It just reoccurred to me and I started day dreaming about this experience I had. This happened one time over this past summer. At the most unsuspecting moment, I was caught off guard when the most beautiful woman I have ever seen crossed my path. I felt the need to share this story with all of you because… it happened while I was running.
It was August 7, 2016 early in the morning. My day started with an early wake up call so I could drive out to the NCR Trail to do my Sunday long run before work. It was a pretty standard Sunday, I thought. For those unfamiliar with this trail. It is a very flat rail trail that runs straight for dozens of miles, so it’s always an out and back run. The trail is covered in shade in the morning. A very nice feeling for a hot summer morning. The air felt cool as I was running by lively green trees passing a plethora of fellow runners of all ages and physical abilities. I have seen many attractive runners on this trail before but never gave a second thought about it. Many runners give a friendly wave to a comrade in short shorts. It’s a great feeling for the first 5 miles or so. The population thins as we go further out but eventually I turn around at the mile 7 marker. I re-enter the heavily populated zone of friendly runners. This time I was a bit more tired. I had just passed mile 11 when …(pause for dramatic effect)…it happened.
I look up. Far down the trail I see a female runner with something of a easy looking stride. Something typically seen on the trail. As I was running towards her, and she towards me, I sensed the most amazing feeling tugging at my soul. I couldn’t help myself from having a smile appear across my face. I felt as if the world was moving in slow motion when I was looking at her. She was absolutely perfect from head to toe. I still wish to this day I would’ve spoken to her but I could not muster any words as we passed by each other. My breath was taken away, but my memory of her speaks volumes.
I still remember her perfect casual run with that perfect mid-foot stride in her Brooks running shoes that showed she was quite an experienced runner. Her legs a beautiful tan, looking quite nice with minimal imperfections up to her pink Nike running shorts. Her yellow tank top went so well with those shorts and a white running hat to complete the outfit. It was a look that a woman over the age of 50 should never be able to pull off… but she did it perfectly. Her long grey hair was pulled back into a pony tail that bounced marvelously along with her stride. Her strong jaw and relaxed shoulders while running commanded a soothing look of power that is nearly indescribable. This woman was flawless.
Her fitness was impeccable even before considering the fact that she had already birthed 2 successful kids (a daughter who’s 23 and graduated from Cornell, and a son who’s 20 and studying at UMD). But we won’t let this take away from how successful she is. I could talk for hours about her and this moment we shared. Alas, time only seemed to be in slow motion as much as I wanted it to stop. Eventually this woman was behind me as we ran by each other, and her back was facing mine. She might not have even noticed me to this day, but I sure noticed her. After this encounter, I wish I would’ve at least said hello to Debbie Tiburzi.
We thank you Frank.
