Competition

Competition

The wind ruffles my hair

Providing the illusion of coolness

My footfalls pound heavily

On the ground

My breathing is ragged

Coming in short gasps

I am in a running race

Sweating profusely

I struggle up a fierce hill

My legs churning

Around and around in circles

My bike barely moving

I crest the hill

And begin the long descent downhill

I am in a bicycle race

Common to every athlete,

Whether professional or amateur

Is the thrill of racing

I am no different

The adrenalin gets pumping

The heart beats faster

Goosebumps appear

The nerves are jangling

As the race nears

I love the thrill

Of competition

Competing against no-one

But myself

I race

The exhilaration of finishing

A race

Is a huge rush,

An addiction

I love the experience

© Phil Renaud 2016