It’s comforting to know that in an ever-changing world some things remain the same…
After several weeks of abstinence the lure of THREE winning stories in the weekly adhoc-fiction 150 word prompt competition was too much for me to avoid.
The prompt was calm, the inspiration, my local running routes.
The resultant failure of Chasing The Sky to entice the voting public was inevitable and strangely joyous…
The first steps into chaos. Dark. Windy. The days are getting longer but Winter still reaches over its shoulder to dig frosted claws into Spring in the hour before dawn. Sporadic headlights flash close to the highway. Lost souls ready to punch the clock.
It takes me eleven fog-breathed minutes to reach the forest. The only headlights remaining dance like fireflies on the slopes of the mountain. Trail junkies satisfying their craving for adrenalin. I stick to the wider tracks. The continuous climb and the taste of my blood pumping don’t need to be augmented with the risk of broken bones.
The path levels, and the world drops away in the pre-dawn murk. I push myself harder and race the sun to the old blockhouse. As I breathe my way back to calm, the sky sparks to flame. From the ashes of night the city below me is born anew.
Wonderful lines. hard to chose a favourite but I did Like “Race the sun to the blockhouse” that was very vivid to me.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed that line – it’s a lovely section of the run! Thanks for reading Diane – always appreciate the time you take to comment and generally beat me with the encouragement stick 🙂
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Well if it’s any comfort, you are not alone in the Wednesday failure. I will post my story as an expression of solidarity. Nice story; don’t give up!
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Hehe – you are a true and loyal friend 🙂 Will pop across to read you story this morning – we will triumph eventually!
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I enjoyed this. The sense of urgency came through to me and the inevitable win against the sun was satisfying.
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Thanks James – it really is a magnificent spot to run and I’m glad my breathless efforts came through in the story!
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That’s extremely vivid, sounds like a great run!
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Thanks David! Yep – it’s a special part of the world that’s for sure. Thanks for reading and commenting – appreciated!
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Wow, sounds amazing. I might run a long ways if I were running somewhere like that. 🙂 I especially love, “the sky sparks to flame.” Beautiful line.
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Thanks Vic 🙂 It’s a stunning spot – will take you for a jog if you ever end up in this part of the world.
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I’ll hold you to that! 😄
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Your failures are gold!! Beautiful imagery that almost (*cough) makes me want to take up running…
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Yes I’m a veritable 150 word King Midas 🙂 Thanks Mel – will post something about sprained ankles and falling over tree roots soon to steer you back from the running precipice…
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I will walk, waddle, wade but do not run – unless it involves escape from crocodiles, snakes, scorpions and spiders. Other than that – why rush? 😛
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Hmm…you’ve kinda got a point there…! If only you’d posted this before I paid for my Two Oceans Ultra Marathon entry last night…!
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Lovely prose, Nik! I especially like the line about winter reaching over its shoulder with frosted claws. And “fog-breathed” minutes. And the headlights like fireflies on the hill. And and and…
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Whatever I’m paying you I’ve just doubled it 🙂 Thanks Shannon – such a lovely, positive comment to kick off my morning. Appreciated!
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You’re very welcome! I take payment in hugs 🙂
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Will try not to crush any ribs 🙂
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