Inhaling and exhaling evenly

My breaths are shaky but consistent
After passing the starting line,
There is no more cheering and yelling
It is silent all around me,
On the forest trail
Except for the footsteps,
And heavy breathing of our team’s competitors,
Runners who are enduring just the same
Is my pace too slow,
Or too fast?
Trudging up long hills
Could the finish line be around the corner,
Or is it miles away?
My legs and core ache,
And so does my mind,
Trying to forcing positive thoughts
I think: I’ll quit after this race
But I haven’t quit yet,
Because crossing the finish line
Is the best feeling in the world
And the loving community of runners
Will be cheering me on