Three Things about Racing
by Bill Kinnersley, runLawrence president

[Original, but the style imitates "Threes", by Mercedes Lackey]

Suburban Kansas City, early morning clear and cold,
A troupe of cars approaches as the sunrise turns to gold.
They come from all directions and in front of us converge.
They slowly fill the parking lot and passengers emerge.

Three things you can count on: that the sun will always rise,
That someone else is faster, and your shoes will come untied.

These soldiers make no notice of the wind and ice and cold.
Their stride is firm and certain, and their countenances bold,
Each person has a smiling face, their talk is full of jest,
But each person looks determined, and prepared to do his best.

Three things never shrink from: a cold wind upon your face,
An early morning wakeup, and the challenge of a race.

Each person walking toward us from the cars is brightly dressed,
With running shoes, and numbers safety-pinned upon their chest,
Some in shorts and singlets, though there's frost upon the ground,
Their thoughts are clearly elsewhere as the racers gather round.

Three things to get used to: expensive running shoes,
Grown men wearing numbers, and the pounds you cannot lose.

Speakers have been set up, lively music starts to play,
People jogging to and fro, we'll soon be underway.
We gather at the starting line, the music becomes soft.
The whistle blows, the race clock starts, and suddenly we're off.

Three things to remember: never jump the starting gun,
Never trip the guy behind you, and never wonder where to run.

The first mile is completed, but you still have two in store,
The second mile is siimilar, you've run this race before.
The third mile makes you climb back where the other miles led down,
But the last leg to the finish lifts your feet up off the ground.

Three things to beware of: running trails that lead nowhere,
Empty cups along the race course, guys who yell you're almost there.

The Finish Line is now in view, you hear the crowd's applause
Announcing the arrival of the runners as they cross.
The photog takes a picture, while the race clock shows your time.
You'll get a rousing cheer from those who beat you to the line!

Three things trust above all else: the race director's fair,
A race course that's been certified, the timing chip you wear.

(April 2015)