On the Seventh Day I Ran Alone

The week began after what would normally be

The last long week of marathon training for me.

But I planned to run sixty miles this week, with a long one,

While seeing just how many smiles for other runners

I could manage.

On the first four days,

I ran with a different person each day.

Listening to four unique stories.

Sharing some parts of my life multiple times.

Sharing some parts of my life specifically relevant to each fellow runner.

I’ve known them for as many as seven years

Or as few as two.

On the fifth day I ran with the runners from days two and three

And had a good run by the boat in the harbor for fleet week

Noting that there was more security than in past years.

On the sixth day I was on the local rail trail

For the first time in months

With the running partner with whom I’ve been running longest.

She joined me for more than thirteen of the twenty

I ran that morning.

We had a long talk,

Reflecting on many things we have talked about before

And adding some things that were new that day.

I made her laugh while running south,

And it was good.

On the seventh day I was able to reach sixty miles.

On that seventh day, I ran alone.

The alone time gave me a chance to barely speak,

And to appreciate the runs earlier in the week.

One time running alone makes me appreciate

All the time on runs with my running family.

For time is the most precious thing I can share

And sharing time running builds lasting friendships

As we exercise, struggle and share together

Over and over,

With one thing that keeps us together,

A desire to share uninterrupted time

Over and over.

That means something.

That means family.