Ode to Running, By Maggie

Some people ask me, “Why do you run?”
It seems hard on your body, and doesn’t look fun.”
The response isn’t as easy as I want it to be,
Though hard to explain, the reasons are clear to me.

I run for the extra cookie I secretly ate last night,
I run because my favorite jeans just feel a bit too tight.
I run to see sights I normally wouldn’t see,
I run just to spend some quiet time with me.

I run to achieve a goal I just made,
I run so I don’t lose the registration fee I paid.
I run because it keeps me feeling fit and fine,
And for that high I get when I cross the finish line.

I run to appreciate the rain and the snow,
I run when the temperatures are high and low.
I run because running clothes can be so cute,
And the races give away some really cool loot.

I run because my work day was a little too bad,
And you never return from a run feeling sad.
I run because I never thought I could,
And the races I now run I never thought I would.

It’s hard to explain, you just have to know,
And it doesn’t matter how far you run, or how fast you go.
So next time they ask “why you do that I haven’t a clue,”
I’ll simply smile, nod, and say, “Because I do.”