I burrow into bed avoiding the thoughts in my head
Drifting off to sleep pretending that I am unaware of what lies ahead.
To dwell or to cogitate would seal my fate
Up all night is not a good plan…
For tomorrow I am running, I cannot wait!
Although they are broken my eyes still fly open
It is time for stealth and haste, not speed
I try to subdue the excitement and the buzz
Dressing with care and incremental movement
Do not wake me before 5 my wife will plead!
Fuelled by butterflies I try to remain calm
Will I remember all that I need?
I have my top my headband, shorts, socks and lace
My link to my trusty guide runner who facilitates the pace
I am almost there not much more to acquire
I pray that my trainers are no longer sodden finally dry
Running with wet feet is not what I desire
Wales is the priceless landscape for me and for you
Wonderful terrain for all, the combination is our call
A tantalising and natural varied menu
For us o so lucky runners, the ultimate venue
We have wilderness and rivers and space galore
We have fields and trails or beautiful parks we have not investigated before
There are challenging hills and luscious woodland calling our name
Addiction to running, we have only ourselves to blame
Along a tame pavement and around a blind corner
Crossing random roads and through icy deep water
Sliding over mud and bounding over gravel
Between parked cars and watch out for the bike!
Running really is the way we prefer to travel
Our legs grow heavy but our minds are free
Running is our time, so precious to you and to me
Our hearts are pounding but more miles we crave
So what if it’s raining, o butterflies please behave
We explore our minds as we quench our physical need
We push our bodies to new limits, we simply must succeed!
Longing for distance, achievement and speed
Leaving no one behind, come on we plead!
So whether you run for a club, for health, a race or PB
Running is the delightful option for you and for me
The ability to run should be savoured and cherished
For the love and the memories it will provide when our health has perished
Some like to run hard and fast or to sprint like the wind
Some run for the freedom and to be first around the bend
For others it is social and not just a means to an end
Some just run for a coffee and cake at the end!
So reflect and remember as you cruise along
We inadvertently gather quality friends within the wider family to which we belong
For every run is a journey within our life’s design
With not only the physical but the deeper metaphorical finish line
For me a run is freedom, it’s tangible and true
For those non-runners, bless them, they have not a clue
I embrace the opportunity, the camaraderie and the essence
For me a run is emotion in motion