still...running

Even with this shoe-melting heat, I am running my ass around during lunch. I consider it Israel training. There are several factors to consider whenever I go out for an awful, awful run:

1. I must at all times be hungrier than thirsty. This keeps me focused on hunger. There are too many tempting neighborhood pools to be thirstier than hungry.

2. Damn birds! You know those little, angry black birds with orange patches on their wings that you see chasing giant hawks and eagles away from their nesting spots? Well, they hate infantry as well as airforce. I think I have been under-alarmed by these birds, too. When I jog by, I hear this angry chirp and then, near my own sweltering shadow, there is this little bird shadow. They look close, but they are still pretty high in the air, right? Nope. Today I took a peek behind me while I was being chased and one of those birds was literal 3' above me! They also pass messages to the next nest so that they can be prepared.

3. Goddamn sun! It flies about 2' above those cranky birds.

4. Motivation is the toughest part. Walking is so much easier than running. I have to keep my mind distracted while I run. I try to think motivating thoughts like how I will be in good enough shape to survive capture followed a forced march across america, during which I will be able to give away my rations to those weaker than me and plant the seeds of revolt! Also, there's this really cute house on the way back that takes my mind off of things.