Conor Dillon – Beginnings Excerpt 7 – Malcolm Marsh

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.