by George A. Hancock
Photos by Bob Hancock
July 2025
Tuesday begins July’s run
We know summer’s not done
July brings us summer heat
And many utter a sweaty bleat.
July 4th is a long holiday weekend
For workers needing the mend
So many folks are in short staff
Getting work done not a laugh.
July family birthdays on many days
Earn the resounding hip hip hoorays!
My twin grandsons celebrate their first
As the many hugs and smiles burst.
My early July run is somewhat cool
This road guy is not a hot run fool
So many are running after work
No other choice yet dangers lurk.
Run in a park or trail with shade
Helps to cool the run parade
Staying hydrated are huge keys
Since July’s hot sun seldom flees.
July’s 31 days steadily moves on
As I now face a later dawn
I run now with my road light
Insuring a more visible run flight.
Smoky Haze
A far away up-north wildfire
Created some road run ire
Smoky haze reached our region
With issues that could be legion.
Now running along local roads
Pursuing some summer episodes
Early on a “clear” morning run
Finds a smoky Canadian sun.
Air quality is tough for many
Since issues require a hard penny
Breathing is tough for many folks
It’s serious so skip the hard jokes.
Of course, it’s worse in our Midwest
Where smoky haze is a dangerous pest
Breathing problems are on the rise
With a costly medical bill surprise.
Mostly, I just see that smoky haze
I have no breathing issue phase
Sometimes I detect a faint smell
As the smoky haze sits in our dell.
A windy day moves the smoke on
Thus, others see the smoke at dawn
Most of us adapt slowing the run
And soon our morning run is done.
Corn Fields
Knee high by the 4th of July
Is an old saying with a sigh
Talking about growing corn
That I see nearly every morn.
The old Pritt farm has a crop
In demand so prices don’t drop
Feed corn covers this whole farm
Over 300 acres without alarm.
I run by this massive corn field
Knowing there’s a huge yield
Then, on one November day
Corn is harvested out this way.
For months I run by green stalks
So many that folks have the shocks
Corn is growing just feet off the road
Creating a slowdown driving episode.
Corn grows from the road to tree line
But not as tall as a majestic pine
The corn height creates a view
And adjectives like “yikes” spew.
After harvest only the corn stubble
Remains for critters as food rubble
The loose corn will feed the deer
A road sight worth a big cheer.
July Heat
A July run does get hot
Slowing the daily trot
A morning run is warm
With bugs that do swarm.
But the humidity is worse
It often receives a curse
Sweating freely as we run
Even without that hot sun.
By late July it grows dark
Further slowing my lark
Out running before dawn
Yet, our daily run goes on.
Early morn runs are not bad
Cooler temps make one glad
Staying hydrated is still a key
It assures a healthy road spree.
Football players are now out
They practice along my route
Soccer drills are back again
As fall practice takes a spin.
July’s heat ramps up here
Minus that louder cheer
Some folks like this heat
But I prefer cooler feet.
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Runner's Gazette 
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