Conor Dillon – Beginnings Excerpt 7
I shrugged my shoulders and walked on, now there was a purpose in my steps. It wasn’t about exercise, it was about motivation, I saw the hill as my enemy, I was going to beat it. At any cost, I increased my stride, I was a man.
Shamus looked up the hill and saw how far I had ascended and smiled. I would attempt to keep that smile on his face, if at all possible.
I reached the top of the hill, caught my breath for a moment, then began my descent, obviously my descent was a little speedier than my ascent and so I was soon back with Shamus. I was feeling quite pleased with myself until he once again pointed to then top of the hill and said but one word, ‘Run!’
I was expecting praise, not this, I felt devastated, But if that was what it took I would do it. I wasn’t about to give up. Once again, I attacked the hill with all the energy that I could muster, It was hard going, but I fought off the pain and kept moving, My breathing was starting to get a little laboured, so I tried to even out my breathing to match the pace that I was trying to achieve, somehow, I managed to reach the top without collapsing.
Running downhill was a very different discipline, I was having to hold back or go down the hill at speed and run the risk of rolling down it, if I missed my footing. But I managed my descent in one piece and reported back to Shamus.
He pointed to the top of the hill and said, ‘Walk!’ So once again, I walked up the hill, but this time, my breathing seemed more natural, and my legs were not aching as bad, it felt good. I reached the top of the hill in what I considered was a reasonable condition. I was, despite my aches and pains, starting to enjoy it.
I stated to go down the hill, trying my hardest not to break in to a trot, my orders were to walk! I succeeded in walking, although it played havoc with the backs of my legs. I had a feeling Shamus might be pleased with me this time.
(C) Damian Grange 2018
Such rich prose!
LikeLike
Thank you so much Isha, for your kind comment!
LikeLike
Nice one there
LikeLike
Thank you so much for your kind comment and continued support.
LikeLike
Malkie – Hello. Loved reading your excepts and stories. Spent a pleasant half an hour flicking through and reading. Thank you
LikeLike