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Post by Daniel Mark Extrom on Apr 19, 2014 15:59:44 GMT -6
MARATHON
They say, two thousand years ago, under ancient sun, a soldier was dispatched for help: twenty-six miles to run.
Today ten million people have run those miles again, to follow ancient urges that call them back to then.
There is a secret part of me that tells me I must run back to ancient history: my marathon’s begun.
I have trained my legs to know their proper place, to seek their outer limits, to find controlled pace.
I have trained my mind to focus on the road, to stay the course and block the pain— a rhythmic, tranquil code.
I have trained my heart to beat with strength and pride, to drive my body forward on such an ancient ride.
I have willed my soul, with all that is within me, to keep a promise to myself, to know my limits, to know my strength, and then to go beyond, to take a pace and move on past until I do become, at last, a part of ancient history.
I raise my arms up to the sky, proud of my own victory. I conquered my own self today: I am a part of history.
© Daniel Mark Extrom
Posted for Boston. Strong. 04-21-14
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Post by Reilley on Apr 24, 2014 19:19:39 GMT -6
Exceptionally well done sire, loved the historical thread, and the self connection that runner's dream of.
I'm sure there is a runner's magazine that would love this.
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Post by Daniel Mark Extrom on Apr 24, 2014 19:53:47 GMT -6
Thank you very kindly, Reilley! I wrote this after I ran my first marathon at age 50. What a cool experience it was!
Dan
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Post by Brigid Briton on Apr 25, 2014 8:12:28 GMT -6
Hi Dan,
An inspirational poem, for sure. Just goes to show that we're (almost) never too old to become a part of history. Glad you ran your way into the elite group who have participated in a marathon (or two, or twenty!)
Brigid
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