Running Across the Columbia River

I normally don't run on pavement, but when the clerk at my hotel here in Portland told me that there was a running path across the Columbia River that went alongside Interstate 205, I had to see it to believe it. Seriously? The runners just go along the side of the road?! This didn't seem possible.

Not only did it turn out to be true, but it was even weirder than I'd imagined.

Runners don't just go alongside the road: they run right up the middle of it, between the opposing lanes of traffic! I don't recommend making a habit of this, given that exercising in traffic can be terrible for your health, but I'm glad I've done this run once, just for the novelty of it.

Signs like this mark the way to the I-205 path.

The same path goes pretty far into Portland.

It was SO weird to find myself running between all these lanes of traffic.

First, Oregon thanks you for visiting...

...then Washington welcomes you.

You get nice views of Mt. Hood along the way.

Signing off as I play in traffic, I'll see you on the trail!