The sun sends down its radioactive heat while each barefoot stride splashes up cool ocean spray. The waves try to pull me into itself with every step and then tries to push me back out, like it can’t make up its mind.

My mind gets lost in the seemingly infinite expanse of the ocean and the unending curves of the beach. Running feels raw and primal as if this was all my body knew how to do. I feel like I could run forever.

Eventually, exhaustion sets in and my feet become slightly raw from the abrasive sand. Slowing down and stopping, I sink into the ocean. My body becomes loose as I let the water cool my muscles and the waves wash away the tension.