This is the season of runs and marathons. It seems like every week there’s another one happening around here. I believe this weekend several of my family will be running in the Annual Saskatchewan Marathon (a Boston Marathon Qualifier race—not that they have designs on that). Then on August 22nd, my sister is running in the Canadian Team Diabetes 2015 Islandsbanki Reykjavik Marathon in Reykjavik, Iceland.
I am not a runner, but I do salute all runners of marathons, half-marathons, 10 km. races, even those who just run around a neighborhood block. I dedicate today’s poem to family members who are participating in marathons and other runs this year.
To runners true
You’re all warmed up
your number’s new
with the champing crowd
you wait the cue.
The cap-gun pops
its muffled “boo!”
There’s a starting line
hullabaloo.
The crowd soon thins
and you break through—
a Clydesdale runner
that’s not you.
Head of the pack
is soon in view
that record-holder
you’ll pursue.
Meters are slipping
strong and true
beneath your flighty
running shoe.
At checkpoint grab
energy brew
drink on the move
like champions do.
High as a kite
and happy too
this run’s a breeze
a whoop-de-do
until you stumble
almost fall
a tell-tale sign
you’ve hit the wall.
You can’t stop now
that isn’t you
quitting too soon
simply taboo.
You slow your
unaerobic pace
with run smarts you’ll
complete this race.
That lactic acid
you subdue
a second wind
you feel like new
spring in your step
like a kangaroo
the finish line
is now in view!
Jujitsu, kung-fu
derring-do
though well behind
the race who’s who
you marathoned
and saw it through.
You deserve an Olympic
medal—you do!
© 2015 by Violet Nesdoly (All rights reserved)
**************
I’m linking this poem to Poetry Friday—my first Poetry Friday link-up in nine months. I’ve missed you wonderful poets! Poetry Friday is hosted today by Margaret at Reflections on the Teche.
Violet Nesdoly 
Reblogged this on Christian Fitness Resources and commented:
Although, like Violet, I’m not a runner, I do commend those who are. Beautiful poem!
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Thanks Kim. I’m surprised you’re not a runner… you are such a fitness booster. But fitness consists of way more than running, doesn’t it?
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My husband and daughters are runners. We once did a family half-marathon in Chicago. I was in the cheering section. My husband was determined to do a marathon and once he did, he said, “I don’t know why people do this to themselves.” He has stuck with halfs ever since. Your poem honors the hard work and dedication running takes.
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Good for your husband, Margaret. I’m not tempted to run like that (I’m a walker), but am full of admiration for the people who do.
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If I were still teaching, this would be a great poem for the classroom. Very nice.
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Thank you so much, Monica!
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What fun, Violet! My hubby is out running as I type this. I logged in a walk-jog this morning, about three miles, and only jogged maybe one of those! ;0) So my legs are telling me I’m over fifty… But the hubby, who ran a marathon in college, is determined to do miles and miles on his next BDay (July). He’s in better shape than I for sure!
Wishing success (whatever form that takes) to all of your runners, and a Happy Summer to you!
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Thank you, Robyn! It seems like increasing age is not discouragement but a goad to many, to get back in shape. I’m sure your husband will do his miles and miles. But your walk-jog for three miles counts too. Wishing you a happy summer as well 🙂
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Thanks, Violet, for that poem, I shared it with Ken. It’s very touching that you should give that tribute and be remembering all your family members that are running this race in Saskatoon!
I believe you have 2 brothers, one sister, a niece and a soon-to-be niece in-law (that’s sounds weird)
… there’ll be a bunch of us watching and cheering 🙂
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Dawn, so glad I was right about this being the race everyone is running in. All the best to the crazy runners! Wish I could be there on the sidelines with you cheering everyone on!
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Hi Violet, what a great poem. We have runs going on here all the time, too. I’m not a runner, but walk, and my assistant is at a half-marathon in San Diego. I’ll share this with him.
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Thanks, Linda! Runs seem to be a modern way for charities to raise money–there sure could be worse methods. I’m like you–a walker.
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What a great tribute to runners, Violet! I used to be a runner (more like a slow jogger), but now walking is my preferred mode of transport. Not sure my knees could take the pounding anymore.
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Thanks Michelle. And you’re so right about running being hard on the old joints. Since breaking my hip, I have barely tried out a jog. At first it hurt when I went any faster than a brisk walk. But now, a year+ later, the hip pain is gone, so maybe that reason for not running doesn’t hold water any more.
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That’s neat that your sister will be running in Iceland! Sounds like an exciting trip. How nice of you to write an ode to runners when you prefer to walk! I am with you on that. 🙂 Glad to have you back.
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Thanks for the welcome back, Tabatha. Poetry Friday people are the nicest group of poets I know…
Yes, so proud of my sis for signing up for that Iceland marathon later this summer. She’s been a dedicated runner for a while now. (And then there’s my husband’s cousin and her husband. They do marathons all over the world–tick the various ones off as completed items on their bucket lists.)
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Great ode to running and a spirit that won’t quit. I was a runner before my feet gave out, and now I still love to run, but don’t do it regularly. Makes my soles ache. 😀
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Thank you, Brenda. Sore soles sounds painful. It seems like running inevitably wears out one part or other of one’s anatomy. That’s why I love my walks. Easier on the old bod.
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Yes, I love walking. You see more when you go slower, too.
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So good to have you back, Violet! Fun poem!
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Thank you, Mary Lee. Perusing the blog posts on PF after being away for a while is like attending a reunion.
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