‘Twas the night before the marathon,
when all through the town, not a runner was stirring not even an ounce.
The miles were Strava-ed and the training was done,
Nothing left to do but have fun.
The runners were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of banana finishes danced in their heads;
And their sneakers were set by the door in row,
While the race day bibs were pinned on like a bow.
When out of nowhere the alarm did clatter,
My first thought: does this race really matter?
I threw my covers aside, and sprang from the bed
I scrambled to my feet, with feelings of dread!
The morning sun rose up in the sky,
giving a glimmer of hope the weather man did not lie;
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear
But a 60 degree finish I would near.
With my gear all gathered and Maurten’s in my pocket,
I knew I was ready, I was ready to rock it!
More rapid than eagles my nerves gave way
My heart started racing and I thought, no way!
You Got this! You’re Ready! This will be entertaining!
Come on! You did all your training!
My inner voice was persistent,
To the door, you’re ready, get going this instant!
And then in a twinkling, I saw all around
Runners, hundreds, thousands, abound!
As I drew in closer, trying to find my corral,
All of a sudden I found my running pals.
They were dressed all in Brooks from their hats to their shoes,
And their running belts were jammed packed with GUs.
Hydrovests they flung on their backs,
And all our legs from the miles of training looked, totally jacked.
Our eyes how they twinkled! Our spirits were merry!
Our stomachs, maybe nauseous, but carb loaded and ready!
Our bodies were hyped up, hydrated and ready to go,
So off to the porta potty line, oh no!
The line was awful, the smell even worse!
And the feeling, like I may just burst!
The music all around was bumping, pump up jams were a play,
And I thought, I just might be okay.
The runners spoke not a word, but set out for the starting line,
And as they filled in, they realized they’d be just fine.
Dynamic stretching they started to do,
While the race energy grew.
They heard the starting announcements, then the director gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle!
But I heard them exclaim as they ran out of sight,
“Wooohoooo, yeah!” as they went forward with strength and might!
About the Author: Amanda is the Manager of AppRunCo York and an avid distance runner. She loves to spend her free time traveling with her family; husband Chase and kids Madi and Lenny and dogs Slash and Hendrix.
