This title is impossible! You can’t just have a perfect run. Even if you sleep well, eat all the right things, just had a rest day and are wearing new shoes. I have had all these and almost never does the perfect run happen. I often wonder just how I would want my very last run to be, whenever that may come. 

For now, here’s a description of my 4.31-mile run from home on Saturday morning, Jan. 4. Why? Because it was at least near perfect, and totally unexpected at that. The temperature was 25 degrees at 5:45 a.m. when I headed out in the dark. I walk the gravel driveway since my back accident and then start running on the paved road. First is 3/4-mile uphill on Weaver Road where I noticed a little more energy than usual. A stout, cold wind pushed me along, but I dreaded meeting it when coming back later. 

It was a dark morning with only a sliver of a moon plus the possibility of seeing some meteors as the tail end of the Quadrantids passed through. Running south on the flatter Patterson Road was a breeze and I felt better and better. Passing homes of friends and neighbors with light weekend traffic added to the fun. I noted my breathing and heart rate were especially good. At this point, it seemed the legs were carrying my body along with little effort. 

I was glad for the handwarmers in my mittens as the cold sidewind was constant. The toboggan on my head and the two dri-fit shirts and one light jacket seemed perfect. Up and down a little hill, the legs felt better and better and then at the turnaround, I headed back toward home. Similar to turning a horse back to the barn, the effort seemed even easier. I saw no meteors although I was looking constantly. I didn’t care, running was good, easier than nearly every day since the accident. 

My Garmin 265 watch from Back Country and Beyond kept recording good stats including a steady increase in speed. I was having a blast while exceptionally light on my feet and the Brooks Ghosts from Ralph Baker Shoes I was wearing. 

Soon it was time to turn downhill and into the wind for the last push toward home. Where was the steady wind that had pushed all the flags uphill at the Price of Freedom Museum? Most of the flags were relaxed with only minimal movement this time by. Yes, maybe it was possible that I could count this as the unheard-of run where I didn’t have to meet the returning headwind. Energy and breathing were both so good that I kept going on past my driveway down to the nearest neighbor’s before stopping. 

Uncommonly, I stopped my watch while shaking my head and saying, “Wow! Thank you, Lord!” Was this the almost perfect run, one good enough to make me content if something similar was my last one ever? I think it was, and I stopped just far enough from my own driveway to do my morning prayers while walking back. The horses met me for their morning apples while I was still shaking my head in disbelief. These runs are few and far between and the best way to start my day. Only a light dusting of snow could have made it better! I hope by the time you read this, I got that snow and attempted yet another perfect run.

We are just less than a month before Rowan’s biggest running event, the Forum Fitness Winter Flight 8K, 5K and Fun Run. Everything happens starting at 1:30 p.m. and hosted by Catawba College on Feb. 2. The 8K is the North Carolina State Championship event while the 5K is shorter and less challenging. The fun run is two times around the Shuford Stadium track and open to anyone of any age. We also have a wheelchair event for both the 5K and 8K courses. 

All 8K and 5K participants get commemorative hoodies and are eligible for one of about 160 awards. Refreshments follow all four events. All proceeds go to Rowan Helping Ministries. 

For more information on 2025 Winter Flight, go to www.salisburyrowanrunners.