Running My First Half Marathon

One hundred and fifty of us lined up ready to race ourselves as much as one another
Stretching, setting watches, tying shoes, adjusting water bottles
With the shout of a single word we begin
Running past homes and over sewer drains and unread newspapers
A small girl on the sidewalk giggles at the flurry of naked legs
An old man retreats into his home, shaking his head

With only a mile behind me I can no longer see the first runner
I glance behind to make sure I am not the last
As the small town disappears behind me, creation yawns before me
Fragrant flowers and fresh air are redolent of springtime
Scent of barnyards and manure unfamiliar to me are oddly welcomed
Plangent songs of chorus frogs cheer me along

My mind wanders, not accustomed to silence
I begin naming my compadres
Torn Shirt, Ponytail Guy, Skinny Legs, Wounded Knee, Trashman
The rolling hills promised me seem mountainous
The sun's rays and the wind gain strength
Coming up against me as if to defeat me

With 5 miles behind me I pass the leader on his return trip
Having already seen what I have yet to see
Those heading back are becoming more numerous as I near halfway
Exchanges of 'way to go' and 'almost there' encourage us all
The sun grows stronger
One more hill to go

At 7 miles I stop to walk, resting my legs
Hot sticky sweet gel and warm water pledge to help me finish
I get my first glimpse at those behind me as they near halfway
I wonder if I look as tired as they do
I joyfully, purposefully step on each painted number on the road
Marking how far I have come, revealing how many miles lie ahead

After 11 miles my discomfort grows painful
The cambered road is merciless on my ankles
Blisters form on my feet while the sun burns my salt-caked skin
Each hill I conquer overwhelms me with satisfaction
Rescinding the displeasure my physical body feels
As I forcefully stomp the yellow 13 painted in my path

I can once again see our starting point
Most of those I began with are reclining on the grass
Some are standing, cheering me on
The large yellow number on the clock shone 2:18
I finished, paradoxically wishing I were faster and being exhilarated
Because I had just completed my first half marathon