I was never a runner but my New Year's resolution was to take it up to try and stay in shape. Having stuck with it for six months I decided to sign up for the 'Independence Day 10k' just hoping I could finish.
With it being July I had hydrated well all week in preparation for the heat and my muscles felt strong. I was feeling pretty good, physically about myself. I was single at twenty-five years old and was, as they say, 'alone but not lonely'.
I signed up at the check-in station and put my free swag of water bottle and t-shirt in an out of the way corner. I found a good starting position and noticed a blonde ponytail bouncing just above an exquisite example of a feminine ass in light blue lycra shorts a few people in front of me. She was thin and athletic and looked like a typical runner. If I would be able to keep up with her that light blue ass would be the carrot I could chase to the finish line.
The gun sounded and we were off. My ponytailed motivator was running at a much quicker pace than I was used to. She turned to speak to someone and gave me half a glance and an easy smile. After seeing her big doe eyes and friendly nature I upped my stride to keep up.
I was able to keep up with her group until around the eight kilometer mark when the faster pace caught up to me. My mind started finding flaws in my muse to try and get me to slow down. 'Maybe she's an arrogant bitch who hates puppies.' I ignored my negative thoughts and pushed on despite my legs, lungs and brain screaming at me to slow down.
I saw her blonde ponytail begin swinging quicker as she kicked up her speed for the final thousand meters. I was already at my maximum speed at nine kilometers just trying to keep up with her, so I had no final kick. She and the rest of her group ran off out of site.
I crossed the finish line and she was there waiting for me. The woman had an adorable smile and a look of concern for my well-being. "You made it!" I had no breath to speak so I simply nodded towards her. She definitely was not an arrogant bitch and she probably had a puppy at home as well.
"Hey, we're all going to Plato's over there to get a cold drink do you want to join us?" she asked pointing at the nearby bar.
"I..okay let me cool down a little and I'll be right over." I panted.
"Great, see you over there." she replied, her ponytail flipping as she turned. There was now some sweat on those light blue shorts and I turned away from her to hide my anxious friend in my shorts.
Once inside Plato's I found her quickly. She had saved me a seat beside her at the bar. "There you are. I ordered you a beer. It's supposed to be good for you after a long run." she said half laughing.
"Thank you. I'm Peter by the way." I said introducing myself, holding out my hand.
"Taylor, my pleasure." she said giving me a sturdy hand shake.
Taylor asked with a little smirk; "Do you always stalk women while they're running?"
I smiled back and shrugged. "You were the prettiest woman out there and the motivation to keep up with you got me to the finish." That won me a big grin.