I used to train to the rhythm of this poem… just found the original writer was the Australian coach Percy Cerutty, who took Herb Elliott to gold in the 1960 Olympics. So here, a stanza from ‘The Distance Runner’, as I ran to it, and still do: some poetic freedom may have been included by my coach.
Running, running hear the beat! Bursting lungs and pounding feet,
Straining gaining, till you’re done, or have the race well won.
Racing, pacing, rather die than give up or let them by.
Training, gaining wet or cold, you’ll complain and say you’re sold.
But you’ll stick to it every day, until you found you’ve made your way
And when the race of life is run, you will know that you have won.