The Great Autumn Cross-Country Race

My friend and colleague
chose me for his Fall League.

Being in his debt
(from a previous bet),

I said, "I can",
though not a racing fan.

We practiced for a month
(very brutal, to be blunt).

Ran through field and wood,
and by Race Day, we were good.

Lined up at the gateway,
pistol fired, we ran straightway

down the course to tackle
(my friend started with a cackle).

To my disappointment,
should've used more ointment.

At the end, as crowds were emptying,
(so tired I barely noticed anything)

our score was above.
We had won? (which I love!)