It came, a pulse of ecstasy in pain,
as strong as the endorphins often do,
although it wasn’t chemical. My brain
took note. My spirit rose, and then it flew!
My legs affirmed their strength beneath my will
by holding to their cadence like a line
of soldiers trained to battle by a drill
which repetition helps them to refine.
It came as unexpected as the clouds
that brought the rain that cooled my salted skin.
It came more definite than cheering crowds,
a voice of confirmation from within.
It came before the race was even done,
that moment when I knew that I had won.