No Gain without Pain - a Runners tale

Legs pumping, muscles screaming

Eyes transfixed, seeing but not seeing,

Mind wandering sometimes dreaming

Heart thumping, loudly beating.

Body glistening, pace increasing,

No thought other than just breathing,

Inner voice gently pleading,

It's against me that you're competing.

Hardened gaze, resolve seeking

Any thought of slowing down but fleeting,

End in sight, goal achieving,

In determination solely now believing.

Then it’s done, smile seeping

Hands on thighs, tension fast releasing,

Time to rest, morning breeze fast cooling,

A sense of private purpose sweeping.

This day’s success a moment surely fleeting,

Yet little tops this burst of joyful feeling.