Roberto slapped the buzzing clock into silence. Could it really be 4:00 am already?
He hurt. All over. Last night’s fight had been a rough one, and he bore the cuts and bruises to prove it.
Groaning, he rolled from the bed and grinned. Yes, it had been rough, but also glorious. He could feel the belt hanging heavy about his waist. The best feeling in the world. He was the champ.
That wasn’t permission to rest though. He hadn’t become the champ by resting. The gym waited.
Pulling on sweats, he stepped into the cold. It was time to train.
WC: 100
I don’t think most people understand the mind of an athlete. They think that they train to reach the top without giving thought to what it takes to stay there. The thing is, the training never stops. Whether an athlete falls short or reaches the ultimate goal, the training continues.
If you thing about it, it’s a lot like writing.
#FridayFictioneers is a weekly blog link up hosted by Rochelle over at RochelleWisoff.com. You should check out her sight and perhaps try your hand at writing a 100 word story.
Good luck!
Coffee Beans & Writer/Runner Dreams 
This was great, Curt. Any athlete (or wannabe) knows the pain involved to be the best at their sport…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Dale! I feel so many people see the moment of glory, but don’t even consider all the years of hard work it took to get to that moment.
A fellow athlete knows though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. And my coccyx will remind me I did years of figure skating and my knees will remind me of years of volleyball, skating, track and field… 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, the prices we pay…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Somehow the price comes with interest as we age… what up wit dat? 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
He should still take a long enough break to heal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed, but often the “need” to train is too much to overcome. That is one reason you see overuse injuries so often.
It takes discipline, and often the hardest thing is to take time off. Even though it is necessary.
Thanks for stopping by Alice!
LikeLike
Always the winner, a positive take on the prompt, I liked it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks James.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent insight into the mind of a champion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you liked it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very true Curt, now that he’s reached the top there will be someone younger and fitter along to challenge him soon enough. Best get back to it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right Iain. Always a challenge just around the corner.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well written, Curt. Always putting your vocation first is a pre-requisite for success.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Penny!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think of Olympic athletes for whom training is like breathing. They love it. That’s why they do it. It’s also, as you’ve pointed out, why we write. Well said.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Granonine!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good story. And, yes, you’re very right. Writers have to practice and keep learning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sascha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I could feel all his aches and pain. Anyone watching a fight knows the amount of pummeling they receive in those rounds. I enjoyed your voice in this one. Well done, Curt. Nice take on the photo prompt.
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Isadora! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
LikeLiked by 1 person