavement. Through civilized monoliths and overgrown free grass. I never stopped.

The glistening and golden mesmerizing tint of medals captivated me, but the high that the body evolved into when I was out going easy was amazing. Just by myself, on my lonely road in life.

This was my trail. My tough hike to greatness. My lot in life.

Yet, this path to greatness had a cost to it. I lived far, far and away, where I had to find comfort in separation from my parents.

That summer break, I began getting fitter. Coach Colin prescribed zero track work, just trail and loop runs. 'You are a nobody in everyone's eyes, but it don't matter. We don't care about right now. We care about the future, and our own race. You got that?'

'Yeah.'

I gazed out into the black darkness of the pre-dawn period. 'How many miles was last week?' Craig asked, stepping onto the bike.

'90.'

'It's got to increase a little. You still on the easy runs?'

'Yeah, definitely. Anyways, today is 10 ground intervals of 1km, is it? We need to cover a decent speed of about 2:55.'

'That's a speed very close to goal 5000Meter pace.'

'Yeah. You know the Youth Olympics are this year, right? Most interesting thing, it's in Vancouver, Canada. Not so far from home. A really polite, kind society over there. You want to do well in Vancouver. It's a wonderful atmosphere, I'm telling you. I was there in 2018 for the Pyeongchang Olympics. It was unforgettable.'

I nodded, sipping some water from my bottle. 'Anyways, can we start?'

'Sure.'

'Alright. Let's go.'

We set off on the first interval which I clocked in at 3:00.'

'Good.'

With little rest, I was back on track onto yet another interval. 'Good threshold speed.' He said as we reached 5. I was sweating profusely, but breathing easily. 'Heart rate?'

'157.'

'Excellent. Stabilise at 8.'

I set off, my heels rising and my body working in complete unison with my mind. 'You have form like a World Record Holder. It looks fast, in a positive manner. Like so smooth it's got to be quick.'

'You have to believe in a dream, kid.' He said after 8 intervals. The legs still felt fresh. 'Calm down the morning interval. Give me two at 40.'