Why do I run? A spoken word response.

Why do I run?

What does that even mean?

I tell myself I've been running since the age of 14

What a lie that is, have I not been running since 2 or 3?

Is it just the ‘race for life’ that counts?

The bibs, the medals, and the screams?

“Aspiring and inspiring” is my motto,

Keep going, keep running, please!

I'm running out of breath,

“Slow down” I plead

I tell myself “I'm not fast”

Yet whether I'm fast or slow, I'm still free

Fundraising for a full marathon?

Unfortunately, it was a Penny Appeal

You can’t train for a marathon on twice a week

Are you sure about that? Why don’t you come and watch me

That only Hijabi running in town,

Others can’t understand the heightened self-esteem

I run because it’s in my name

When our mother Hajar was running to find water for her son,

It was between two mountains you see

No matter what city or town I run in,

Would you mind not throwing abuse please?

Nottingham was the worst,

Can’t you see I'm recovering here?

From all sorts of ailments and a personal plea

Are you running listening to music?

Escapism I see

Running does take its toll on certain things for me

Running up that hill -Allahu Akbar- it’s the breath you see

Running down that hill -Subhan Allah- the pressure is on those knees

I run because when I'm ill or injured I can’t run, you see

I'm running now because I know I can

And I hope you’re understanding what I mean

Others say “I can never run”,

You are what you say, I mean

Some have rediscovered running well in their fifties

You have been running

Since 2 or 3

What makes you hold back

Is staying glued to them screens

And what about diet?

Can’t you see it’s not free?

Do you need some salt or sugar?

What about those calorific needs?

Hydration hydration hydration: it’s key

I run because it’s freedom

Of the mind that sets one free

I run because I never regret it you see

The lasting high and the calmness it means

And you ask me why I run?

What do you even mean?