Twas the day before Christmas, and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The running shoes were set
by the bed with care,
In hopes that a run would not be so rare.
The children were nestled all snug with their books,
While their mother got dressed and laced up her Brooks
Sporting red plaid jammies and a Santa cap,
She left the house, while many still slept for a long winter’s nap.
It was my first run since the half, and I felt quite a bit fatter.
I began to jog along and my muscles screamed, “Something’s a matter!”
Away down the road we ran the 50-yard dash,
Then slowed to walk so as not to be rash.
The sidewalks were clear of any snow
But the temps were chilly and 24 was just a tad low.
My buddies hung back, carrying me with their holiday cheer
and lifting my spirit – as we flew like Santa’s reindeer.
With my heart aching to move so lively and quick,
My legs, abs and chest said, “STOP! We’re gonna be sick!”
Cars honked and people waved as we went running tall,
And we smiled and shouted, "Merry Christmas" to all!
"Now Terry! Now, Jamie! Now, Julies and Kristen!
Go finish this run and fly like Blitzen!
To the end of the block, to the end of the street,
Now push yourselves quick and run with those feet!
As we clomped along past the quiet homes,
We sang out “Jingle Bells” and scared even garden gnomes.
But on we went, with boisterous voices we sang out
And I held my chest so as not to pout.
The bouncing and motion caused my body some stress,
And my muscles ached and fought -- they were under duress.
As I drew in my breath, and pushed along
My friends chanted a fa-la-la song.
We were coming to the end of our run
With chill in the air and clouds blocking the sun.
This small group of friends jogged to the end of the road,
sporting happy smiles as warm wishes flowed.
My eyes-how they twinkled! My spirit was merry!
My cheeks were like roses, my nose like a cherry!
My friends gave me a gift, wrapped up like a bow
They picked me up from feeling low.
They needed no words, their company and run did the trick
And even though tough, we finished 3.2 miles without feeling too sick.
And, parting with hugs and well wishes,
we headed home to prepare our Christmas Eve dishes.
I sprang to my car and cranked up the heat
And away I drove, feeling oh so neat.
My first run back brought tears to my eyes,
And meant more to me than my friends realize.
So I leave you with parting words as I end this rhyme,
Never underestimate the power of friends and the power of time.
They can give you the strength to continue the road
Even if you feel your journey has slowed.
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The running shoes were set
by the bed with care,
In hopes that a run would not be so rare.
The children were nestled all snug with their books,
While their mother got dressed and laced up her Brooks
Sporting red plaid jammies and a Santa cap,
She left the house, while many still slept for a long winter’s nap.
It was my first run since the half, and I felt quite a bit fatter.
I began to jog along and my muscles screamed, “Something’s a matter!”
Away down the road we ran the 50-yard dash,
Then slowed to walk so as not to be rash.
The sidewalks were clear of any snow
But the temps were chilly and 24 was just a tad low.
My buddies hung back, carrying me with their holiday cheer
and lifting my spirit – as we flew like Santa’s reindeer.
With my heart aching to move so lively and quick,
My legs, abs and chest said, “STOP! We’re gonna be sick!”
Cars honked and people waved as we went running tall,
And we smiled and shouted, "Merry Christmas" to all!
"Now Terry! Now, Jamie! Now, Julies and Kristen!
Go finish this run and fly like Blitzen!
To the end of the block, to the end of the street,
Now push yourselves quick and run with those feet!
As we clomped along past the quiet homes,
We sang out “Jingle Bells” and scared even garden gnomes.
But on we went, with boisterous voices we sang out
And I held my chest so as not to pout.
The bouncing and motion caused my body some stress,
And my muscles ached and fought -- they were under duress.
As I drew in my breath, and pushed along
My friends chanted a fa-la-la song.
We were coming to the end of our run
With chill in the air and clouds blocking the sun.
This small group of friends jogged to the end of the road,
sporting happy smiles as warm wishes flowed.
My eyes-how they twinkled! My spirit was merry!
My cheeks were like roses, my nose like a cherry!
My friends gave me a gift, wrapped up like a bow
They picked me up from feeling low.
They needed no words, their company and run did the trick
And even though tough, we finished 3.2 miles without feeling too sick.
And, parting with hugs and well wishes,
we headed home to prepare our Christmas Eve dishes.
I sprang to my car and cranked up the heat
And away I drove, feeling oh so neat.
My first run back brought tears to my eyes,
And meant more to me than my friends realize.
So I leave you with parting words as I end this rhyme,
Never underestimate the power of friends and the power of time.
They can give you the strength to continue the road
Even if you feel your journey has slowed.
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