Life is a sprint around the track, 

I get to choose my own path,

The way life moves by so fast,

I have to make sure all these memories last.

The distances I’d each like to endure along the way, the 55, the 400, the 2 mile.

These endless options and possibilities that both track and life bring soon begin to pile. 

The relaxed, stress-free mindset before the race

Brings me back to watching TV and eating little bites of Cheerios from the comfort of our home,

Not knowing what the first steps may look like ahead. 

Time continues to progress, and all of a sudden life seemingly becomes more of a stress. 

My number’s called and I begin to look at opponents from left to right.

These obstacles, school, homework, start to become more of a fright. 

I get situated into my blocks, and

The feeling of the rough track on my hands and tips of my knees 

Start to become more and more displeased. 

The comfort of the carpet, crawling from here to there, no more.

The eyes of all planted on me, creating an intense, worried feeling throughout.

In all honesty, I just want to let out one big shout.

But no, the judgment, the looks, it’s not just me and my mom anymore. 

Runner’s on your mark, get set, go!

And we’re off.

The heart pounding, adrenaline rushing, legs churning,

Nothing else but open track ahead. 

The route and everything from this point on is up to me.

100 meters gone,

200, 

300,

All seeming to go by before I can truly even think about it. 

And just like that, the race is over.

Elementary, Middle School, and soon to be High School, done forever. 

But wait, another event, I still have to run the mile??? 

Great…

But who knows, maybe this new step in life, College, future in general, 

Will be just what I need to intake.

The feelings received when running, and 

The unique route taken through the early steps of life, 

Is just the beginning of what’s in store and so much more.