I feel under my shoes.
Running has always been a way for me
to be in the moment
to practice being one with my body and mind
to learn to be in rhythm with nature
and the earth beneath my feet
the insistent thump of my heart
drumming me forward.
Sure, I enjoy competing in cross-country meets
but runs like this
when I’m outside and on my own
and there’s no finish line ahead
are my church.
I can go for miles
my strength and endurance building
my eyes and ears
full of prayer songs.
When I run
I’m not confused about the future
or why the thought of college
makes me feel trapped.
When I run
I know that adventure is possible
that there is so much of this land
to see and smell and be in conversation with.
And I don’t know
how to tell my moms
I want to do something wild and wonderful
after I graduateto not go immediately
back into a classroomto sit
