Bright blue with pink streaks,
The logo etched across the sides,
Worn laces and bouncy soles,
Stretched at the edges,
Full of memories.
Memories of flying,
As my feet pounded,
My heart raced,
My legs stretched farther,
As they itched to cross the finish line.
Memories of being part of a team,
Persevering even when my legs burned,
Because my teammates needed me,
I couldn’t give up,
They relied on me.
Memories of feeling determined,
As the wind hit my face,
And everything quieted around me,
The cheering suppressed,
To a dull hum.
Memories of short, lively, runs
Full of talking and laughter,
Where nothing else mattered,
Only my friends and I,
Having fun together.
Memories of long runs,
When I felt overwhelmed,
And just needed a break,
My music blasting,
Drowning out my thoughts.
Memories of anxious race days,
With joyful wins,
And devastating losses,
I always wore my running shoes,
They were there to hold me up.