others can falter
fail
fall by the wayside
too winded
too tired
you don't look back
not everyone
is good for the long runs
but you train
you learn your limits
and then you push
through them
you learn the rhythm
of your stride
the swinging of your arms
to match it
intake is important
oxygen, water, energy
in the right measure
whatever it takes
is what you give
in the end
it's about crossing
the finish line
Don McGonigal
September 2004