the last 4 k

While this certainly could be a metaphor for life, it is a literal account of my struggle with the last 4 kilometres of a 42.2 k run.

In the end
it's just you
and me --
the pain
and the
road,
there is
no one here
to carry my
load

this isn't the
way I imagined
it to be,

all the wishing,
hoping, training;
draining me  ...

but d****t
I am going
to make this
last 4 k
and then
it's over
and then it's done,
so I can train
even harder
for the next one.

Author's Note

it was more AND less than I imagined.

Reviews

[TL Boehm]

I see the metaphorical in this even more quickly than the reality because WOW - kudos to you for the run! And the poem, the poem is great too.

[Lyn Anderson]

Well they are both there. The metaphor and the reality. Thanks.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Determination in bucket loads in this one and no wonder. A marathon is quite an achievement and you are already looking to the next. Where was the crowd we here about so much about that lifts runners in the latter stages?

[Lyn Anderson]

There were maybe 5 runners behind me. I don't know if they finished or not. There was one man five min ahead of me, hobbling in on hurt knees like me. He grabbed me a bowl of chili, and the marathon volunteers encouraged me along the way. The crowds had dispersed. And that was okay. It was a surreal experience. I was both determined and frustrated, but as the one volunteer said, "you are still further ahead than the ones who hopped in their cars and went home without completing."

[John Alexander McFadyen]

When I was running my favourite distance was 6k as I like to run not jog and I once did a 10k but doing a marathon is quite feat.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks. Now ANM has hooked me on to the thought of an ultramarathon. But first, need to get my speed up on the reg ones. :)

[Rene Salinas]

The metaphor of running through. Very creative use, I love Rat Races over here the weather is so bad which becomes the perfect scenario to run in mud and all kinds of different combination of water and earth. Yet for me it has always been about my inner self so when the comparision here to relationships came in it made me wonder if there is a dterminate amount of miles that one would have to run in order to rpepeare for the next one..

Or as NIke has always recommended: Just do it!

Thankyou

[Lyn Anderson]

Well, in this case, it was a literal run, but of course, it parallels my life, which is why I like the challenge of marathon so much.

[Rene Salinas]

I am still thinking to do it as the Tardis from Doctor Who falling over every so often for charity

[willweb]

Who knew the finish line would be the "finished" line. Keep running KLGoode, life is a marathon with many refreshment stops along the way.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks so much, I appreciate it. Over the past few years I have used running to cope, and have set the ambitious goal of doing the Boston Marathon. However, I am a long way from qualifying, but I finished my first marathon.

[willweb]

That is something to be very proud of. Congratulations.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Only when we push overselves do we know what we are really made of. You go girl with your inspiring words.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks. I went. I am no speed demon, but I made it to the finish, which is more than some did.:)

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

It is not about how fast you do it, it is about the desire to see things through.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

my little Runaway, run run run run runaway!

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks, yes, that's what I kept saying in my head.

[NoelHC]

Hell, girl, that is less than 10 % of a marathon, pfffft, nothing to it at all. I do more than that every time I train.
Wait?! What?! You say you did 38 km BEFORE this 4 km. Oh, that's different then.
Well done, on both the poem and the marathon.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks, yes, that last 4 k was a killer. I kept thinking, holy crap, I can run 4 k in 10 min, what the hell is wrong with these legs?

[Lydia Shutter]

And when you cross the finish line, you will know all the blood, sweat, and tears were worth it. Wonderful metaphor. Lydi**

[Lyn Anderson]

In this case, yes, it could be a metaphor, but it was my marathon -- the last 4 k was a bit of a battle.

[Lydia Shutter]

Whoops, sorry about that. Kudos to you for finishing the 4 K

[Lyn Anderson]

That's 4 k on top 38. Just to be clear.

[Lyn Anderson]

42.2 to be exact, they made sure I finished the full official marathon.

[Lydia Shutter]

WOW, you did a great job!

[Lyn Anderson]

And I hope to do better next time.:)

[ANM]

Gotta keep on going ...great little poem, will need to think of it at the weekend whilst doing a 50 miler!!

[Lyn Anderson]

50 miles? Really? 42 k is quite enough. My knees and hips say so anyway.:)

[ANM]

Yep one relentless foot forward that's all it is!!!! Love Ultras...

[Lyn Anderson]

So, that's 80 k. How long does that take? The best in this run were 3.15, and most came in 5 or over. 80 k would be tough even for the best of them. Hats off to you and your elite cohorts.

[Bright Ocean Star]

I love it! I love it, love it, love it!!! New favorite!!! :)

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks so much, I appreciate it.