The ZEN of Bloomsday
The sun is shining brightly as I mill around the crowd. Tony shows up with his running gear on. No extra jacket or sweat shirt for him. It's chilly to say the least, but in the crowd of 50,000 plus it's not too bad. I've chatted a bit with some of the runners around me. The two guys ahead are brothers. One brother is stationed at Fairchild air-force base, the other flew in from St. Louis to join his brother running today, and downing a few too many cold ones, last night. No bother they state, the hung over feeling should go after 5-6 miles, they grimace. This little clump of people also includes a group of 3 women, all from Canada. They happily describe the fun they've had together this weekend. They all come to Spokane and make an annual weekend shopping trip. Their friendship is marked by this annual run together, including matching shirts for each year they've run.
The annual run on the first Sunday in May, has become an annual celebration that marks the start of spring, in this beautiful city of Spokane. Why would anyone want to run in a crowd of 50-60,000 other people. It all has to do with what I call; The Zen of Bloomsday.
We all understand this as we wait in the crowd. The Zen begins with family and planning. The run itself is 7.2 miles, a 12 K. so most of the runners have to make sure they've at least donned shoes and made some effort at training. Most of the adults anyway. The crowd is always a mix of runners, including children with parents or as the brothers nearby, people young enough to just show up and run. Regardless of the training, this group shows health and joy in spending an hour or two outdoors and active.
The plan also includes gathering family or friends. Tony and I stayed with my younger son Ryan and his wife Kim. We all enjoy the chance to spend time together and Tony and I plot together to see if we can get Ryan to join us next year. The Zen always include bringing others next year. This year (2017) we convinced him to join us!
As we begin the run we weave along the route. The tour weaves around the streets of Spokane, up and down the notorious climbs. Up the short slope beside the cemetery, followed by the mile long trek up Doomsday hill and thankfully the water stop at the crest. To be properly into the Zen of Bloomsday, you must high-five the vulture hovering at the top of the climb.
Bands are stationed almost every half mile along the route. Every type of band is present from the Om pa German group, to sightings of Elvis, Trekkie's and neighborhood kids beating on laundry tubs, in cadence, as the group surges past. Babies in arms, elderly grandmas cheering with little doggies on their laps, parties of friends with Mimosa's in hand, even the priest saying Mass comes out to give blessings as the runners pass by the Cathedral.
We where happy to finish and gather the long awaited tee shirt. Of course this is the prize and believe me that is the Zen in hand. Do we run for just the tee shirt? Hardly, but it does say a hearty yes to the joy of life and the beginning of spring, finally.
The annual run on the first Sunday in May, has become an annual celebration that marks the start of spring, in this beautiful city of Spokane. Why would anyone want to run in a crowd of 50-60,000 other people. It all has to do with what I call; The Zen of Bloomsday.
We all understand this as we wait in the crowd. The Zen begins with family and planning. The run itself is 7.2 miles, a 12 K. so most of the runners have to make sure they've at least donned shoes and made some effort at training. Most of the adults anyway. The crowd is always a mix of runners, including children with parents or as the brothers nearby, people young enough to just show up and run. Regardless of the training, this group shows health and joy in spending an hour or two outdoors and active.
The plan also includes gathering family or friends. Tony and I stayed with my younger son Ryan and his wife Kim. We all enjoy the chance to spend time together and Tony and I plot together to see if we can get Ryan to join us next year. The Zen always include bringing others next year. This year (2017) we convinced him to join us!
As we begin the run we weave along the route. The tour weaves around the streets of Spokane, up and down the notorious climbs. Up the short slope beside the cemetery, followed by the mile long trek up Doomsday hill and thankfully the water stop at the crest. To be properly into the Zen of Bloomsday, you must high-five the vulture hovering at the top of the climb.
Bands are stationed almost every half mile along the route. Every type of band is present from the Om pa German group, to sightings of Elvis, Trekkie's and neighborhood kids beating on laundry tubs, in cadence, as the group surges past. Babies in arms, elderly grandmas cheering with little doggies on their laps, parties of friends with Mimosa's in hand, even the priest saying Mass comes out to give blessings as the runners pass by the Cathedral.
We where happy to finish and gather the long awaited tee shirt. Of course this is the prize and believe me that is the Zen in hand. Do we run for just the tee shirt? Hardly, but it does say a hearty yes to the joy of life and the beginning of spring, finally.
A joyous finish in the park
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