The Runner I'm Running As

[Verse 1] The track was still cool when i tied my shoes Coach said, “run your pace; you’ve got nothing to prove” I was nineteen, all elbows and plans Learning how to trust what my body understands Every split on the watch told the truth Some days i was strong, some days i just moved But i kept showing up when the easy thing called One more lap past the edge of the wall [Pre-Chorus] The weeks took their measure The miles made their mark I found a steadier rhythm By working through the hard [Chorus] I’m building my way to the line One honest day at a time Every hill, every doubt i outlast Turns into strength that can carry me past When the whole field comes into view I’ll know what the long road can do I’m not waiting to feel born to win I’m becoming the runner i’m running as [Verse 2] At the county meet, my calves locked tight I watched two runners disappear from sight For a minute, the old voice said, “that’s it” Then i heard coach call, “stay with it” So i shortened my stride, kept my shoulders loose Found my breath again, found a reason to choose Not the medal, not the name on the board Just the work i’d already been working toward [Pre-Chorus] The weeks took their measure The miles made their mark I found a steadier rhythm By working through the hard [Chorus] I’m building my way to the line One honest day at a time Every hill, every doubt i outlast Turns into strength that can carry me past When the whole field comes into view I’ll know what the long road can do I’m not waiting to feel born to win I’m becoming the runner i’m running as [Bridge] Now the stadium clock is counting down My hands are calm, my feet know the ground Whatever place the finish gives me today I earned every step that brought me this way [Final chorus] I’m building my way to the line One honest day at a time Every hill, every doubt i outlast Turns into strength that can carry me past When the whole field comes into view I’ll know what the long road can do I’m not waiting to feel born to win I’m becoming the runner i’m running as [Outro] One honest day at a time I’m becoming the runner i’m running as