The Steps

It's a milestone. So while I'm kicking off the "Thirty-Something Farewell Tour" (and unlike Barbara Streisand and Cher, this one is for real) I've come to a few realizations. 

I'm not ever going to quit eating biscuits. Or cornbread. Or fried chicken. Or country fried steak and gravy. Or pecan pie. Or fried fish and cheese grits.

You get the picture.

So, in order to continue scanning the globe (or at least the Southeastern US) in search of good times, and even better food, I'm choosing to get off my southeastern quadrant. I've participated in two 5k races, added more fresh fruit and vegetables to the diet and I'm exercising regularly.

At least as regularly as someone this irregular can do anything. 

So here's an official ABG workout to burn off good food accumulations and enable you to fit through the kitchen door without rubbing worn spaces on the doorframe.

There's a small parking area on Branham Ave, just across the South Broad bridge. I get out of the car, lock the door and cross the street. I'm already arguing with myself about what is about to happen. If there really were gypsies living under the bridge, they'd be frightened by such violent (and apparently unaccompanied) conversation. I walk on to the steps and look up.

"The backside of the hill ain't nearly that steep". "Yeah, and it's not nearly as wide as your backside. Now, get yours up those steps!"

So, up I go.

And up....

They aren't really made for running. Which makes them great for running. Add the fact that one bad mistake makes for a rapid descent and you are well motivated.

I stop at the top to catch my breath. 

The morning sun lights the way.

But I'm not getting any slimmer standing at the Confederate Monument so I start trotting toward the backside of the hill. The Judge (frequent ABG "contributor", Augustus R. Wright) snickers at me as I jog past. Being a Berry alum-in-law, Alfred Shorter and I aren't exactly on speaking terms but Charles Norton cheers me on. 

Around a curve, down some steps past Von Gammon (Dang Good Dawg) and there's the fountain.

And I retrace my steps back to the car. It's a short workout, but strenuous enough at my fitness level. There's also many terraces and steps to customize this to any fitness level. The scenery is beautiful year round and The Judge really won't laugh at you when you jog by. 

Here's hoping that the best way to stay out of the cemetery is to run through the cemetery.