Precision Run

Three fallen pinecones lay scattered along the curb. I gathered them and set each upright at four-boot intervals down the asphalt driveway, forming a straight slalom. The surface was clear of gravel. Dropping into a low sprint stance, I pushed off down the incline. Accelerating into the first gap, I banked hard to the left, cutting a tight arc around the rough scales. A rapid shift in footing brought me across the center line to clear the second cone. On the final pivot, I dipped low and braked against the pavement with both heels, stopping two paces beyond the finish. Zero contact. A clean run.