I started training last week.

No, scratch that.

I’ve been training all my life.

The miles I’ve endured

over trails I loved

and pavement I’ve hated

have all added up to this

moment:

Charged.

Sore .

Tight.

Eager.

Aware.

Alive.

Let’s get to work,

she said,

the strength in my belly.

Let’s enjoy this,

she said,

the beat of my heart.

Let’s remember the reason,

she said,

the gentle voice in my head.

I lift them all up

into the crook of my smile

and I trek out

into the morning light.