I Move For Me: Rosh Radia

Written by Rosh Radia

Rosh Radia is a runner living in North West London. She likes painting on denim jackets, taking photos, and spending most of her time outside. She can be found on twitter at @RoshRadia and on instagram at @Rosh_Radia where you can read more of her poetry.

I started running
to breathe
to escape
because I was jealous
of my sister who ran
she took me
under
her wing
her kindness
her encouragement
kept
me
going
she taught me that walking
still counts
(it will always count)

I ran for the medals
their heft
around my neck
weighing me
down
I travelled to run
to collect more medals
and photos (for the ‘gram)
and memories
is there a point of travelling
if you
don’t run?
(no I used to think. Sometimes I still do)

I ran for the times
I was
getting
faster
and faster
and faster still
I ran for the distances
5k
10k
13.1
26.2
over and over and over and over

now? Now I run for the people
the friends
the smiles
the hugs
the shared sweat and
shared laughter
the shared pain and
shared support

now? Now I run for
the strength in my thighs
the weight they can bear
running for a bus
is easy

now? Now I run
because I am still not
supposed to
I should be
leading a small life
a quiet life
a contained life
instead my life is full
of adventures
and strength
and opinions
and passions
and desires
(let women exercise and watch them thrive)

now? Now I run
because of
the strength in my mind
to keep going
to keep trying
always
keep
trying
failture is a step
the journey will never end
the run will never end

running was something
now it is everything

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