Park run

“Nearly there mate, just around the bend!”

It’s a cloudless morning and my breath mists the air as I barely manage a “thanks”

The pack starts tight as a sea of neon trainers, charity vests and good vibes.

A marshal shouts Go! and a few shoot ahead, while behind me, a dad and daughter take a moment to high-five.

I settle into a steady pace until the final stretch, where a stranger matches my stride pushing me towards a sprint finish.

And we cross the line together, breathless, trading a smile and fist bump, a little moment I carry into the rest of my day.