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Poem Describes The Nerves Of Your First Start Line

Alexi Pappas pens a poem about the nerves behind that first start line.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.


First Start Line

As dreaded as middle school slow dance.

My outfit is not right
and they are shaking

my knees—I think suddenly
how lucky, the trees.

What are we doing here
most unlady and like the rest

find nobody belongs.

I remind myself of the first time
I toed the line

And remember
everything is going to be fine.

Other poems by Alexi:

Prepping For A Race
Insight Into The Competitive Runner
“Before”—Poem About The Olympics

These Runners Were Not Prepared to Love Non-Alcoholic Beer

L. Renee Blount and Outside TV host Pat Parnell posted up at a popular trailhead, handed out free Athletic Brewing craft non-alcoholic beer, and then recorded runners’ live reactions. Want to find out what all the hype’s about? Click here to discover a world without compromise.

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