M50 sprinter David Neumann reports he’s making progress in comeback from injuries. But no strain or pull has handicapped his thoughfulness. He sent along a masters track poem for the Thanksgiving season (below). Besides embracing my family and friends, I’m giving thanks today for meet directors who let a wretch like me run in their meets. Most recent was Tuesday’s distance carnival at Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego, where I ran a mixed-sex mile and was lapped by everyone but one gent. I’ll consider my 8:20 a benchmark I can improve on as I prepare for my M60 debut in June.

Here’s a nice ditty by David Neumann

Thermal long sleeve undershirt. Turtleneck, hooded-sweatshirt, thick sweatpants.

Wool hat.

Fleece gloves.

Running alone, slowly, around the high school track.

Leaning into the howling wind.

Glancing down- my feet evenly strike the red rubber surface.

One lap, two laps, three, then four.

Waiting for the pain that doesn’t arrive.

The sun is strong.

I count all my blessings as I watch my shadow through squinted eyes.

A diagonal route across a field in the bitter cold takes me back to my car.

The engine starts and I sit thinking.

Even if this is my last day on earth, I have a lot to be thankful for.