Haiku Lounge
Welcome to the Endorphin Warrior Haiku Lounge
Here you can enjoy all of the beautiful haiku poetry submitted by society members to our 1st Annual Haiku Poetry Contest 2011.
The subject of our contest? Submit a haiku (hi-coo) poem about any aspect of physical training, running, the beauty of movement, exertion, competition, cycling, fitness, endorphins, your sport… anything related to your experience, thoughts or feelings about the active lifestyle, working out vigorously or the body in motion.
Do you haiku? If you enjoy our haiku lounge, look for announcements coming next summer about our 2nd Annual Haiku Poetry Contest 2012.
Our 1st Place Haiku – Prize: $50 Endorphin Warrior e-Gift Certificate
– by Trevor Boylston
Cold wind stealing breath
Slippery road under foot
Boston in two months
Our 2nd Place Haiku – Prize: $25 Endorphin Warrior e-Gift Certificate
– by Keri-Lyn D.
Resplendent, certain
My gift is more than runner;
I am energy
Our 3rd Place Haiku – Prize: $15 Endorphin Warrior e-Gift Certificate
– by Mike Davis
Recognized by few
Born through pain meant for my chain
Sprocket grease tattoo
High Honors
In addition to our three contest winners, we thought the following poems were particularly strong and wanted to give these some additional recognition.
My graceful movements
Push my body to its peak
I breathe and enjoy
– by Theresa Roth
like a potter and
his wheel, i mold myself with
every step i take
– by Carol Jones
Winged sparrow light
over wisteria bloom
trail dust gathers early
– by Matt S.
Feet beat a rhythm;
Release in fluid stride,
Peace found within.
– by Katy Fetzer
Trail run – my canvas
Colors of sweat, pain and tears
Painting my soul free
– by Laura Lambert
Breaking through the wind
The rhythm of my cadence
Music to my soul
– by Lauren H.
steady pace controlled
mindful not to hit the wall
breath and body one
– by Jodi Yamane
Starlight I feel you
I am drawn to run
bathed by your ancient light
– by Brian P.
Feet hit the ground
With each stride I feel release
The day’s stress is gone
– by Lauren H.
Water rushes past
Gliding, I come up for air
The race is underway
– by Anthony Ellis, M.D.
Impossible time
Wellesley screams, Boylston Street dreams
Achievement sublime
– by Mike Davis
no competition
no desire for finish lines
i run just to run
– by Michael Nishioka
Honors
Dirt under my feet.
Sweat dripping down my forehead.
Wipe it away. Smile.
– by Shayna Hefner
Note to Shayna: We really like your haiku…but it has 18 syllables and the limit is supposed to be 17.
Light breaks through the clouds,
Golden beams lighting my path.
Running towards the dawn.
– by Katy Fetzer
Brain tumor I had
Ultra runner I am
Running another race
– by Heidi T.
Strength gained in running
seeping into all aspects of life
dreams come alive
– by Maxine Jennings
against entropy
life force discovers purpose
I do to be me
– by Paul Oksendahl
Pushed to the limit
Yet not broken in spirit
I reach down for more
– by Michael Nishioka
Rain, sleet slanting down
Driving me to run faster
Wild, alive, and free
– by Tammie Page
Breathing in and out
I lose my thoughts in motion
This is clarity
– by Theresa Rath
feel pain; run, run, run
comforted by endorphins
calm focus
– by Michele Strutz
Iron so cumbrous
The sweat trickles down my brow
Peace descends sweetly
– by Christina Nethers
Howling moon guiding,
hunter chases down her PRey.
Coyote running!
– by Lisa G.
Sweat drips down my face
Endorphin Warrior I am
Transcending my bounds
– by Lauren H.
Wind in the canvas,
Sails full, hull well underway.
Ship that is Myself.
– by Kyle P. Kirves
Body in motion
Outside world in commotion
My mind is at peace
– by Michael Nishioka
Fear and doubt restrain
Freedom depends on movement
Calm this racing mind
– by Michael Nishioka
grateful for challenges
make me believe I
can do anything
– by Michele Strutz
Water escapes skin,
Cleansing my runner’s spirit.
Purity of heart
– by Katy Fetzer
How can I ever
express my eternal need
to move these two feet?
– by Elle
Train at any age
Push yourself to your limits
You are an athlete
– by Molly Cybowski
All paws expectant
Sirius low, calls early
breath mists, running joy
– by Matt S.
More than sparrows
and bear, the frogs, a deer,
companions abound
– by Matt S.
miles beneath my feet
flowing wind is my playlist
this moment is peace
– by Joel Garcia
Because I need strength
That is why I persevere
Pushing my limits
– by Theresa Rath
Breathing in and out
I hear my feet hit each step
Synchronicity
– by Theresa Rath
Fighting the good fight
One day I’ll finish my course
Until then I run
– by Jonas A. Brand, U.S. Army
pain. ache. blood. sweat. tears.
sky. clouds. breeze. wide open space.
body. heart. mind. soul…peace.
– by Carol Jones
Sweat dripping from chin
My legs burning and screaming
Never felt so alive!
– by Kathryn Johnson
Freedom with each step
Stress and angst jog from my mind
Running to get high
– by Jodi Yamane
Running in balance
My mind and body are one
Chi flowing freely
– by Marisa Leva
grass between my toes
i was eight then
i run with the memory
– by Sharron Reackhof
For those who cannot
I lace up my shoes
Relentlessly I will run
– by Erik A.
biopsy results
one step, one breath, persevere
warrior I am
– by Michele Strutz
despite heartbreak
unbreakable spirit
whispering “don’t give up”
– by Michele Strutz
Sunshine, rain, breezes
Freedom from worry and woes.
I am a runner
– by Joyce B.
The road rolls slowly
muscles expended quickly
ah, joy of life
– by Kirsten Meyer
Run faster than able
Work harder than capable
I am relentless
– by Tammy Cossio
Feel the strength within.
Realizing the beauties,
in new found greatness.
– by Jessica
There must be some trick
Gasp for air, lifeguard beware
I swim like a brick
– by Mike D.
No comment at all
My swimming haiku is poo
Deposit in stall
– by Mike D.
Filled With Emptiness
In This Infinite Moment
But I am Still Filled
– by Will Sanders
Fatigue setting in
Too close to give up right now
Dig deep and finish
– by Amy Todd
When going gets tough
Tough get going and remain
In forward motion
– by Lauren Brenner
The tortoise and hare
Prove that steady wins the race
Eyes on goal, not cloud
– by Lauren Brenner
At the end of your rope
Is really the starting point
Open and let go.
– by Lauren Brenner
Pushing beyond measure
Escape of the mind
Healthy down to my soul
– by Sara Vratil
running in freedom
unbreakable in spirit
momentum rising
– by Krista Palm
swim through shores; half mile
two steep climbs; eighteen mile ride
three miles beneath soles
– by Melissa Maskulka
My wanderer, for
long days you’ve searched, but here find
the shade of my vines.
– by Emily Glossner Johnson
Defined by my sole
Running a quest to conquer
Mind over miles
– by Danielle J.
Sadness Self Doubt
Crisp Fall leaves crunch under foot
Instant Medicine JOY
– by Kristy Minatto
My body humbled
Those first 26 miles were conquered
Body and mind one.
– by Cyndi T.
she runs at her pace
achieves her goals with all her might
the sun rises
– by Michele Strutz
Strangers become friends
A sea of bodies as one
I run with my pack
– by Briana O’Connor
It’s never enough
harder, faster, never stop
I am relentless
– by Sue Enlow
Lungs gasp and heart pounds
I run, despite all logic
True to a vision
– by Angela M. Salas
Obstacles conquered
Perseverance will pay off
We are survivors!
– by Karen Flank
Determined success
Breathe positive attitude
Sweet dream accomplished
– by Sue Monahan
One more hill to climb
My body draws the last ounce
My mind has to give
– by Patrick I.
dad’s dying too young
makes me want to train harder
won’t see you too soon, pop
– by Michele Strutz
cloudy, tearful day
wheels go round-and-round-and-round
heals aching heart
– by Michele Strutz
training goals say “more”
“can’t give up” says fearless mind
strong heart says “bless you”
– by Michele Strutz
tough to move from grief
find strength from heart and mind
sweet running, patient feet
– by Michele Strutz
Deliberate steps,
My feet turning the Earth with
Rhythm, truth and spice
– by Michael Dowe
Dear L.A. Fitness
Just start a “Missed Connections”
Website already.
– by Michael Dowe
I follow my gut.
It’s not strength of character.
I really like carbs.
– by Michael Dowe
At this age, bodies
Begin to exact revenge
For a misspent youth.
– by Michael Dowe
I persevere all
Temptations of this beast you
Call the “Burger King.”
– by Michael Dowe
running with breath alone
miles counted by heartbeats
finish line is the goal
– by Stephanie C.
Move because I can, for those who can’t
Crush the doubt and fear
RELENTLESS
– by Jonathan Lieberman aka “Liebs”
A quick three mile run
Makes a long twenty-four-hour day
A cake walk for you
– by Claire Smith
Why do I do this?
Why do I swim, bike and run?
Don’t ask why. Join me.
– by Pete Y.
Get out there and run.
It’s not about the medal.
Endorphins are great.
– by Shayna Hefner
Arms and legs pumping,
Ascending hills; breathe in, out…
Runner, goddess, mom.
– by Hannah Sullivan, Maui, Hawaii
Faithful Running Friend
every morning rain or shine
my motivator
– by Kathleen Mahoney
Ah, mile twenty-six
Not the time to slow down champ
Victory awaits
– by Van H.
Trail dares me to match
I let him know who is Queen
Ruler of defeat
– by Van H.
Woke up exhausted
Still I go, must win the fight
Can’t quit. Warrior on!
– by Jonas A. Brand, U.S. Army
I am determined
To forever warrior on
Who’s coming with me?
– by Jonas A. Brand, U.S. Army
Pay my dues daily
To the warriors before me
Pride is my reason
– by Jonas A. Brand, U.S. Army
Pain from head to toe
Almost done, just finish strong
Twenty-six point two
– by Jonas Brand, U.S. Army
Why do I do it
Sometimes I don’t even know
Yet I go forward
– by Jonas Brand, U.S. Army
Love to write haiku
But now I must go run
In the morning light
– by Jonas Brand, U.S. Army
Pavement beneath my feet
Feel the rhythm of the road
Heartbeat like a drum
– by Jonas Brand, U.S. Army
It hurts to breathe now
The best pain I’ve ever felt
Marathon runner
– by Jonas Brand, U.S. Army
Back fiber titans
crawling fingers clawing high
cherries won from sky
– by Maxwell Kincaid
Hold fast, stay the course
Let the freedom be yours
Accomplishment awaits
– by Robyn Kufahl
determined, humble
relentless battle with muscles
train, gaining strength
– by Michele Strutz
sun rose, full of joy
M.D.A. tests devastate
relentless courage
– by Michele Strutz
unknown direction
student awaits teacher
transcend, exceed, surpass
– by Michele Strutz
Running on the trail
Rising sun kisses the sky
Brown bunnies scamper
– by Suzi Givens Bell
The trail awaits me
Around bends, up hill and down
The trail is conquered
– by Suzi Givens Bell
Starting line jitters
Race starts, believe, persevere
Thirteen point one – done!
– by Suzi Givens Bell
Passion overcomes
Faith endures
determination wins
– by Kim Hix
Indigo velvet,
speckled with shimmering lights,
blankets the trail
– by Lisa G.
Race day comes quickly,
gliding among hopes and dreams.
26.2!
– by Lisa G.
Wheels spin up the sun,
Painting cotton candy skies.
Bike girl enchanted.
– by Lisa G.
Testing my limits
Surpassing my boundaries
Never looking back
– by Lauren H.
I am relentless
each mile-a battle won
waging war on CAN’T
– by MilesMusclesMom
one hundred miles. one day.
my horse, the trail, me.
to finish is to win
– by Sherry Leger
The line calls you home
cross with arms up face up tears
legs ache joy accomplishment
– by Kristy Minatto
The start was my mind
The race roused my body,
The finish, my heart
– by Ruben Martinez III
Pushing beyond measure
Escape of the mind
Healthy down to my soul
– by Sara Vratil
With strength in my feet
And courage in my heart
Glory! This race is mine
– by Vera Burrows
Courage to go far
Perseverance to finish
Endurance takes work
– by Vera Burrows
this-is-not-the-test
(race day mantra whispers truth)
this-is-the-reward
– by Sheri Pattillo
these blasted people
are pushing limits again
they cannot be stopped
– by Sheri Pattillo
one, two – tie my shoe
three through eight – head out don’t wait
nine, ten – do again
– by Sheri Pattillo
lace ‘em up loosely
a reminder of freedom
felt on the pavement
– by Sheri Pattillo
stinky technicals
daily laundry providing
endless wash cycles
– by Sheri Pattillo
Fatigue is my strength
Hit the road never look back
Victory is yours
– by Bob Fine
Let’s all take the flow.
Lower down, scoop up, roll through.
Downward-facing dog.
– by Julie Van Keuren
squat, hop, thrust, row, clean
making me a better whole
fuels body, mind, heart, soul
– by Melissa Maskulka
Running strong powerful
I am one within me
Perseverance reigns
– by Heidi Bogan
To teach is to learn
Wee birds are pushed from the nest
They fly on their own
– by Melissa Forinash
only one more hard hill
breathe in out in out in out
bring it on baby
– by Justine Henzell
Push to your limits
only to discover that
you have no limits
– by Vivian Bales
Feel the fear and doubt
must adapt and overcome
confidence prevails
– by Vivian Bales
The fire within
Is passion and commitment
That propels your soul
– by Joe Ketterling
Miles ahead of me,
I push for the finish
giving it my all.
– by Meg J.
Multisport lifestyle
Active healthy outside fun
The best way to go
– by Pat Pattillo
Running for my Life:
husband, children, energy=
True Endorphin High!
– by Lori Meadows-Clark
pain. sweat. fatigue. ache.
crossing the finish line makes
it worth everything.
– by Carol Jones
can i? i believe
in me; push, keep on going…
can i? yes, i can.
– by Carol Jones
Endorphins are best
when served early in the day.
Best breakfast ever!
– by Rick Yazwinski
Anything’s possible
I will press on and succeed
I am warrior
– by Kelley McGuire
Desolate street lamps
Silent company for me
Winter evening run
– by Trevor Boylston
Sweat upon my brow
The wind a friend at my back
I am a runner
– by Trevor Boylston
Deep breaths, sweat dripping
arms pumping, legs feel like lead
keep going, no rest
– by Katie M.
Just me flying free
Daring my will relentless
Racing my spirit
– by Michelle Gochis
Splash cold water splits
Jolt of electricity
take one quick stroke breathe
– by Kristy Minatto
scorching, searing sun
flaming, burning lactic acid
conquer, focus
– by Michele Strutz
Fighting Gravity
Giving up strength never
Outerspace’s the limit
– by Fawn Tran
fatigue is my foe
endorphins move me forward
find the pace, push on
– by Joel Garcia
head up in the clouds
body moving through the earth
soul flows like the sea
– by Joel Garcia
always move forward
run, swim, fly if you have to
be unbreakable
– by Joel Garcia
muscles in action
intellect fully engaged
move to inspire
– by Joel Garcia
miles beneath my feet
endorphins move me forward
be unbreakable
– by Joel Garcia
power flow yoga
always push my edge I’m a
endorphin warrior
– by Caitlyn Saxton
I’m running, flying
An endorphin warrior
Strong, powerful, free
– by Tammie Page
Marathon training
Relentless, I persevere
Twenty-six point two
– by Tammie Page
Breathing, I believe
Heart pounding, running faster
Exhilarating
– by Tammie Page
Nothing beats the high
that comes at the finish line
of the marathon
– by Tammie Page
I’m a warrior
Relentlessly I conquer
Bring on the challenges!
– by Tammie Page
Running, I’m alive
Heart pounding, breathing harder
Best part of the day
– by Tammie Page
I was born to run
Soaring, flying, racing fast
This is my playtime
– by Tammie Page
Pin on your number.
There is a Lion chasing,
Lead on swift Gazelles
– by Trevor Boylston
Frost reflecting sun
Breath fog joining morning mist
Far our feet travel
– by Trevor Boylston
Twenty six point two
Finish line at last in sight
Glory in the sun
– by Trevor Boylston
Left then right repeat
thousands of feet counting steps
adding miles to soles
– by Trevor Boylston
Mantra in my head
The hills will make me stronger
Green the cloak of spring
– by Trevor Boylston
Santa Speedo Run
Jack Frost nipping skin exposed
Catch me. If you can.
– by Trevor Boylston
Glory of first place
Equaling the grace of last
Character revealed.
– by Trevor Boylston
My back bent with age
In the winter of my years
Is this my last race?
– by Trevor Boylston
Rhythm on pavement
Arms pumping inhale exhale
Motion symphony
– by Trevor Boylston
My heart beats within
Muscles contract as I row
Life is health: I WIN!
– by Pat Mazzei
Life becomes shorter
The calendar pages tear
I run with the wind
– by Pat Mazzei
Sun, wind, heart and soul
Together they pace the road
Heartfelt joy, arise!
– by Pat Mazzei
Warriors are we
Each defines our purpose now
Persevere, run strong!
– by Pat Mazzei
Send me to my end
My heart beats with purpose strong
Each breath is precious
– by Pat Mazzei
Body in motion
Renewal of energy
Breathing in life
– by Sarah Nichols
I am stronger than
The last time I was stronger
Then I was before
– by Sarah Nichols
My body is mine
My body is a temple
Loyal only to me
– by Sarah Nichols
I breathe, I run, I
Conquer this challenge, freed by
The air in my lungs
– by Sarah Nichols
Work brings skill, skill brings
Balance, balance brings focus,
Focus on the course
– by Sarah Nichols
See truth and find rest
Truth shines through simplicity
Simplify your self
– by Sarah Nichols
Be captivated
By the beauty of motion
Strength build from weakness
– by Sarah Nichols
First Triathlon
Hottest day of the Summer
It felt Olympic
– by Anthony Ellis, M.D.
Open water swim
Harrington Sound Bermuda
Challenging myself
– by Anthony Ellis, M.D.
Master’s swim training
Intervals make me faster
The next meet beckons
– by Anthony Ellis, M.D.
Riding on carbon
My red Kestrel flies quickly
Don’t bonk on the run
– by Anthony Ellis, M.D.
Swimming for fitness
My heart strengthens with each lap
Beats strong in my chest
– by Anthony Ellis, M.D.
I am Swim, Bike, Run
Triathlon defines me
I will Tri harder
– by Anthony Ellis, M.D.
Death comes for us all
But if I stay in motion
It may be postponed
– by Anthony Ellis, M.D.
Body made to move
I will not sit and watch life
Move more, die older
– by Anthony Ellis, M.D.
The grim Reaper comes
I will leave him in the dust
I can outrun him
– by Anthony Ellis, M.D.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Can erase my memory
My PR’s remain
– by Anthony Ellis, M.D.
Track, trail, tread, sand, road
Doesn’t matter what passes
A mile is a mile
– by Hannah Roberts
Track, trail, tread, sand, road
Doesn’t matter what passes
So long as it’s miles
– by Hannah Roberts
Relativity
15 miles is a short run
30 getting short
– by Hannah Roberts
Bigger things than me
Our Lady of the Long Run
In her pain I pray
– by Hannah Roberts
Despite the chafing
Relentless forward progress
Vasoline respite
– by Hannah Roberts
Rest day, lick your wounds
Can’t wait to do it again
Faster and longer
– by Hannah Roberts
Before you hit the wall
The first step is the hardest
Then you reach the wall
– by Hannah Roberts
Step by step by step
At what point are you crazy?
Dunno. Keep going.
– by Hannah Roberts
Run, feel satisfied
Speed for burning legs and lungs
Satisfying puke
– by Hannah Roberts
Carve out time each day
Run and don’t apologize
Scorn can’t stop me now
– by Hannah Roberts
Baths, motivation
Required to run daily
Run, wash, rinse, repeat
– by Hannah Roberts
Lost in the distance
Many, many hills ago
I forgot the pain
– by Hannah Roberts
Lost in the distance
Many, many hills ago
I found it! my bliss
– by Hannah Roberts
I ran with no pain
fail at moderation
Now I walk with pride
– by Hannah Roberts
I got a fever
The only prescription is:
Run with more cowbell
– by Hannah Roberts
1st rule: cardio
2nd: electrolytes
Zombie survival
– by Hannah Roberts
Do bodily harm
Past the point of no return
Patella explodes
– by Hannah Roberts
Despite the fatigue
Running for the hell of it
Happily weary
– by Hannah Roberts
Howling at the moon
Second wind with the sunrise
Howling at the sun
– by Hannah Roberts
Hooting with the owls
Run with my friends of the night
New friends at sunrise
– by Hannah Roberts
Tedious mileage
On the way to party miles
Eat, drink, be merry
– by Hannah Roberts
Runners’ elixers
Drink, salts, pee, slow down, cry, eat
One of those will work
– by Hannah Roberts
They just don’t get it
Unless chased by bears, why run?
To out run the bears.
– by Hannah Roberts
“Make friends! Find a man!
Runs won’t keep you warm at night!”
“Well, then, run at night.”
– by Hannah Roberts
Thank you knees and joints
Stomach, intestines, and lungs:
We are a machine
– by Hannah Roberts
