The Rookie Rear end's really sore. What a long ride. Get off the bus--your shoes are untied. You've got your food--a weeks supply. Water bottle leaks-soaks your thigh. Coaches pep talk-Seniors say: "nothing new." You're starting to get nervous--you're turning blue Warm-up rounds-don't want to get cold. "We've done this before--Man this is old!" Sit down after warm-up--relax and unwind. You have a half-hour till racetime--truly unkind. Stretch out your muscles-avoid a pull. Then head …showed first 75 words of 340 total…

…showed last 75 words of 340 total…Times like this you wish you were dead. Your muscles are tired, sore, weary, and weak. But you can't slow now, you've got a goal to seek. 400 meters to go. Your goal is not far away. You sprint like a gazelle after its prey. 200...100...50-meters to go. Despite how feel, you're not going to slow. You cross the finish line, and get off your feet. "Hey, Coach," you ask. "When's the next meet?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**