I think I found my running route this morning, after weeks of winding aimlessly through my new neighborhood. It’s a numerical course, rather than alphabetical, that led me to 1st Street and Tom McCall Waterfront Park. McCall, in case you were wondering, was the thirteenth Governor of Oregon and credited with forming this 37-acre public space in place of the waterfront freeway on the banks of the Willamette (as in dammit) River. It’s the site of many Portland events including the popular Waterfront Blues Festival. As I was running through the park, I couldn’t help but think of a former co-worker who was an on-air personality and the galvanizing force behind the festival. He was recently diagnosed with incurable stage four cancer. It’s just another example of how fragile life really is, and how fortunate I am to have lived a healthy 68-years. 

Unfortunately, it’s a 3.1 mile route of eye-opening homelessness that now totals over 14,000 in the state. The overpasses provide some shelter, since there is limited opportunity for overnight housing assistance. There are about 2,000 people sleeping on the streets of downtown Portland, huddled in doorways and wrapped in damp blankets. Sadly, I’m sure that after weeks of morning runs that I will be come hardened to this nightmarish reality. It only makes me run faster, but my thoughts are on how I can help? When we first moved to Portland, we lived downtown and this became my morning eye-opener. For the past five years, I’ve lived far removed from the problem. Now, it’s in plain sight and a concern. I don’t feel scared, but I do feel guilty that I have a better life. 

Today was #3945 of “The Streak” that started back in 2008. It’s taken me all over the world, but it’s good to establish a familiar route. This takes the focus off the miles and time, letting my mind concentrate on what I might write about when I get done, for example. Anything is better than constantly checking my watch  for when to turn around and come back. This new loop takes me 20 Portland blocks (or one mile) east and 10 more south along the waterfront to the half-way mark. It’s reminiscent of my early days in the city, with the familiar landmarks of downtown. Our first apartment here was exactly one mile from where we live now. My goal when I leave every morning is to get back home and away from the homeless!