Half Marathon
It was Springtime in Brooklyn
I was walking in the garden
The sun was shining
The Magnolia and Cherry blossom trees
were in full bloom
I kept on walking
My grandmother's favorite perfume scent
envelope the air
I stood still and felt the sun's warm hug
I felt the cool wind's kiss on my cheek
I walked and felt the green grass
with little pink petals under my feet
I smelled the the sweet strong fragrant scents of Lilacs
in all shades from white to purple.
When the month of May came,
I saw more flowers.
The buds of May were everywhere.
I saw the colorful climbing red, pink, white and yellow roses.
I watch them transform before my eyes
from little buds to bloomed roses.
I saw tulips in all it's varieties
from solid pink and purples to frayed and hybrid.
I played by blowing dandelion seeds
among a sea of bluebells.
That Springtime walk was like no other.
I saw that there's a Falling Leaves run in Autumn.
When I saw the date, I signed up
as it was on my birthday month and
17, my mother's birthdate.
I signed up to run a half marathon
because I remembered my late mother.
Over a decade ago, I tried and got injured before the race
and missed my run.
I walked.
Sometimes, I run short distances
no more than 4 miles
around the parks loop
Then, I got busy.
I forgot that I signed up a half marathon.
5 months later and 4 days before the race,
There were reminders.
That there's a race I signed up for.
I was a bit anxious but my gut tells me to do it.
The race will close in 3 hours and 30 minutes,
If I don't make it in time before that, I won't get a medal.
I thought I will go for it.
It was my run for my late mother.
If I don't finish in time, it's fine.
If I have to walk all day, it's fine.
I had 4 days to prepare
I got a new pair of shoes
and running socks.
I ran 1 loop around the park and did it twice.
The day before the race,
I spent most of my time preparing for the half marathon
eating and making music playlist.
I woke up, it was still dark.
I ran from my house to the park.
The cool autumn air,
The music
The sight of people running or walking too
carried me through
I ran more than 13.1 miles that day
and did it in over 2 hours.
I did not know I can.
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