Alexa Piazza

Push Harder

Alexa Piazza

I step on the battleground

of New Balance Track.

A warm fuzz vibrates

through my bones, and

drops of perspiration 

trickle down my forehead.

“Girls 600!” the agitated ref hollers.

I tread onto the electrifying 

stage of the track, 

scrutinize the audience,

and take in the surroundings. 

All eyes on me, 

heart beats faster, 

eyes grow wider,

infested with my own nerves.

As I begin to succumb 

to the pestering thoughts,

voices belonging to

my teammates,

my family,

my coaches,

plunge into my ears

and provide me with the 

reassurance and comfort I need to win.

The tip of my spike touches the paint,

suddenly, nerves diminish.

Like the burden of a boulder,

hoisted off my shoulders

and I know I’m here to compete.

Crack! sounds the gun

and my race begins.

I start out strong,

100% speed, 100% effort,

vital for two laps. 

One step at a time, my feet 

pound against the bright red surface.

My body is now aching, 

and entirely numb,

but I don’t stop- I won’t. 

I grow fatigued, so

I lengthen my stride; 

cycle my legs quicker; 

swing my arms harder.

I exert until I can’t,

and then I push harder.

I see the finish line

in close proximity, I’m

getting weary this might be

the end of me. 

My head says keep pushing,

but my legs are giving out.

The room is spinning, 

darkness clouding my vision.

But I refuse to go down,

I can’t- I won’t.

I hurl my body across

the glorious line, take a 

glimpse of the clock, 

it's a new record time.

Autbor's Note: This poem was inspired by my hard work and determination during my winter track season. Despite this being a challenging sport, I gave my full effort everyday at practice and worked to become faster and stronger. This poem is a true representation of my mindset during races or even tough practices because when I think I gave it all, I just put more out there and give it 110%, I push harder!