100 Monologues is a project where I’m writing monologue scripts, performing, and filming the pieces. Since I’m beginning to dabble in acting, the project is meant as a means for me to acquire more acting experience where I can work on refining my craft. You can find out more about the project here.

Below is the script from the “Running” monologue. If you’re a student who would like to perform this monologue for class, just make sure you credit me, Maggie Coyle, as the author. For any other use of the script, please contact me.

100 Monologues: #30 Running

Every day at 6am, I throw on my running clothes, tug on my tennis shoes, and I get to it. I run for a good twenty minutes, maybe longer, all depends on how much I desperately need that time of calm and peace and serenity. Running is the only time when my mind is blank and in a meditative state. All I can do is focus on my steps and breathing. I’m too preoccupied with running the right way and figuring out what path to run, that I don’t have time to deal with the busy mess that inhabits my brain most of the time. And that’s what I love about it – all that matters is running, and staying true to that rhythm. When that twenty minutes is up –it’s back to the grind and back to reality. Back to dealing with the strains and stresses of every day. But at least I have that slice of time, every morning, when I am free.