Monday 23 April 2018

Jefferstow's Road To The Marathon: Post 10: An Ode to running



Oh running, how can I describe thee?
Let me count the woes
I decided to use poetry
A form I also loathe. 

Our journey together started one year ago
A thousand miles we have travelled
I wanted desperately for some love from you
but you just left me completely unravelled

For the first six months, the pressure was low
We went out together once a week
I focused on my fitness, strength; and cardio
Any kind of variety I could seek

As winter set in, so did your colours true
Threatening illness, pain and injury
A twisted ankle that turned me blue
And chafing where no one else can see

Running, I learned you revel in causing pain,
From blisters to stabbing in my shins
Missing toenails, life's true bane
What did I do to deserve this? What were my sins?

As the battle between us became much more mental
I have cried and begged and pleaded
Don't make me go outside again, please be gentle,
A little support was all I needed

But you gave me nought but stress
Snow and flu and treacherous terrain
On the odd occasion when I finally felt YES
You just sent me lightning and cancelled my plane

Luckily for me, in my life I found solace
From my husband, friends and family
They gave generously from their wallets
Delivering kind words to encourage me

For these people I am grateful
Forever I will owe them for their care
Without them I would only feel hateful
And completely alone in this running nightmare

The marathon day has now come and passed
You tested every inch of my existence
So hot, that day, you tested every step to the last
But I finished, thanks to the crowds and my persistence

A hundred people have asked if I will keep playing your evil game,
Because I feel stronger now than ever before.
Even when all I've done is complain
People think I will be addicted to this dreadful chore

I wanted to like you, even fall in love,
Through every hardship I have risen above
But running, I have won, I have not caught your itch,
For Running; thou art a heartless bitch.

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