I started running recently. My husband is an avid runner. He is doing a bit of training with the Padawan, who has now appointed himself my personal trainer. As if I need one. You don’t get this stunning physique from sitting at the computer writing and eating MoonPies. Okay, maybe you do.
So the Padawan and I run to school each morning, which is saying something. When Bill Cosby wrote his bit about his dad claiming to walk to school and it was uphill both ways, he had our neighborhood in mind. Whichever direction you choose, there’s nowhere to go but up. But I do it because it makes the kid happy, and it makes me tired, requiring me to fortify myself with an extra MoonPie. What? I said I was running, not adopting an entirely new lifestyle.
I know lots of writers who draw inspiration from their runs, mulling over chapters, blog posts, short stories as they exercise. I am not one to let such an opportunity pass me by, so here you go. The poem inspired by my morning run.
Beautiful morning! Wow!
Cool breeze. Fall is here.
Padawan is so fast.
I’ll never be that fast.
If he makes fun of my speed again,
I will pound him into the ground.
I need running shoes.
These Chacos just aren’t doing the job.
Are we there yet?
Good Lord, this hill is long.
My legs hurt. I need to pee.
Why did I drink all that water this morning?
Goodbye Padawan! Have a good day!
I will never do this again.
Why are those people staring at me?
I hate them. All of them.
If that car honks its horn at me,
I will flatten their tire.
How long is this hill?
I think I may die!
No, seriously! Someone call 9-1-1.
I am not going to make it!
Help!
Catching my breath.
Stopping.
Never moving another step.
Ever.
But I still need to pee.
Over in those bushes?
No, the neighbors are watching
After the last time.
Moving on.
I see the house!
It has never looked more beautiful.
***
And scene.
Becoming Cliche 
Everything aches. I think I’m going to throw up. Is this Runner’s High?
That’s too much fun to have every morning. Marie
I’m worn out just reading about it. Quick, get a moon pie and relax.
I’m glad you decided against letting your neighbours watch you pee.
You are just hilarious but honey, what on earth is a moon pie? Did I ask you this before?.. c
Are you serious? Give me your address. You are about to experience heaven.
Morning Kinberly. Totally serious, so sorry!!, I am from NZ but live in Illinois. Where do I find a moon thingy?. c
Finally! A post about running that I can relate too. Sometimes I think you’re my long lost twin!
A tear just rolled down my face. That was beautiful. Touching. So close to my reality less the child add two dogs come home with crotch sweat and realize THAT is why people are smiling, not because my dogs are cute. I think I’ll write my own run-inspired poem. These blog posts are getting old.
Bravo! Bravo!
You deserve a Dairy Queen Blizzard for your run uphill both ways! 😉
How wonderful. I love the calm that comes from the open road under my feet.
That is so funny. I can relate to most of those thoughts. I hate to run and I wouldn’t want anyone to see me, wouldn’t want to do it uphill, and I am sure I would most definitely need to pee at some point. You and I can “run” together sometime, meaning bring moonpies and find a nice porch somewhere.
Ohhhh my gosh you are hilarious. I run, too (I think you know this?), and, well, running is HARD. And the having-to-pee thing…what’s up with that? It’s like, “oh, am I NOT supposed to drink a whole pot of coffee before I run in the morning? Riiiiight…”
But seriously, I am so proud. It takes a lot of guts to start something new. I like guts.
Awesomely funny poem! I love it. I was an on-again-off-again jogger for many years and can relate to every line.
That is a great poem! One just never knows from where inspiration will come!
Haha! I love this Poem. And your blog.