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Starts with an Argument yet finishes a great day racing shadows

Saturday morning I argued with my companion about which run I would do. This was made more frustrated as I'd already planned a 42Km run around the Berwyns.
The impact of the argument meant I was still in bed at 11:00. Any trip far afield was now out of the question.
I decided, we'd run closer to home. So, I selected a route which took in both Foel Fenlli and Moel Famau. I needed the vertical climb (vert).
A short journey by car and we were at the car park at the base of Moel Famau. I prepared me and my kit. I knew my companion would be happy just sitting in the car and occasionally he has won.
It's very rare that I race. By racing I mean head down and running as fast as you can with only the sound of your heart beats filling your ears. Today would be different. I would race my companion and beat him to the end.
The route is 16km and as hard as I tried I couldn't put myself far enough in front. I could still see two shadows.
Over two hours later I returned to the car, neck and neck with my companion. As we stood there, I dared my companion to do another lap. My legs ached, I was hot and uncomfortable, but I wanted to win today.
I pushed hard on the second lap, but still my companions shadow was there. I couldn't help question where my companion got his energy from.
At the summit of Moel Famau I headed on down to complete the route pushing hard on the descent recklessly accepting the slipping and sliding on the rocks and mud.
On approaching the stile I noticed only one shadow. I'd done it. I was ahead in the race.
Just one shadow now.
Without my companion and his shadow for company I enjoyed the rest of the run and took in the views breathing in whenever a 'wow view' moment occurred.
I returned home without my companion. He is still out there lost in the hills. He'll find his way back, but I'll just take him on a run again. I can beat my companion, it takes the distance and effort of the run to wear away all the hand holds he uses to hold on.
It's easy to forget I never finish a run regretting having done it, yet I regret the days I fail to run as planned.
There's no getting away from my companion. He's here to stay and his name is Depression.
A wow moment view

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