At the break of dawn, after the sun’s come and gone,

When it’s pouring rain, when you’re in searing pain,

When the icy wind blows, and the gray clouds snow,

After two hours of sleep, and all you want to do is weep

Because echoing in your head is your own voice,

That this is happening to you by choice.

The whistle sounds and rings in our ears,

We approach the starting line, filled with fear.

So much work and passion has allowed,

My team and I to stand up proud.

I love running so much more

Than I ever thought, I would before.

Before my last cross country race,

I saw my favorite familiar face.

One of my greatest role models ever,

Told me something I will remember forever.

As I shivered in the 20 degrees,

My mom came and put her arm around me.

She said, “Tough times will not last,

and soon this race will be part of your past.

Don’t forget your hard work and unwavering nerves

That will allow you to achieve what you deserve.”

I paused for a second and knew she was right,

Before I rejoined my team, I hugged her tight.

As the leaves crunched beneath my feet,

I realized I had the best team I’d ever meet.

I knew that I could not wrong,

If I tried my best all season long.

At last, I heard the sound of the gun

That began my final cross-country run.