Saturday, February 13, 2021

Streaking with Friends


 Post-chemo flesh and bones

s t r e a k i n g
on a trampoline,

stark naked
relief
fueling every one of my steps.


photo by Jasper Garratt on, Unsplash

(these aren’t my feet or my mini-trampoline or my pretty anklet, but the photo shows one of the things I love most about running on a trampoline: I can run
[and bounce!] barefoot without hurting my back or knees or feet)

- an old friend (who recently had a heart attack and is now trying to get his weight under control) sent me an email with the subject line, “Let’s go streaking all over the city!” Don’t feel too terrible if his word choices filled your skull with images of naked people running around New York City dodging piles of snow, yellow taxis, and bewildered cops. It’s the first thing I thought about, too. After further reading, I figured out that my friend hadn’t turned into a nudist overnight; no, nothing that deliciously scandalous, he just wanted to start running every day. My flesh and bones and I haven’t run on pavement in ages (my back, hips, knees can no longer take that kind of abuse). So, I declined the “streaking all over the city” bit. But, since I can benefit from losing a pound (or 31), I said yes to a running streak on my trampoline.

- for Poets and Storytellers United (Writers’ Pantry #57: Infinite Variety).

45 comments:

  1. OH MY!!! Brilliant idea. I can no longer pound the pavement, feet and titanium hips won't tolerate it and I need the hips for at least another decade. A trampoline! Yes! A trampoline. I will buy. Now, for the serious stuff ... I love writing cheritas ... nothing I have attempted could ever compare with yours. Brava, my dear Magaly, Brava.

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    1. Do let me know if you enjoy the trampoline. I love mine. It gave me running again.

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  2. Yummy poem! And I wish I had feet like those in the photo. Meanwhile, thank you for reminding me of the existence of my mini-tramp. Mine has been living outside, not much room in the unit. But we are not only having lots of rain lately but also neighbour has just alerted me to the fact that a snake was seen between our yards, and I know I have a fine crop of weeds at present which could conceal more. So I have not been going outdoors for exercise. Perhaps it's time I hauled my mini-tramp in, cleaned it up, and found an unobtrusive wall to prop it against when not actually bouncing.

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    1. You're most welcome. Mine lives in the middle of the room when I'm using it, and leaning against the wall when I'm not. Sometimes is nice to jump on it (gently) while I'm watching a TV show.

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  3. Well, if this poem doesn't prompt mental visuals, I don't know what will!

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  4. I may not streak but you could probably get me to go skinny dipping if the temperature is right! I would definitely have fun bouncing on a trampoline. I like exercise that doesn't feel like I'm exercising!

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    1. Ha! You aren't alone. And I totally agree about exercising that feels like play.

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  5. Skinny dipping yes! but that was long long ago, luv me some clothes on days now.

    Stay healthy Stay happy

    (✿◠‿◠)

    much love...

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    1. Hahaha! I wouldn't mind skinny dipping in the Caribbean. Around here, not so much.

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  6. If I streaked on a trampoline, I’d frighten my cats – and any neighbours who happened to be passing by! But that doesn’t happen so often these days. Our village is so quiet, maybe we should all be streaking.

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  7. The only thing ever likely to get me "running" on anything is to be tracking a pile of sexy bones :D (though necessity has forced me to acquire an exercise bike) Don't laugh too hard. Not good with gadgets and was shocked at how hard I found it to use only managed 3 Km at 14 kmh pulse rate through roof!!! Then hubby came in and reset it to beginner....I had it set at hardest level hahahaha (dosey bint) XXX

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    1. Bwahahaha! I bet that it was breeze, after your hubby fixed things. I can practically see you clenching your jaws as you pedaled. Too much fun!

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  8. Love your words and notes Magaly.
    I am too ancient to run - the proof of my ancientness being my reliability on a walking frame to keep me upright and prevent me from falling over.
    When I was a young thing, 12-13 perhaps, I belonged to the trampolining club at the local sports centre and loved it. O that I could do that again...
    Anna :o]

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    1. A friend of mine, who also uses a walking, uses a trampoline that comes with a support bar. Mine does, too, and I used to leave on when my balance was nonexistent (during my chemo days), it was the only thing that help me with the edema bloating my feet and legs.

      A trampoline club? I had no idea that was even a thing. How wonderful!

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  9. I have to agree with 'Debra She Who Speaks' as tnis mere male let his imagination run wild as I read the the piece and eyed the picture.

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  10. It says ‘jumping for joy’ too. I love my trampoline too. It’s such a ‘pick me up.’

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  11. Pavement or tramp...no matter; I ain't "joggin" nowhere. But I bet I could stretch out & nap on it pretty good! Thanks for the share, MG.

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  12. Running. That I don't do at all even if I could, and my last trampoline was a hotel bed twelve years ago. Heck, I barely exercise. I'm a "if God wanted me to bend down to the floor, he would have put diamonds in them" type. :D

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  13. Trampoline, such a fun way of exercising!

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  14. Writers need exercise. I like this poem and idea...it's helping me tell myself that walking to the store will be good for muscles, liver, circulation, etc., even though it's chilly outside and looks likely to snow again.

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    1. Thank you, Priscilla. I hope you are enjoying your walks.

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    2. I also hope spring gets here soon, so that the freezing our toes effect is significantly reduced.

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  15. Hmmm. Nude, jumping on a trampoline? Sorry - I'd have to wear a bra of be in danger of being slapped in the face!!! The image did give me a Sunday moring smile, however, and thank you for that. I savor the positivity always present in your posts, Magaly!

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    1. Bwahahaha! Once upon a time, when I could still run on pavement, I was running a 10K with a friend. She was running so fast towards the end, that her chest hit her in the face. Curiously, she was perfectly fine and just kept on running. I, on the other hand, fell on my face laughing. I had never seen such a thing.

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  16. This poem so resonates with me. Not the exer4cise part so much, but the joy at feeling free--

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  17. Lucky ducky...Trampolining sounds like good fun exercise...just a reminder...this does not mean you can eat double portions of banana cake with ice cream with large chocolate milkshakes just because you exercise...need to lose 31 lbs eh..not mentioning any names but there is a poet on here who has not been swimming for two years and needs to lose a lot more than that...so don't feel too bad. Take care.

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    1. Have you been spying me? I swear that I got so hungry, especially at the beginning of the challenge, that I couldn't stop eating. I was good and stuck to binging on lettuce and oranges and such...

      I hope the poet gets to swim again, soon.

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  18. I love bounce time on a trampoline. I'm glad you found a fun way to support your friend and get a little exercise in.

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  19. I love the poem so much and the image! LOL!
    All the best to your friend and you!!! I know you will both do it! Big Hugs!

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  20. Your poem put a bounce in my day. Thanks!

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