31 March 2008
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Posted by Bob Estes under: Bob Estes .
Since I started running again and adding miles to my weekly routine in preparation for May 10th, I find myself reacquainting with some areas of west Michigan that have eluded my attention since moving out to the suburbs. Whether I’ve found myself on a side street on the west side of Grand Rapids running from the D.D.H. YMCA out past John Ball Park or running along White Pine trail or around Reeds Lake there’s always something to look at and reminisce about as the miles go by.
There’s just something about being physically there in a neighborhood next to a building or running through a park next to the river that really places you there and focuses your attention. I’ve driven by these landmarks for years and seen them on local TV news but those types of experiences don’t give me the same attachment.
I grew up on the west side of Grand Rapids and I am amazed at the accuracy of the statement “the more things change - the more they stay the same.” Sure the downtown area has more tall buildings and some substantial changes have taken place here in West Michigan but, for the most part the good people of this city are still here living and working just like when I was part of these same neighborhoods only a few years ago.
We get so busy living our lives, working our job, raising our kids, making ends meet and just doing our thing that we lose sight of the world right outside our front doors. This is what makes running the Fifth Third Riverbank Run so special for me. I get to participate in this great event that happens to be right in my back yard and surrounded by all the people and places that have helped shaped my life.
5 Comments so far...
Shelly Says:
31 March 2008 at 1:33 pm.
Bob–glad you are back in the game with us for May 10! Hope you have been going at it pain-free. Great post today–this is a great city, so it’s always nice to be able to revisit places you may have put out of your mind!
Steve Kelly Says:
31 March 2008 at 2:21 pm.
Amen brother, great post!
Michelle Says:
1 April 2008 at 9:50 am.
You hit it spot on! Running in the city and on the trails are what make running such a wonderful experience. You become connected. This must be why I dread the treadmill so much.
Deb Pieri Says:
1 April 2008 at 5:05 pm.
Great reflection Bob! When we are out driving, Tim often remarks on how many times we’ve run on such and such a road and how he knows every pothole, bump, and curve in the road! I love running in this city. . . . hate the treadmill too!
Julie Hurley Says:
4 April 2008 at 12:53 pm.
Once I started unplugging the iPod, I do begin to appreciate my surroundings. I used to think of the actual running part as something “to get through”, but now I try and appreciate every step. Boo to treadmills!