The Distance Within

2025 Poetry Marathon Mile 6 Poetry Contest// Sponsored by: Mark Toney 
( 7th Place ) 

Written: August 10, 2025 


I run the miles deep within,
a subdued race, an unspoken intent,
devoid of spectators-- no finish line,
just breath and heart, both entwined.

The shades lengthen along my path
but still a soft dawn finds its way turning into gray.
Stage by stage a tale, flaw, and goal,
rushing, steady flow.

The road stretches far, but I endure—
a counterfeit concealed, strong and pure.
through storms that howl, nights that weep,
I keep the pace, I am awake.

With each mile that challenges my thoughts,
I find a surprising wellspring of strength.
not in the roar or triumphant--
but in the stillness, I transformed!

A marathoner not of feet,
but of the unflinching heartbeat,
so when the world drifts apart,
I run the internal reach.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025


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Date: 8/16/2025 12:35:00 PM
Dear Rowena, I adore your last line for a grand finale to a contemplative, beautiful poem inspired by the creative and intellectual perseverance it takes to "keep the pace" across the poetry marathon miles. A reflective poem of "breath and heart" and artistic grit! Congratulations for your success in Mark's contest. Warmest wishes, my poet friend.. ~Susan
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/16/2025 4:02:00 PM
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words! Warmest wishes and hugs to you, my poet friend!
Date: 8/14/2025 6:53:00 PM
"I keep the pace, I am awake." Yes you are! Sigh. Congratulations on your placement, Rowena! Happy for you ')
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/15/2025 8:17:00 AM
Thank you dear!
Date: 8/13/2025 8:53:00 PM
"With each mile that challenges my thoughts, I find a surprising wellspring of strength. not in the roar or triumphant-- but in the stillness, I transformed!" Love this stanza. So meaningful and inspirational. Really enjoyed your hurdle race and your pushing forward, overcoming every obstacle. Though there is no spectator to shout hurrah, you are happy inside, at your own performance. Congratulations Rowena on your win.
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/14/2025 3:31:00 AM
Thanks so much! I’m glad that part stood out to you—it’s one of my favorites too. You’re right, even without a crowd cheering, it still feels good to know you pushed through and did your best.
Date: 8/13/2025 11:07:00 AM
Lovely, Sweets. Well done. Xxxx
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/13/2025 1:03:00 PM
Thank you!
Date: 8/13/2025 10:54:00 AM
Rowena, I love the marathon metaphor and your emphasis on inner strength and perseverance. The last stanza is brilliant. A Fav for me. Congratulations on your top 10 win on Mile 6 of my 2025 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 7 has already started.
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/13/2025 1:05:00 PM
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words and encouragement. I’m thrilled to be part of Mile 6 and can’t wait to see what Mile 7 brings. Onward with running shoes ready!
Date: 8/12/2025 8:37:00 PM
As a lifetime runner and coach of Track & Field, I love your choice of metaphor, Rowena. The poem has a nice rhythm to it. Sara and I ran the Dallas Whiterock Marathon together in 1991. It was in December, 35 degree and wind chill of 10-15 degrees. I think our hearts stop beating at times from the cold. LOL we made it though, as we knew we would with God's help. Your poem on the marathon of life is just as hard, with greater benefits. Blessings my friend, Bill
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/13/2025 1:06:00 PM
Thanks, Bill! Wow, running in that cold sounds brutal—but also amazing. I love how you tie it to life’s bigger marathon. Perseverance, heart, and God’s help really do get us through. Blessings to you too, my friend!
Date: 8/11/2025 8:00:00 PM
a thoughtful poem, hmm, i guess our lives could all be thought of as marathons. I like the lines, "A marathoner not of feet, but of the unflinching heartbeat"
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/15/2025 8:18:00 AM
Thank you.
Date: 8/11/2025 7:27:00 AM
That is the only way to win in any race through the internal workings of mind and body. Thank you for sharing this one with us. Way to go. Sara K
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/11/2025 6:06:00 PM
Thanks a lot, Sara!
Date: 8/11/2025 7:23:00 AM
a lovely poem with empowering attributes ~
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/11/2025 6:04:00 PM
Thank you.
Date: 8/11/2025 2:58:00 AM
Revealing the quiet power that dwells within, steadfast and resolute. Well spoken, Rowena.
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/11/2025 6:04:00 PM
Thank you.
Date: 8/11/2025 1:23:00 AM
Expressing inner strength and fortitude. Nicely espoused, Rowena. :) john
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/11/2025 1:46:00 AM
Thank you, John! I really appreciate your kind words. Staying strong inside is a journey we all share. :)
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