Week 5 - Day 3 - 13 Miles

"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it's all about." - PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian

Halfway. Halfway and I couldn't run one more step. That said, every time I run a personal record I feel the same way. I just have to believe that 26.2 miles will follow the pattern.

I ran around the waterfront a couple times and since it was relatively early I was able to witness the homeless population of Portland greeting another day. Several were camped out on the grass in sleeping bags. A few of the younger crowd were still partying and enjoying a morning bath in the drinking fountains. I wonder quite often about this sub-culture, how did they get here, is it by choice, how do they endure the cold, wet nights, what do they do with their time, how do they eat. As I ran past them in my $100 running shoes I did not pity them, I learned a few years ago that to pity someone is to hold them small. These people are just living their own reality the best way they can, like the rest of us.

There were lots of runners on the trail, quite a mob were congregated at the end of the Spring Water Corridor trail that I run often. They seemed to be in some sort of group training, running in small packs. I have read a lot about running being a social sport. I can see how that is true when it comes to these groups. As I ran past them and their table filled with red vines, energy drinks and water, I wondered if I should join a group like theirs. Immediately I thought, no way, the last thing I want is to feel like I have chat while I run. I realized how much I enjoy the solitude of running. I prefer to be alone with my music, my thoughts and my internal game. I always figured I would love team sports, but I tried roller derby last year and didn't make any friends or bond with anyone. Perhaps I am just not cut out for that sort of pack mentality. I always figured I was an extrovert but I am learning through this process how much better I feel emotionally after a long solitary run.