Running

ready to go, as always
same black shorts, same orange hat
start slow, warm up
blood flowing, heart pumping
breathing's steady, here we go
choose a song, pick up the pace
run from my troubles, run from myself
don't think, just push harder
turn the corner, head north
avoid puddles, duckin' and dodgin'
nod to cyclist, cringe at cool breeze
stitch in side, careful breaths
knees jarring, first third
now to the east, speed up again
enjoy the sun, it's just getting good
deeper breaths, longer strides
zone out, forget for a bit
1 2, left right
getting tired, losing steam
don't give up, don't slow down
must be faster, must be fitter
pushing through, marking steps
round the bend, to the south
back in the shade, past halfway
redouble efforts, find a good song
energy building, pain subsiding
hitting my stride, feeling good
sweating, smiling
I got this, last turn
west again, home stretch
kids waiting, supper time
a bit of wind, legs burning
so tired, going to make it
one more song, just keep on
out of breath, final push
stop the timer, home