Racewalkers Northwest

Racewalkers Northwest

After the "Dream of Roses" Racewalk in Salem Oregon November 1998, Selinda Smith ( Racewalkers Northwest member ) wrote the following about her first racewalk:

      PRE-RACE JITTERS!

   Amid a throng of people
        crowded at the starting line,
   I await the firing pistol,
        the official "race start" sign.

   I'm surrounded by racewalkers
        garbed in lycra multi-spatter,
   Mounting tension, camaraderie,
        and a din of noisy chatter!

   My heart beats rapid cadence,
        I've already broke a sweat,
   I am anxious, even breathless,
        though the race ain't started yet.

   Oh, if I can stay this "jazzed up"
        all throughout the coming race
   Then my feet should move like lightening
        and, with luck, I just might place!

   So I focus on my strategy,
        review the racing rules,
   And attempt to seize the moment,
         while I strive to keep my cool.
 
   I seek to spot the judges
        who will closely watching be
   For infringements of the racewalk rules --
        like lifting and bent knees.

   I survey the competition,
        say a brief, but heartfelt prayer,
   For the safety of each walker
        who is waiting with me there.

   Then the moment I've awaited
        is upon me ... 3...2...1...
   No time to fret, I'm off now
        with the firing of the gun!


   By: Selinda Byrd Smith
   November 29, 1998

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