Operation Jack 7 Hour Challenge

In my quest for new running adventures, I decided on a whim Saturday night to join up with the Operation Jack 7 Hour Challenge race in Tigard. The race was organized as a one mile loop around the lovely Summerlake Park, and it was intended for runners who wanted to put as many miles in for seven hours as possible. I only had a couple of hours to spare, and I was really only feeling up for about 12, so I planned to show up and run just a few in support of the fantastic cause. With my running group off to do the Wine Country Half Marathon, I was running solo, and I was in the mood to be with people.

So the cool thing about this race was that it was organized by some of the fabulous runners I've chatted with on Twitter and dailymile - @operationjack and @dorthybitestoto. Sarah from dailymile, who has been providing me with wonderful encouragement, was also planning to be there. A year ago, I would not have had the courage to go out to this little race on my own, but this has been a year of growth, and I thought I should push myself once again.

It was a wise choice. I met fabulous people, including @julierje, @LaylaBohm and @marathon_freak. Julie and I had such a great time running together, and we live close enough, that we will hopefully be able to meet up for long runs.

Sam on his way to 45 miles, 1 day after the Pocatello Marathon

The run itself was fairly ordinary - we went round and round a .95 mile loop over and over. I started out fresh and got more tired as the morning progressed, but I still managed 16 loops for a total of 15.2 miles, well over my 12 mile goal. I feel pretty darn good this morning. That's all fine and good, but that's not what made this run special.

What made the run amazing was the people that I met. I have been on Twitter and dailymile for over two years, but up until this summer, I hesitated to meet anyone. For so long, we've heard the dangers of online posting - how your identity will be snatched up, or your family stalked, or a hundred other horrible things. But so far, every person I have met in real life that I knew online first has been normal - well, as normal as compulsive runners can be! Because we have running in common, we have plenty to talk about. I have enjoyed every person I've met. I will continue to be open to the experiences that social media provides. I believe that there is an amazing power in this medium that brings us together. Sure, it leaves us a bit exposed, but in the end, I think the exposure is what allows us to make real connections.