Run to the River to Pray

Date: Saturday, March 7, 2009
Time: 2:49:11
Distance: 13.82 miles

At least now, I know I can do it. We are half way there in our training. Today was the 1/2 marathon run. Richard Betts and I enjoyed a relaxed visit over coffee at Starbucks in Sinchon then parted ways as he headed back to the Brownstone to crunch numbers and I headed to the subway to crunch pavement. Took Line 2 to Hanyang University on the east side of Seoul. As you can see by the map, in order to get the mileage I needed, I ran along the river almost from the east to the west boundary of Seoul. In square kilometers covered, Seoul is just not that big a city. Most of the run was spent trudging into a 25 mile an hour head wind. With temp at 2C, feeling like -6 C, I was determined to make this my best effort. Now, I know that for any true runner, my time stinks, but it was still a personal best for me, beating my last 1/2 marathon in Philly two years ago by 26 minutes. So. I am HAPPY! Delighted. On Schedule.

Long runs along the Han are something I have come to appreciate and look forward to. Although there is an amazing amount of foot and pedal traffic along the river, it is still a quiet place to zone--get inside your own head as you keep moving along on the trail in front of you. No buses or baby carriages to dodge, no workmen to jump, no garbage to avoid, just a quiet time to reflect on the wonders of life.

This was not only a great run for me, but the best part was coming home to find my good friend, Roberta Jenkins back from China. After a quick shower, the two of us "caught up" at the little mandu (dumpling) shop on the corner. Good Health, good friends, good food. What more can one ask for?

For one fifth of the world's population, they will make it through the night with none or only one of the three. I invite you to join me in running to end poverty, one child, one family, one village at a time.