I wrote this on my mini stops on a run recently. I took only the “no apps” phone for writing. It was one of the better runs I have had in a long time. Being disconnected from the outside world while on my run, gave me pause for reflections. Those reflections are what this poem came to be.
There will be a route in mind,
Challenges of hills run in the past,
Stairs ascended and descended,
I am mentally prepared.
On one day it may be slippery
Another it might be dry,
The route hasn’t changed,
The conditions have changed.
My reflection drew a parallel to any plan
What is to come may be known for an planned,
The conditions may differ – environmental, physical, emotional and more.
It is preparing for the plan
Being aware of all conditions,
Keep progressing forward,
To finish with pride,
Reflection and celebration.
There was a moment of pause on my route,
To look across at the road.
Assessed the risk of crossing,
Cars flying past, commuters on their plan for the day.
Risk high, decided against crossing, and stay on the path I was on
Continued my running.
There was another moment of pause,
To read a sign on a window, of interest (and catch my breath);
A stranger struck up a conversation.
Fleeting moment, good conversation.
In any journey, a reminder
Give pause
To connect with humans, fleeting connections or deep ones.
A run is my movement
Though it so much more.
A run can take me along
Routes known;
New discoveries;
Routes ventured, altered slightly;
People passed by,
All the while,
Emptying my mind,
From the world I'm in,
Remaining focussed on the run.
Started: 14-Oct-2026
Finished: 19-Oct-2026
Published: First time here (edited before publishing)
Linda G Thorpe
PS:
My post run reflections continued:
A run has a start middle end.
The start is with a purpose, a plan with right tools,
Time bound being a short plan and short run.
Flexible being a long plan and run,
The middle my navigation through terrain, the journey;
The end being the calling for reflection and celebration.
