6:30 p.m. November 19
Clear, pitch-black sky with a few wispy clouds, lots of stars and a brilliant crescent moon. Alone in the dark on an artificial-turf soccer field, 300 yards from a road or any inhabited building, surrounded on all sides by the college’s forested cross country course. Just enough light from a nearby parking lot; nothing shining directly on the field. Windless, 44 degrees. No watch, no pressure of time. A long, easy build-up of strides, stretching, and drills. 4x100 moderate, then 4 explosive, all-out sprints with full recovery. Two months ago a foot injury had me hobbling, but the past few weeks have been solid. Tonight was fluid, smooth and fast, with nothing but good feelings. Probably the most enjoyable workout in my nearly 40 years of running. The generous New England open track and field season is just weeks away, culminating with the national Masters meet in Boston. So wonderful to be alive, to have full mobility, to feel challenged. Happy Thanksgiving. Never back down.