Steel against the storm

Standing at the starting line, but this is not the start, This journey began long ago, in mind and sinew, blood and heart. The steps I took, the plans I made, they’ve led me to this point. Muscles tight, eyes are wide as tension starts to bite The internal shiver, my gut clenching. Dedication led me here, And I’m suddenly aware of the battle ahead, Anticipation, Fear. A crisp wind stings my face, snaps my mind back into focus, I see the course, I know each turn, each twist as they begin to open. I dig down deep inside myself for the strength I know I hold, And prepare to go the distance on roads that never lead to home The incessant beat of heavy feet like hammer blows on stone, As we start the trails, inside my mind I know I’m on my own. A chorus rises all around, in voice a thousand strong, And all the time, a single voice inside whispers, Keep the beat, and carry on. Keep the pace, and carry on. Overwhelmed with fear, feeling small, it’s all too far, too much. Then the meek voice rises up to say “now it’s time to push”. People all around me, I’m not racing them, but me, They’ll carry me along with them, like driftwood to the sea. I’m not fighting against the road any more, I’m fighting my own mind. The monotony and thoughts unleashed Conspire to make me blind. But I’ve been here before, I’ve conquered before, I’m running on top of the world. I’ll lose myself, I’ll find myself as the way ahead unfurls. The cold bites, emotions snapping at my heels. The passion and the will to win is all that I can feel. The only voice I hear now is steady, true and strong, As it becomes a friend to rely upon, Keep the pace and carry on. Keep the beat and carry on. As the storm breaks on the mountain and the trees begin to bend, Determination tells me I’ll still be there at the end. The pounding on the winding trails, the stirring of the sea. And I can break the mountain But the mountain won’t break me. Feed the forge inside, Pain and glory. Pushing mind and body to the limit as I write the chapters of my own story. Iron will, I’m the steel against the storm. The thoughts of crossing that hallowed line are all that keep me warm. Every fibre of my body, every muscle glowing sore, And the voice, long ceased it’s whispering, now becomes a roar. Through gritted teeth I focus on the end of this ordeal, Though I’ve never felt so much alive through all it’s made me feel. Despair, dejection, now elation, Excitement makes me soar. And the finish line is not the end. I’ve achieved, now I thirst for more. Keep on pushing, carry on.