The Middle Brother: The Astounding Athlete

Time was important to me. Although marathon training was tedious, running fast saved me time. I was always rushing to get to the end.

Concerned, the doctor urged me not to rush--don’t push yourself too hard, too soon--or you could lose everything. However I found that only when my muscles flared up and ignited my joints like firecrackers, did Runners High finally kick in to quench my self-immolation.

After several years, I was able to stop worrying about having to catch my breath. It was then that I had to face my body’s extents and limitations. It felt strange that my source of strength was also my source of limitation.

Attentive, my coach advised me that one shouldn’t fix what’s not broken--change is never neutral, life is a marathon--you’re either moving forward or breaking down. With youth and time on my side I heeded his advice and left myself alone.

Life is still ahead of me. When my feet can no longer support me I can be found beneath the waves. There, where my body no longer weighs down upon me, I have reached beyond my limitations.

I hold onto the moment, pushing myself a little further each time. Submerged, as second after second passes, everyone begins to suspect my secret:

My power to breathe underwater.