Getting Where I Want to Go

My sneakers hit the pavement,
The constant sound of the thwapping filling the nipping, 
Early spring air.
My breath comes slow but heavy,
Before being like a soft summer breeze,
Now like a strong wind,
Fit for a fast sail on the lake.
My leg muscles burn,
Going from small sparks of pain,
To a strong flame,
Not even flickering.
A small pinch becomes of my side,
Making it feel compressed,
Tight with a cramp.
My mind fills with protests,
Reasons why I should stop.
They’re like large highway signs,
Directing me in a certain way.
I do my best to look the other way,
To continue moving forward,
To keep resisting the pair,
To keep my eyes on the finish line.
I focus on my breaths,
Listening to the air,
Singling in on slowing it down.
I feel myself going forwards,
Remembering that I am succeeding,
That I am getting where I want to go.
My sneakers hit the pavement,
Running forward,
Getting closer to my goal.