Let’s get this out of the way first, I am aware that I’m a privileged white woman. I walk, hike, run, bike, and enjoy many other physical recreation activities. I’ve lived in St. Paul, Minnesota, for five years and have enjoyed the outdoor playground this state offers. In the last week of May 2020, George Floyd was (I’m legally obligated to add ‘allegedly’ as the police officers involved have not, as I write this, been convicted.) allegedly murdered by a bad cop.
As the Twin Cities 8 p.m. mandated curfew began, I was restless and started cleaning a closet. In the back hung half marathon finisher medals. I have a goal to run a half marathon in each state and am halfway there. I’ve experienced spectacular countryside and met lovely people. Running in the Grand Tetons was like being in a postcard. An Oregon runner gave me, a stranger, a lift back to my Portland lodging after we’d run along the Columbia River.
I tend to say hello to people when I’m outdoors. In part to be friendly, but also if I’m injured or accosted, I hope someone will remember me and provide sighting location. In my safety strategies and possible scenarios, I’ve never thought I’d be killed for exercise, running. My skin color has been a florescent safety vest that I began to recognize in mid-adulthood. As I work my heart and muscles, I need to test my biases and mindest about the world I’m in and the one that promotes equality. Wherever you are in this world, may peace and evolution be in your footsteps.