Running into people is good

I love running.

I love running into people even more.

People are what make each run a gift. They make me thankful I call this city home.

Yes, it's growing. Traffic can be busy. It's not the place I once knew. But it's still a small town, where I am surrounded by beauty. Tubbs Hill, Lake Coeur d’Alene, Sanders Beach, the Spokane River, Higgens Point and Atlas Waterfront Park.

It's still a city where friends are around every corner.

Tuesday, I ran into my friends Marty and Barbara, both retired from the Coeur d'Alene School District, on The Boardwalk. I stopped, hit the pause button on the Apple watch, and we chatted for a minute before I continued.

A mile later, I came upon Jennifer Passaro, former Press reporter, pushing her son in a stroller as they headed to the Coeur d’Alene Public Library for story time. Again, I stopped for conversation before heading home while Jen kept course for the library.

Last week, I crossed paths with Sanders Beach neighbor Tom Lamphier, one of the area's top triathletes, and his big dog on Tubbs Hill. We talked training and upcoming races briefly before going our separate ways; me up, Tom down.

Not long ago, my friend Jim Wyatt, a retired teacher, rode up as I was running on the Dike Road and cruised along with me for a short stretch. We recalled our battles in the good old days of the Hangover Handicap and joked about how fast we once could run.

On any given day, there are a number of good people I have come across while running. I consider them friends.

There’s former city of Coeur d'Alene attorney Mike Gridley, an avid cyclist, biking on Young Avenue as he heads out for a ride. Mike did a great job for the city and is still very much involved in the community.

Steve Hudson of Hudson’s Hamburgers is often out on his bike, usually in the mornings. Hudson's remains one of Coeur d'Alene's most beloved businesses.

My friends Bill and Carol Travis enjoy walking on the Centennial Trail. They recently visited my old stomping grounds, Kauai. Bill Travis, who has completed in the range of 20 Ironmans, remains a strong runner and one of the most humble men I have met.

There are mornings I run on Sherman Avenue and see Mike Gartner of Vertical Earth setting up for the day. Mike and crew have done well repairing my bikes and offering advice.

Other mornings, I jog past the front windows of Jimmy’s Down the Street and see owner Jim Purtee chatting with customers. He always seems to be smiling.

When I run past Michael D’s Eatery on Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive, owner Michael DePasquale is sometimes outside and offers a wave or even a cup of coffee. Some day, I hope to go biking with him on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

On days that bring me in front of The Coeur d’Alene Resort, I sometimes happen across Bill Reagan, resort president. As busy as he is, he stops and I'll ask for the latest about The Resort or we'll talk biking.

Last year, when I was training for Bloomsday, I often found former Coeur d’Alene fire chief Kenny Gabriel walking next to Lake Coeur d’Alene on the Centennial Trail. Kenny always greets me with a big smile, a warm hello and offers an encouraging word.

Come summer, my friend David Kilmer will be out on his 27-foot tugboat, "Tuggy," moored at The Boardwalk. David is a gifted writer, talented sailor and always a pleasure to visit.

Last fall, while running past St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery, I found Gary and Tina Johnson cleaning up. They have been part of the many improvements over the past few years at the cemetery.

Last summer, I was running through McEuen Park when I heard a friendly voice. It was Charlie Miller, who attended Lake City High School and ran cross country and track. I cheered for him then, as my son, Nick, also ran for LCHS. Charlie, for seven years, was the director of the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation. Today, he is a husband, father and a real estate agent, always encouraging.

I could tell you about more people, but I'm sure you get the idea.

Running is good.

Running in Coeur d’Alene is great.

Running into people is priceless.

Bill Buley is a reporter with The Coeur d'Alene Press.