community

I'm a big fan of the Belgrade Lakes Region, not because of the lakes and summer tourists, but the feeling of community through out the area. Today was the 5k race for the Belgrade Public Library and there wasn't a huge turnout for the event, but members of the community of all ages came out to support the new library that is going to be built. Everyone knew each other in some aspect, and was ready to support each other through out the race which made for a high-energy and exciting morning.

There's also another feeling of community at events like these; the running community. Some people are bonded through blood, experiences or places, but I'm beginning to learn that runners have a common bond too. You can see it at the starting line, when runner's go out holding hands; you can see it during the race, when someone passes you and pulls you along at their pace, but it’s always the finish line where this community is most apparent to me; the cheering fans, mom's reaching out for high fives down the chute, and runners who have already finished, running along side the next finishers. The pride of the runner, as they cross the finish line is shared equally among those watching, celebrating their accomplishments, through their shared love of running.

I'm scared that next fall, being somewhere new, I'll lose this feeling of community that I love so much about being home. Clark was such a hiatus in this feeling, being home for the summer has reminded me how much I thrive off constantly seeing familiar faces. I have faith though, that there are communities, like the running community, that will stay with me, wherever I go.